Bartender Bar Tour with Johnny Wallace from Concrete Bar

This post is sponsored by our partner, Jameson.

The 25-year-old London-born Johnny Wallace has been bartending for eight years. As well as knowing his way around the bar and boasting a love for pancake inspired cocktails, he also knows his way about town. We asked him a few questions below and asked him to take us on a tour of his favourite Wellington bars.

Concrete Playground: What's your favourite drink?
Johnny Wallace: Gin and tonic, Gin and ice, Gin and anything…

CP: What is your opinion on Wellington's nightlife?
JW: Great variety, there's something to suit everyone's tastes and its so easily accessible on foot.

CP: Tell us an interesting story about yourself.
JW: Flying back from the UK one time I missed my flight by an entire month… 1000 pounds later and a call to the bank of dad I was on round trip home via Norway for a detox.

CP: It's the weekend, where would you take us for a bar tour of Wellington?
JW: We would start at Little Beer Quarter, then head to Malthouse, Motel or Ancestral, and finish up at El Horno.

1. Little Beer Quarter

LBQ is a great place to start an evening, and has an epic beer list that's constantly changing to keep you on your toes. A nice bar tucked away in an intimate location.

Tip: With an ever-changing guest beer list I can't really recommend an exact beer, but none of the staff have ever let me down in guiding me to the perfect beer for the occasion.

2. Malthouse

Malthouse continues in a similar strain of having great selection of beer. But is more central and people watching makes for a great drinking atmosphere.

Tip: Talk to Macka or Sarah about anything you like! Super hospo stars, love their beer and will set you right! If they have a sour Kiwifruit beer then it's a must!

3. Motel Bar

Go to Motel for a cocktail, it's my go-to bar if I fancy something slightly more potable.

Tip: Benji or Gordy are both immaculate bartenders… Some of the only tenders I would trust to whip me up something special. Singapore Slings are the best in town and if you're feeling adventurous then get one of them to whip you up a Nuclear Daquiri (make sure you don't have an early start the next day though).

4. Ancestral

Go to Ancestral for some Teppanyaki and some warm sake shots to get the night rolling.

Tip: Ancestral has in my opinion the best smoking area located in the rear of the restaurant. Outdoor bar out there with a Teppanyaki chef and warmed concrete benches to sit on to keep your tush toasty on those wintery night. Have some warmed sake, but make sure you don't pour a shot for yourself (it's bad karma).

5. El Horno

El Horno… What can I say? Easily my most visited bar in town, always an amazing party going on in there. Great place to really kick on your dancing shoes and let your hair out! Check your inhibitions at the door.

Tip: El Horno's run by two of the most hospitable people in the game. Mat and Tracey rock out so hard, always have great themed parties and are super inventive with their promos.

For more ideas and inspiration for your weekend, visit the Jameson Weekend Guide.