The Grove is one of Grand Cayman’s latest developments. This walkable community combines shopping, dining and living in lush surroundings, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.

One of the first spots to open in this new community is Door No. 4, a welcoming cocktail bar that has set the tone for the space. Here, we catch up with owner Simon Crompton to hear the thinking behind the design.

Simon Crompton of Door No. 4.

Door No. 4 provides a whole new atmosphere within Cayman’s bar scene. When longtime bartender Simon Crompton first started dreaming up the space, he approached IDG for assistance. As a result, senior designer Justin Szigeti and interior designer Poly Lougiakis came on board to help realize his vision.

“The idea actually changed quite a few times,” Simon reveals. “In fact, the original concept was very different from what we ended up with.”

Initially, Simon was leaning toward a light, bright bar with lots of blue colors. But after noticing similar looks in competitors nearby, the team decided on a new direction.

“IDG helped develop a darker, moodier color 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.”

Textural elements and rich colors achieve an inviting result.

“We were inspired by a more industrial style,” IDG designer Poly says. “We installed a faux brick wall behind the bar, adding warmth and texture, and chose a color palette of blacks, golds and deep greens, with metallic wallpapers, herringbone-style floors and a sweeping bar to complete the space.”

Door No. 4 welcomes casual drinks or drawn-out dining.

For Simon, the goal was to create a beautiful bar that still felt relaxed and inviting. “We take our cocktails seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously,” he says. “We didn’t want the space to feel pretentious.”

It was essential that Door No. 4 appeal to various people and situations. It’s a place where you can come for a nightcap, a meal, an after-work drink or even a beer. Although cocktails are the specialty, Simon wanted the space to work for every stage of the night. That’s why it’s broken up into four distinct sections – patio, bar, high tops and lounge – each offering a different experience.

Slide into the banquettes of the Door No. 4 lounge.

Door No. 4 was created and built during the pandemic, so there were a few more hoops to jump through than usual. “It’s taken a long time, but one incredible constant has been that Justin and Poly have been there throughout the process,” Simon says. “They’ve been great. Now that we’ve been open a few weeks, it’s been amazing to see the number of people blown away by the space. We keep hearing how there’s nothing else like it in Cayman.”