A French-Inspired Neo-Bistro Is Opening on K' Road
In the former home of Revel Café, this new opening will attempt to recreate the atmosphere of a European neighbourhood bar.
After touring natural wine bars in Paris, expats Emma Ogilvie and Nick Landsman brought their restaurant concept La Pêche (translating as 'the peach') to Auckland, hosting pop-ups and day-long festivals across the central city suburbs.
Now, the pair are set to open their very own brick-and-mortar location along K' Road. Found in the former home of Revel Café from this weekend, Bar Céleste will attempt to recreate the atmosphere of a European neighbourhood bar. There will be room for 55 around a long bar and counter at the front of the space where tables will spill out onto the footpath in the evening. Ogilvie and Landsman say that the tables will be closer together than people are used to — a nod to their favourite Parisian haunts full of interaction and intimacy.
Those familiar with the La Pêche pop-ups can expect the pair's usual supply of "neo-bistro-style" food and natural wine. "The neo-bistro approach puts an abiding yet no-fuss focus on freshness, quality and fluidity. Both the menu and wine list change often, seeking perfect imperfection in the moment rather than rigid consistency — no two visits should be quite the same," says Ogilvie.
The food will be relaxed and seasonal, cooked with French technique, injected with influences from the Pacific Rim, and served as small plates. That may look something like freshly shucked oysters and crudo from the raw bar, lambs tongue and pigtail croquette, or the much-loved Filet'o Market Fish burger. It will come down to whatever is available and in season from suppliers. The drinks list will be made up of natural and organic wines, craft beers on tap and classic cocktails.
With closing times set between 12am and 2am, Bar Céleste's service will transition from sit-down dinner into a late-night social space with simple bar snacks and guest DJ sets.
Bar Céleste is set to open on Saturday, 5 October for a housewarming. Thereafter it will be open Tuesday through Saturday. Bar Céleste is located at 146 Karangahape Road, Auckland.
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