Bartender Bar Tour with Calum Bell from Bebemos
Scottish native Calum Bell shows us the ropes of the Wellington scene.
This post is sponsored by our partner, Jameson.
Calum Bell, the 20-something Scottish native whose been bartending around the world - Berlin, Barcelona and Melbourne - for just about 12 years. We ask him to tell us where his favourite Wellington's liquor hubs are and throw us some tips and jokes, including where you can take your dog for a drink (no joke).
Concrete Playground: What's your favourite drink?
Calum Bell: It's all about a taste from home! Alcohol-wise, Tennents Lager, non-alcoholic, Irn Bru - Glasgow's second and third best exports! You cannot beat it.
CP: What's your opinion on Wellington's nightlife?
CB: I've lived in Berlin, Barcelona and Melbourne, so it took me a wee while to adapt to the more relaxed pace here, but it's great...lot's of amazing hidden bars if you look hard enough, and the craft beer is second to none. I've found the longer I've been living here - the bigger Wellington becomes, which is perfect if you have the attention span I do, every night I discover somewhere new!
CP: What's an interesting story about yourself?
CB: Well, pretty much every story I can think of is either far too rude for publication, or incriminating - and spending a night in the cells is not something I'm too keen on! So instead, I'll give you a terrible joke, which I'm a specialist at.... I thought I seen Michael J. Fox at the garden center this morning... I couldn't be sure though, he had his back to the fuschias. Sorry.
CP: What are your five favourite bars in Wellington?
CB: Bebemos, Little Beer Quarter, Basque, CGR Merchant and Rogue and Vagabond.
1. Bebemos
Start here! Newtown is really buzzing at the moment, and I'd like to think Bebemos plays a major part in this, with amazing food, drinks and an awesome beer garden, it would be a great place to spend the day.
Tip: Don't ask me where abouts in Ireland I'm from. Also, our Gaucho burger is amazing.
2. Little Beer Quarter
If you enjoy the odd smoke, and LBQ has a really cool cigarro to relax in... add to that some of the best beers you'll ever be able to get your hands on, huge bottle and tap list.
Tip: LBQ has some of the best beers in the world. Great place to take visiting friends as you can impress them with some beer geek facts.
3. Basque
Basque is such a nice escape from the sometimes overwhelming madness of Courtenay Place, it's full of soul and warmth and dishes out some amazing sangria and tapas and again a beer list worthy of mention - you may have gathered at this stage that I like my beer.
Tip: If beer ain't your thing, try the sangria.
4. CGR Merchant & Co
CGR's is a hidden treasure...head up the stairs and you have some truly inspirational drink infusions. From salted caramel rums to tomato and toast-infused gin, you feel like a kid in a sweet shop! Plus the staff are amazing.
Tip: Try the salted caramel rum.
5. The Rogue and Vagabond
Rogue has so much atmosphere, and is always full of funny, interesting, creative people. It has a really cool local music and art scene going on - which I love. Oh, and it's dog friendly too.
Tip: Bring your dog.
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