Roku Gin Garden

Overview

Much-loved Ponsonby restaurant Azabu has extended its footprint to Mission Bay, taking over the former home of Mission Bay Pavilion in the waterfront suburb's iconic stone building​. Savour Group has moved on from the modern bistro-style offering to serve up the Japanese fusion dishes of chef Yukio Ozeki in the heritage-listed building. Diners will find some Azabu favourites as well as some brand-new dishes on the menu.

To mark the open, premium spirits brand House of Suntory has partnered with the restaurant to present a Japanese gin garden for summer. The pop-up spotlights Roku Gin – the first premium Japanese craft gin from the brand — across several signature cocktails.

Each creation features Japanese ingredients and will be served with first-class 'omotenashi' hospitality. So what's on the drinks list? The classic negroni has been enhanced with umeshu plum wine, a summery mule-style beverage has been infused with both wasabi and ginger, and another gin concoction mixes together yuzu sake, elderflower liqueur and matcha.

Every Saturday until the end of February a collective of DJs, including Bobby Brazuka, Frank Booker and Manual Bundy will complete the summery vibes, while Thursday evenings in March (4,11 and 25) are reserved for degustation cocktail evenings in the historic Stonehouse. Each seasonal course and cocktail is linked back to a Roku botanical. Tickets are $40 a head.