Oh, The Places You’ll Go
One of the best things about being a touch long in the tooth and still living in your home town is knowing it like the back of your hand. With that familiarity comes a little inbred knowhow (leave the banjo out of it), and in many cases – some know-where.
Some of the finer treats to be had in Wellington are little known, and often even when you walk past them you don’t think about it.
Here’s a few of my favourites.
An afternoon beer at Boulcott St Bistro. This place is one of the city’s historic gems and the service is brilliant. As a fine diner it is often pushed out of mind because it’s a bit flash. But the beers cost the same as down the road and the bar is just as leanable.
Or if you’re looking for something a bit completely the other way, try the caravan and picnic table adorned Kreuzburg Summer Cafe at the top of Cuba St, corner of Webb St. I’m not sure how much weather it has got left to run, being a rare brave outdoor drinking venue in the gusty capital.
The piano bar at the James Cook Grand Chancellor. This place garners a few odd looks when I tout it as a destination, but the pianoman is spectacular and an established fixture. He plays in the lobby cocktail bar early evening, but I quite like the lounge atmosphere later on the 17th floor.
If you like good beer, Bar Edward on Riddiford St, Newtown is a place to go. From the outside it appears to be any other neighbourhood bar, but this is often the location for specialist brewer meets. The fridge is full of good ale, and the barman will talk you through them.
While you’re in Newtown, a Turkish coffee at Café Laz is about as tip top Turk as you get. It’s an acquired taste but if you like it …
Southern Bays, it’s all about Maranui right? Poor old Maranui, gutted by fire and missed terribly. But the good folk have started Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli just around the corner on Queens Drive; it’s pretty well known now, as the word spreads fast.
They do good pies, but if you’re out south pop into Mint in Island Bay. A standard-looking bakery with standard-looking counter food, their pies are from a world beyond. Flakey and tasty, they make a mess, a delicious mess.
Another couple of spots I think get overlooked are the silver screen dames of Courtenay Place, the Embassy and the Paramount. Both respected moving picture theatres, they also have great ambience for a drink and a snack. Pearls in each are the Paramount’s balcony, and the Embassy’s grandiose lounge, which will absorb a top hat and twinset as easily as a pair of Chucks.
There are countless others … it’d be a shame to out them all, but in the interest of being a friendly we-learned-to-share bunch, where’s your hidden delight in Wellington?
- By Nick, 8 comments
- Posted 6 April 2010
8 comments
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My newest find is the Larder in Miramar. They have a side of fried hash with Black pudding and pork belly - so bad, but oh so good! Plus they do the best Louise slice. Real homemade strawberry jam (with chunks) and the topping is a mix of Pavlova and coconut - mmmm
By Nicole, 8 April 2010
My secret to share is Charlie Bill, opposite Premiere House in Tinakori Road. Everything there is divine, but I especially love the pate for a starter. Not something I'd normally choose, but I'd order it every time now. The restaurant is small, warm and friendly and the service is great.
By Juliette, 13 April 2010
I met Sarah from the Larder on the weekend, she's quite a card. And Bob Campbell (the wine guy) gave the Larder an informal thumbs up. Good tip Nicole, thanks.
By Nick, 13 April 2010
What about Kreuzburg Summer Cafe's new diner in Newtown - Monterey? - Just across from the Turkish Kebab - Cafe Laz. Barman Joe's Margarita is to die for! A diner in Newtown - FINALLY!
By matt, 15 April 2010
Library Bar with its cozy interior and extensive drinks list - place to come for relaxation, catch up with good people as music does NOT overcome the voices and generally you do not need to shout out to be heard, pleasant staff and occasional soulful gigs to check out!
By Lu Marsovna, 15 April 2010
Baobab Cafe's new Garden Bar has just opened! Real good secret getaway in Newtown.
By Jess, 11 November 2010
Baobab Cafe has got a wicked back garden! Def best spot in town this summer! Plus beer and wine ther now too! Word on the street Def!
By sam, 31 December 2010
i recent walked into Kipp halfway up plimmers step, intrigued by the slightly asian offering....but the coffee was one of the best i have tasted and the bacon and egg more than acceptable. it is now one of my regular breakfast spot enroute to work. May not quite have the ambience but you don/t pay la-de-lah prices either
By chen, 2 March 2011