Overview
This post is sponsored by our partner, Jameson.
The 26-year-old Foxglove Bar and Kitchen's English-born bartender Duncan Raley once survived a near-plane crash and also makes one of the best drinks in town. Concrete Playground catches up with quirky ex-patriot to talk drinks, Wellington and Bill Murray.
Concrete Playground: What's your favourite drink?
Duncan Raley: I really just love red wine and whisky. For a cocktail, I'm a sucker for a Boulevardier. (Bourbon Negroni).
CP: What's your opinion on Wellington's nightlife?
DR: There is quite the 'Breakfast Club style' group of bars in old Welly. There never seems to be a dull moment from any of them. Whether that be from the quiet and reserved cocktail or craft beer bars, tucked away in little corners all over the city, or the ever-so-colourful, loud and proud discotheques along Courtenay Place. Never a boring night to be had in this beautiful city.
CP: It's the weekend, and Bill Murray pitches up at your bar. He asks you to take him and his mates on a tour of the best bars in Wellington. Which bars do you take him to?
DR: BILL MURRAY! I would take them to Foxglove (of course), Cuckoo Cocktail Emporium, Meow or Havana and then finish up the night at Hawthorn Lounge.
1. Foxglove
If you go in through the wardrobe upstairs in Foxglove, there you will find our cocktail bar 'Foxtail'. As well as great cocktail list, we have one of the largest whiskey selections in the city. Some great facial hair on the bar staff too.
Insider tip: In Foxtail, ask for The Bow St. Monk.
2. Cuckoo Cocktail Emporium
Cuckoo is a great place to hang out: pool table, great tunes and great staff. Heaps of sofas and second hand furniture to lounge about on, and it's all for sale.
Insider tip: Give the bartender Jack Reilly a dollar and he will take his top off.
3. Meow
Theres always something good in the way of music happening there. Not sure if they still play there but they used to have to best jazz band I've ever heard play on a Sunday night. A great craft beer selection too.
Insider tip: Meow always have great craft beers on offer and cater well for gluten intolerant people.
4. Havana Bar
Pretty much the same reason as Meow. Such a great feel to the place. Great live music and great atmosphere.
Insider tip: Havana Bar actually used to be a house, and was recently a backdrop for an anti-smoking advert.
5. Hawthorn Lounge
The place to go after you've finished your long shift in the bar. Superb cocktails, free marshmallows to toast over the fire and just a great place to wind down, or even start your night if you've been on the other side of the bar.
Insider tip: The bartender Gian used to own a kissing booth on Cuba Street. As for drinks, ask for something with octopus.
For more ideas and inspiration for your weekend, visit the Jameson Weekend Guide.