The Cloak Bar

What is The Cloak Bar? Operating discreetly beneath Marben at 488 Wellington Street West, The Cloak Bar was Simon Benstead’s subterranean British-accented cocktail lounge that carved out a moody sanctuary on the King West strip. Hidden past the kitchen down a stairwell and behind a heavy velvet drape, the den paired low amber lighting and plush booth seating with an intimate counter staffed by sharp mixologists. Before shutting its doors in January 2023 alongside its parent restaurant, it stood as a civilized, late-night antidote to the neighbourhood's high-decibel club circuit.

The Cloak Bar Menu & What to Order The drinks program excelled at spirit-forward precision, anchored by standouts like the Earl Grey Old Fashioned, the mezcal-based Highland Manners, and rotating clarified milk punches like The Illusionist. To eat, chef Chris Locke’s kitchen sent down elevated British comfort snacks, including golden shepherd’s pie croquettes, house-baked sausage rolls, and rich burgers. Pair an herbaceous Chartreuse Swizzle with freshly shucked oysters or fermented bites drawn directly from Marben’s sustainable pantry.

Know Before You Go The Cloak Bar permanently ceased operations in January 2023, marking the end of an influential chapter for downtown cocktail culture. During its peak years, the bar famously adopted a fair-wage, no-tipping policy, where booth reservations were prized and weekend walk-ins faced lengthy door queues. It remains remembered as one of King West’s finest basement hideaways.