Overview
Now that winter is behind us it's time to come out of hibernation and stitch yourself back into the social fabric of Auckland. There are a few new watering holes on the radar to ready you for silly season, including a camper van turned moonshine hawker, two establishments dedicated to hard knock spirits, another offering table service at the press of a button, one in the oldest licensed bar in Auckland, and one of the ever-allusive rooftop variety.
1. The Glass Goose
Tucked into the corner of Federal St, The Glass Goose is a diverse establishment that could very well be your new after-work, Sunday lunch, or just-because spot. The elevated spot also doubles as something not typically found in Auckland: a rooftop bar. Not being entirely exposed, the space lends itself well to the changeable Spring elements, and the wall-to-wall windows also allow for optimum people watching down in the CBD. The wine list is extensive and the cocktails tempting, we couldn’t look past Fresh Pickings - a refreshing mix of Cachaça rum, fresh strawberries, lime and cucumber. They also have cheese and meat boards and a contemporary sharing menu for those a little more peckish.
78 Federal Street, CBD
2. The Street Food Collective
Staying true to their lunch wagon roots, the resident bar for Ponsonby’s Street Food Collective is a restored camper van by the name of Herbie. The mobile bar can be found in the lane way behind retail complex Lot 3 among a rotating cast of local food vendors and the popular new permanent location of travelling slow-cookers Miss Moonshines. The bar boasts six rotating taps of local craft beers and cocktails made with their own 50% proof moonshine, created in association with local gin enthusiasts Rogue Society. Open from midday until after dark, Herbie covers all bases, from boozy lunches to dinner catchups and pre-club refreshments. Themed nights are also a regular occurrence.
Lot 3/130 Ponsonby Rd. Ponsonby
3. The Gin Room
Previously functioning as a private venue, Vulcan Lane's The Gin Room is now under new ownership and open to the public; music to the ears for those who dream of being transported back to the roaring ‘20s. The speakeasy-style bar carries an old-world charm through the use of plush, woody and velvety décor and bodes well as the perfect spot for an intimate catch-up. Staying true to its name, you'll find 30 gin varieties behind the bar and the inventive cocktail menu (curated by award-winning mixologist Barney Toy) also makes good use of the spirit. The French-inspired bar snacks are worth a trip on their own.
12 Vulcan Lane, CBD
4. Urchin and Amber
The historic Queens Ferry Hotel building down Vulcan Lane has been given a makeover in the form of a restaurant/craft beer bar inspired by the Kiwi staple, fish n’ chips. While it may not be in close proximity to a beach, the area's sun-soaked alfresco dining space and fresh greenery lend its interior an endless summer vibe. A popular lunch spot for corporates by day, the establishment exudes more of a bar buzz come nightfall, dimming the lights and serving up handcrafted cocktails and Leigh Sawmill craft beer on tap. The happy hour between 5pm - 6pm every week night offers $7 pints.
12 Vulcan Lane, CBD
5. The Jefferson
Nothing says Spring like sipping on a dram of whiskey apparently. Luckily, The Jefferson has 547 different varieties of the stuff behind the bar. Located down Fort Lane in the Imperial Building, the spirit sanctuary attracts everyone from well-educated connoisseurs, and those simply looking for a post-work tipple. With its slick layout, they’ve successfully bridged the gap of an upmarket adult lounge bar, without tipping over the edge of pretension. For those without a taste for whiskey or bourbon still have plenty to choose from amongst the mighty 60-metres of drink shelving, including wine, beer and 120 bottles of gin and vodka.
7 Fort Lane, CBD
6. G.H Mumm Champagne Room
To mark five years in its Britomart location, 1885 has been given a swish new refurbishment. As well as the enhancement of natural light, new booth seating and a revived members club, the site now boasts the addition of the G.H Mumm Champagne Room. Inspired by "the 1930s decade of liquor consumption," the space features champagne riddling racks, private leather booths, and a glass structure separating the space from the frenzy of the Main Room. Undeniably, the coolest part of the transformation is the addition of a “Press for Champagne” table service in the booths, saving a pilgrimage to the bar and making you feel like the big man on campus. Bottles start from $100 up to $650.
27 Galway St, CBD