The Marble Bar

The marble bar has long been a destination for guests with all intentions, whether it be the long-time-coming mid-week catch-up, a languid Sunday lunch with the nearest and dearest, or a Friday night refuge for the solo-diner, book in hand and ready to perch up at the bar. A prominent punctuation mark in the space, it acts as a vantage point to the goings-on of the pass, and an insight into the inner workings of our kitchen. It carries an energy, generated by the conversation and curiosity that glides back and forth over the stone, between guests and chefs alike.

There is something rather intimate about a seat at the bar; the proximity to prep establishes a sort of camaraderie as guests follow a dish’s journey from pass to person, sharing in the joy as it becomes evident that something special is unfolding across the room. Kitchen-side, the chef might be privy to the lively murmur and hum developing across the bar, energised by the shared glances and nodding of heads in agreement.

Head Chef Allan Eccles states that: “​​It’s a little-known secret that guests sitting at the kitchen bar will receive some spontaneous service from the chefs. The kitchen bar feels like a place where we can bend the rules of standard service and go a little off script to create a memorable experience at Cumulus Inc.”

The narrative along the marble might start with a Campari and grapefruit juice, its bitter tang speaking to cool evenings or sunny afternoons alike. On a weekday, it could sport a plate of oysters and a glass of Michel Gonet's 2015 ‘Le Mesnil-sur-Oger' Blanc de Blancs. Staying ocean-side, perhaps a tin of Ortiz anchovies to drape across grilled sourdough, with smoky dustings of Aleppo pepper and a squeeze of lemon for good measure.

Marble, known for its presence in architectural monuments across the Mediterranean, often represents grandeur and craftsmanship, its age and wisdom evident in how the material wears over time. Having borne witness to many moments over the years, our bar at Cumulus Inc. does exactly that. Whatever the dish and whatever the occasion, the intention remains the same — you’ll always be welcome at the marble bar.