Parasol and Swing Company

Overview

Jason Rosen knows a thing or two about drinks. The Auckland mixologist is the owner of the 2017 Lewisham Awards 'best bar', Mea Culpa, and the reigning grand champion of a rum pairing competition held on the side of a Caribbean volcano. Now, together with a team of hospitality experts, he's opened a rooftop bar to showcase his flair with the cocktail shaker.

In the heart of the Viaduct nestled between Soul Bar and Dr Rudi's you'll find brand new cocktail bar The Parasol & Swing Company. Presented across two levels, the rooftop bar is in a perfect position for afternoon sun and to soak up views of the glistening Viaduct basin. Rosen says that the concept behind the bar is a tribute to the industry itself with a history and story that goes back to the mid 19th century.

An all-star team has been enlisted for the opening, including well-qualified Mea Culpa staff who designed the drinks list, Montreal tattoo artist Angus Byers who provided stunning illustrations and lauded design team Paul Izzard Design who looked after the fit-out. On the menu you can expect to find a solid cocktail selection, boutique wine producers and rotating craft beers — we're particularly excited about the nitro cold brew espresso martini and a Manhattan-esque concoction fit for three people and made with four heavyweight spirits, bitter orange and cherry wine. Running the venue will be co-owner and 2013 Beam Bar Legend National Champion, Adam Neal, with former gin ambassador Sean Cavanagh and a roster of local and international mixologists behind the bar.

Chef Mark Southon of O'Connell Street Bistro has created a casual menu inspired by California and Singapore's new wave of shared dining fusion eateries, with a staunch focus on burgers and waffles. The menu features everything from a classic hamburger to the foolproof combo of buttermilk fried chicken and bacon on waffles and the eye-catching grilled crayfish waffle with wasabi mayo, garlic butter and Marie Rose sauce. Rounding things off is a selection of quintessential drinking dishes, including loaded fries, jalapeño poppers and tempura calamari.