A city-style cocktail bar in the Caribbean

Door No. 4 is a short walk from the Cayman Islands’ most coveted stretch of sand, yet it’s worlds apart from your typical Caribbean beach bar. Brought to life by leading interior design firm IDG, the space combines warmth, texture and rich colour in contrast to the bright, breezy surrounds.

When you think of the Caribbean, you probably think more of sun-drenched “wish you were here” beach scenes and less of swanky, design-forward cocktail bars. That’s where Door No. 4 provides a new destination in the Cayman Islands, offering an imaginative drinks list using the finest regional ingredients in a setting that stands apart.

The brainchild of award-winning bartender Simon Crompton, top interior design consultancy IDG was enlisted to create the space. The initial vision was a light-filled bar full of Caribbean blues, but as the project evolved, a fresh direction emerged.

“IDG helped develop a darker, moodier colour palette,” Simon explains. “You still see the influence of the Caribbean in our menus, but the bar is something that wouldn’t feel out of place in Melbourne, New York or London.”

“We were inspired by a more industrial style,” IDG designer Poly Lougiakis shares. “We achieved this by installing a faux brick wall, choosing a colour palette of blacks, golds and deep greens, and completing the space with metallic wallpapers, herringbone-style floors and a sweeping bar.”

While the interiors are richly detailed, the ambience is relaxed and inviting. Maintaining a warm atmosphere was essential to Simon in developing the venue, and that’s reflected beautifully in the interiors. “We take our cocktails seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously,” Simon says. “We didn’t want the space to feel pretentious.”

At Door No. 4, cocktails are undoubtedly the specialty. But it’s also a place to pop in for a wine, beer or small bite. Each section of the space invites a different experience, whether you’re in the mood for soaking up the sun among the tropical greenery, a quick drink at the bar, or settling into the plush banquettes and letting the hours slip by.

IDG is a turnkey interior design firm working across residential and commercial projects in the Cayman Islands, handling every aspect from concept to design and build. To learn more, visit idgcayman.com