Owners of family-run Sardinian restaurant Domo have today revealed they are set to reopen the rooftop bar in the Krynkl shipping container development this spring, just in time for some much-needed summer aperitifs.
Kelu, which means sky in Sardinian dialect, will become a luxurious Mediterranean ‘sunset bar’ serving an exciting array of cocktails, self-service fine wines from an Enomatic fine wine dispenser – a sort of wine vending machine that can‘t be found anywhere else in the city – and traditional Sardinian nibbles, which if you’ve already checked out Domo, you know it will be worth climbing the stairs for!
Domo opened nearly three years ago now and has gained a reputation as one of the go-to restaurants in Kelham Island. When it first opened, its Little Kelham courtyard was abuzz with activity and became the perfect sun trap for after-work drinks. However, following Covid restrictions, Domo has settled down into more of a restaurant vibe, and owners Sarah and Rafa are looking to bring that courtyard atmosphere back to their new rooftop bar.
Sarah told Exposed: “Because of Covid, we weren’t really using Domo as a bar anymore, and we really missed our little Aperitivo time. When the old INC bar came up, we just thought it’s going to tie in so well, using it for pre-drinks, after-dinner drinks, as well as a standalone bar.”
“It’s going to be a cocktail bar and Aperitivo bar, with a tiny kitchen doing things like arancini, so keeping the Domo, Sardinian vibe. The cocktail menu is going to be something really exciting. Our general manager at Domo’s background is as a barman and he loves his cocktails. He’s not really had the chance to put his talent to good use here, so we’ve given him free rein on the cocktail menu at Kelu, so it’s not going to just be your average Aperol Spritz, it’s going to be a really great cocktail menu.”
As well as the cocktails, they also wanted to have top of the range fine wines available by the glass, and have invested in a self-serve wine cabinet, which allows you to buy pre-paid cards at the bar and select from their extensive list of fine wines, all kept fresh and in perfect condition inside the cabinet.
The bar fit-out, which Sheffield’s own Rocket Design are about to undertake, is set to incorporate Domo’s Mediterranean vibes, while adding a classy sky lounge feel, with neutral colours, a retractable roof, plenty of greenery, live music in the evenings and a built-in BBQ grilling up BBQ seafood on Sundays.
“We just want the feel of Domo but in a really nice sky lounge, where you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean, you’re in Sardinia, you’re on holiday,” says Sarah. “It’s not as in-your-face rustic as it is in Domo; the look we’re going for is that relaxed, Mediterranean style to tie in with Domo. It’s going to look really cool.”
“We didn’t have plans for a bar, but the opportunity just popped up, so we thought let’s go for it. A sky bar is a really Sardinian thing as well, they call them sunset bars because you go to them and watch the sunset.”
“We’re really excited. We can’t wait to get back to the Aperitivo time.”
For updates on their progress, go chuck them a follow on socials.
