From the minds behind the Old Shoe comes a quirky new wine hangout with an intriguing name. Playfully mocking the pretentious wine-bar craze sweeping urban hotspots, ‘Not Open; Don’t Come’ offers something new and refreshing for connoisseurs and novices alike.
The bar, located above the Old Shoe in Orchard Square, leans into all the stereotypes of a pretentious wine bar, with a speakeasy-style “call-to-get-in” policy, a covert entrance, and a hand-picked selection of over two dozen wines served by the glass.
Their satirical twist on a trendy hangout spot gives it a relaxed, honest vibe, with comfy, home-inspired decor to match. The bottles are served out of household fridges, the bar is modelled on a kitchen island, and the sofas and lounge chairs make it feel like you’re having a casual glass in a mate’s loft.
Owner Mike Pomranz, a former Brooklyn-based drinks journalist, ventured into the trendy world of wine with the aim of making it friendly to all: “I knew jack shit about wine – except that I loved following my tongue, trying new, incredible, crazy things. But so many potential wine lovers struggle to break through that barrier.”
Pomranz recruited young designer Emily Croft amidst her graduation from Sheffield Hallam University, who wanted to create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with her interior design.
“As someone fairly new to the wine industry, I know how daunting ordering wine can feel,” said Emily. “But having somewhere like this to learn and taste and say yuck or yay and find my own feet within the community is really something special!”
In keeping with the irony of the place, the door is mysteriously hard to find. Walking along Orchard Street behind the Old Shoe, you’ll spot the bright red wall marking the fire entrance, scrawled with graffiti and the bar’s phone number.
“Our entrance was already a fire exit, so why not lean into it?” explained Mike. “For a loft party, you need to know who to call to let you in. For us, you’re all our friends; the number is there on the door. It might seem silly, but everyone is welcome!”
Joining the team is current wine buyer for the Old Shoe, Rachel Hendry. She’ll be keeping the selection fresh and modern, introducing new bottles catering to all tastes and preferences. To keep things simple, all glasses are sold at just three price points, making sure customers can focus less on cost and more on trying something new.
“Our list prioritises playfulness, whether that’s a soft and sweet Moscato d’Asti that tastes like candied peaches or a Blanc de Pinot Noir that rivals the complex whites of Burgundy but made in Wales,” said Rachel. “We’re working to buy wines with personality that have something to say, and hopefully introduce people to different flavours and new favourites in the process.”
Not Open; Don’t Come on Orchard Street is open to the public every Friday and Saturday night until 2am. For the most up-to-date info, visit their minimalist website: https://nodc.co.uk/.
