Ponsonby Social Club

Overview

The Ponsonby Social Club gets ten points for its intelligent use of space, appearing to have taken over a misused laneway to become a lively sliver of quasi-outdoor urbanity. Slap bang amongst the bright lights and cluster of Ponsonby Road, the PSC has converted this former driveway into a slick venture with its money shot outdoor courtyard ideal for social drinking and eating.

Wrought iron garage gates flank the narrow driveway, and the brick walls of the neighbouring buildings that line the bar give the Social Club a raw but sophisticated industrial feel. A popular spot for after work drinks or late weekend sounds, the Ponsonby Social club is fast becoming known for its live music and DJ sets that accompany this alleyway space.

A Latino spun tapas menu during the week, the best reason to hit the Social Club for food is for the Sunday BBQ or roast. Transmitting a laid-back friendly vibe, you can sit outside or under cover and enjoy the sounds of the featured DJ and a cold beer or cocktail whilst the Social Club chef grills you up your choice of BBQ fare with a side of salad or slaw. A BBQ so good that it will make you want to return something you didn't steal, the chef certainly knows his way around a sirloin and cooks it to perfection.

With a quality range of draught beers, local wines and innovative cocktails, Ponsonby Social Club is a prime example of Auckland bars upping the ante. At a time where reuse and thinking outside the square is a hot topic, more avid bar connoisseurs should take a leaf out of the PSC's book, where a seemingly unusable space has been transformed into a vibrant spot of social scenery.