Owner of The Duck on Castelgate, Newark opens new bar door to door with it, named Twenty2

A new bar offering Newark drinkers a ‘speakeasy-esque’ hidden gem has opened in the town centre.

The new venue — Twenty2 — is the latest venture from the team behind The Duck, on Castlegate.

The new bar’s name is a play on the connection between both venues, as there are two ducks in the row — The Duck and Twenty2.

Unlike The Duck’s lively, sportier atmosphere, Twenty2 aims for a more relaxed, nostalgic vibe.

“It’s a completely different concept,” said the bar’s operations manager Tim Lashbrook, “We wanted something more alternative, a noughties indie sort of feel.

“That’s why the walls are covered in posters from past gigs and concerts, including ones we’ve done next door, and there are no TVs, just a cosy, chilled environment.”

The venue offers a selection of beers, ciders, craft beers and cocktails, with 12 unique cocktails that will rotate seasonally, with some of the drinks from breweries nearby.

One of the more unusual features of Twenty2 is its understated presence, as there is no sign above the door and no active social media promotion ,as the owner wants to make the bar feel like a hidden discovery.

Tim added: “We wanted to keep it low-key and let word of mouth do the work.

“It’s almost like a speakeasy — if you know about it, you feel special.”

The venue includes a courtyard area that will be expanded in future, as well as plans to develop more parts of the building over time.

Twenty2 is open Wednesday to Sunday, from noon to 11pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9pm on Sundays.

For Tim, who describes the bar’s music and feel as “his vibe,” the early response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The feedback’s been great. It’s nice to work somewhere you’ve put effort into and to see people enjoying it. I think it’s something really unique for Newark.”