A step back in time

A GATSBY-INSPIRED bar has opened in the heart of Geelong’s CBD, offering up vintage spirits and innovative cocktails in an intimate and upscale Art Deco-styled setting.

The venue is the region’s third from award-winning mixologist Gorge Camorra, who also owns 1920s prohibition-themed speakeasy, 18th Amendment, and the New York-styled Manhattan Bar.

A passion project that has been more than two years in the making, Non Disclosure Bar was originally slated to open in August 2021 but was delayed as a result of the pandemic.

Group operations manager, Damien Kos-Beckwith said the venue was inspired by the exclusive drinking venues that existed throughout the prohibition era of the 1920s and 30s.

“You couldn’t buy any new booze during prohibition, but if you already had lots of barrels of whiskey, you could keep selling that until it ran dry,” he said.

“The theory with Non Disclosure is it’s one of those venues that held so much booze that they never ran out so you could legally go there during prohibition.

“It’s where all the lawyers and the barristers and the high-end of society went to drink.”

The bar’s name is a nod to this clientele and the law firm that used to operate on the site that Non Disclosure now stands.

The drinks menu is unique and experimental and celebrates the artistry and the science behind each cocktail’s creation.

Cocktails have been crafted using a variety of innovative techniques and are complemented by a small but elevated food offering that includes oysters, venison tartare and caviar.

“18th Amendment does everything right, but because of the size [of the venue] there are some drinks that would just be too many hours in the kitchen prepping for this one drink, or this one style of drink,” Kos-Beckwith said.

“There were things we wanted to serve but couldn’t, whereas this venue, being half the size, we’re able to spend those hours in the kitchen getting things infused and clarified so we can serve the best quality drinks we possibly can.

“That’s the theme of the drinks in this venue: it’s the best of everything we can possibly do.”

Cocktail highlights include ‘Bubbles and Caviar’, featuring a Japanese vodka infused with olive oil – a process that takes the crew four hours to achieve – and ‘An Apple A Day’ which includes an apple brandy and house-made granola sugar syrup.

Non Disclosure also boasts an impressive range of rare and vintage spirits that the team have worked tirelessly to collect.

“After COVID, I know I came away really cherishing every moment that I got to spend in another venue and out and about, socialising with friends,” Kos-Beckwith said.

He hopes Non Disclosure Bar can be both a learning experience for those “who like drinks that they can think about” as well as a place for great times and special events.

“When you’re out, make the most of it,” he said.

“Maybe order the oysters or some caviar and enjoy yourself.”

Non Disclosure Bar is open Friday to Sunday from 5pm and is located at 2/71 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

For bookings and more information, head to nondisclosurebar.com.au.