Overview
Auckland's rooftop bar scene is getting out of hand — it feels like in recent months there has been an explosion of openings for those who like to sip their cocktail with sky-high city views, including inner-city offerings like Palmer, Sunset Bar, and the freshly reopened HI/SO.
But the newest addition to the lineup might just be the most impressive yet, due to its location a casual 38 floors up.
The extremely hotly anticipated Bar Albert opens this week, a cherry on top of the cupcake that is the recently opened Voco Hotel. It's been a very long time coming but finally, on Friday, August 26, Aucklanders can enjoy the art deco-inspired décor, open-air deck, private event space and towering views across the city, the Waitemata Harbour and Waitakere Ranges.
The food and beverage offering has a local lean, with seasonal cocktails themed by Auckland street names, including Eden Crescent, Napier Street, Chancery Street and Market Place. Similarly, much of the extensive wine and beer list has been sourced locally, including several West Auckland, Waiheke and Matakana varieties produced less than 50km away.
For eats, the bar promises an array of what we like to call "snacky bits", but others might just call bar snacks — think house-made pizzas, antipasto platter and small plates, and cheeses.
But there's no doubt that it will be the views drawing many to this sky-high spot, especially in the summer months. When we reviewed Voco's ground floor Mozzarella and Co. restaurant during a hotel stay earlier this year, one waiter informed us he'd been up to the then-in-development bar, and said you can "look down on the other city rooftop bars like they're specks". Those that suffer from vertigo may choose to stay away from the edge.
Bar Albert opens on Friday, August 26 and will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm until midnight and open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. Bookings can be taken directly for groups of up to 10 people.