Overview
Don't be intimidated by its size and glamour, Foxglove Bar and Kitchen offers shelter from the wind in the heart of the Capital's waterfront precinct. Take a walk along the waterfront until you see the bright lights of the Foxglove sign, then step inside to explore a very foxy space in Wellington.
In 2010, Foxglove owners transformed the former Greta Point Tavern - transported to its current location by barge in 12 pieces - into a series of smaller spaces with an air of 1940's glamour. The lobby bar on the ground floor is perfect for a Friday night drink on oversized armchairs and couches, while the upstairs Brass Monkey Bar and Games Room provides space for a bigger night out.
Staying upstairs, The Sitting Room is perfect for a relaxed wine with friends – on hot pink velour swivel chairs nonetheless. The Bar menu offers a unique range of snacks to nibble on while swiveling – my friends and I usually go for the Sicilian olives, pickled garlic & lemon ricotta ($7) and Foxglove fries, parmesan and truffle ($9).
The Foxglove balcony also spans around the top floor, offering cool wicker lounges to take in the 180-degree harbour views. The Foxglove Champaign and Cocktail bar can also be found upstairs through an old oak wardrobe – arguably one of the best spaces for private functions in the Capital.
But to bring things down to size, the Foxglove dining room is great for a city treat, offering the same menu of small bites, charcuterie, gourmet burgers and larger plates. I went to the dining room with family as a treat, ordering the Grain fed pork chop, pumpkin, olive, pine nut crumble ($32) from the dining room menu. The pork was cooked beautifully, and although the portion was fine-dining small, the pumpkin olive and pine nut crumble was the perfect winder treat.
My mum ordered the Emerson's lemon sole fish burger, watercress, sauce gribiche, with fries ($19.50) served on a wooden board – an upmarket take on a classic take-away. Both dishes went well with a glass of Marlborough's Spy Valley Pinot Gris ($9.50 glass, $45 bottle). With six of us dining, Foxglove offered great service and a waterfront view for every family member. The service is great, the décor one-of-a-kind, and as the Eastbourne Ferry departs right outside the bar, so why not continue your night out with a harbour cruise?
It's good to book ahead but walk-ins are welcome – either way there is sure to be both glamour and good food at Foxglove.
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