Le Café Plum Is a New French-Inspired Cocktail Bar on Cuba Street

The Cuba Street spot now offers strong cocktails and a dedicated crêpe menu.
Stephen Heard
November 20, 2020

The driving force behind Wellington's kaleidoscopic Lantern Festival and Night Market has opened a new French-inspired cocktail bar in the capital.

Lily Kao has transformed the former home of Cuba Street's much-loved Plum Cafe into the new-look Le Café Plum. Kao says the elegant fit-out was inspired by women throughout the ages. By bringing chandeliers and soft velvet couches into the space she hopes to create a glamorous but relaxed atmosphere.

After working in multiple bars across the country, head bartender Gordan Carlyle has produced a cocktail menu featuring 20 different concoctions, including a variety of strong sippers, light and refreshing favourites and well-known classics.

The humble old fashioned has been kicked up a notch with banana rum, the margarita is infused with spiced plum, and classic gin cocktail the gimlet comes with notes of elderflower and cucumber.

For some sustenance between drinks, the new cocktail bar offers a selection of tapas for sharing. On the list you'll find hummus platters and empanada tasting plates between smaller dishes like spicy crispy cauliflower and Chilean sopaipilla pumpkin fritters.

For something sweet, an ever-changing crêpe menu serves up the thin pancakes with the likes of apple crumble and chocolate, banana and caramel, and coffee mascarpone with almonds.

As the bar settles into its new home it will hold events celebrating local artists, fashion brands and musicians.

Find Le Café Plum at 103 Cuba Street, Te Aro. It's open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until late.

Published on November 20, 2020 by Stephen Heard
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