Overview
212 Ponsonby Rd is notorious for its ever-growing roll call of tenants. Previous occupants have included the controversially titled gay bar Poof (renamed Pop and then back again), jazz lounge Shanghai Lil's, cocktail bar Loco, and cocktail/champagne lounge Lolabar. Already firmly established with The Whiskey next door— in operation since 2001— the owners have now decided to give the cursed space a try for themselves.
They've already blessed the space with a hopeful name, Win-Win, and intend to emulate the lively atmosphere of Las Vegas in the space as a retro cocktail bar. The drinks are the main attraction, with a concise yet regularly evolving cocktail menu complied by adept bartenders Seth Williams (The Whiskey) and Thomas Atuahiva and Isaac Fitzpatrick (Augustus and Ostro).
Current offerings include Smoke & Mirrors, a blend of Gracias a Dios mezcal shaken with fresh watermelon, lime juice and Maraschino liqueur; The Perfumer, a combination of Jose Cuervo Gran Centenario infused with white chilli truffle tea, fresh lemon, sugar, balsamic vinegar and orange blossom water; and Desert Sage, a Reposado Tequila sour with rhubarb, marjoram, apple, lemon, agave and egg white.
The space also promises cocktails on tap and bar snacks like savoury popcorn and jelly creations from Jessica Mantis (aka The Jellyologist). Those after something a little more substantial will have the option of arancini balls, potato croquettes or stuffed mushrooms courtesy of Ponsonby's Il Buco.
Win-Win is open 5pm to late, Wednesday to Sunday at 212 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.