In March this year, Oliver Driver, his partner Ella Mizrahi and friend Celia Harrison gave us Harry, a hole-in-the-wall gem of a dive bar (a very Ponsonby one, but still) aimed at those in the creative industries, with an interesting schedule of artsy/political events and great drinks specials.
Now, replacing next-door-neighbour Ponsonby Working Men’s Club – which attracted quite a different clientele altogether – is George, Harry’s ‘little brother’ establishment. Free beer for anyone who can guess the name of their next venture.
The aesthetic is similar: rustic and thoughtfully scruffy, with the pièce de résistance being the deconstructed chest of drawers on the wall above the bar. Seating options include pill-y sofas, Formica tables and long schoolhouse-vibe benches on the footpath.
With no specific target audience in mind, George focuses on offering a well-curated and very well-priced selection of tequila, rum and craft beer, and a solid roster of emerging and established live music put together by muso bros Finn and Tam Scholes.
George is friendly, unfussy and a little rough around the edges; the sort of place that could grow to feel like your best bud’s living room. It even has the potential to attract the small yet dedicated crew of regular punters and cult status D.O.C enjoyed.