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 The Bar Nun could very well be making her devotions at your shop in the near future!
Her mission from grill ... to test the vocation of her lay brothers and sisters in the sacred art of mixology and its trappings.
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What is it about Wellington? The nightlife in this town puts to shame anything Auckland has to offer. Stray away from Courtenay Place, overpopulated as it is with collared polos, too-short frocks and aggressive taxi drivers, and bask in the character of Cuba Street where the echoes of the counterculture lurk between the cobbles and you'll hear the newest tunes spun masterfully by the best DJs in town.
Despite its questionable reputation, Cuba is in fact the more sophisticated hangout. You'll make friends; guaranteed.
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First impressions are pleasing, warm lighting and a cheery reception. As an upbeat respite from the mayhem that is Courtenay Place on a Friday night, Hummingbird succeeds beautifully. Drinks are immaculately presented with flair and finesse by engaging and considerate bar staff, and there’s plenty of room to swing a rosary in a layout that’s spacious whilst still providing plenty of private corners. As an added note, they also serve Coffee Supreme – laudable taste! With such accomplished bar staff, it’s probably fair to assume that the barista is also a master of his or her art. It’s just a pity the music has to be so loud to drown out the horrible noises from next door. |
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 There’s such potential for greatness in this cosy, cave-like space. The décor is creative and elegant, but Tokyo Tea House is trying too hard to be all things to all men; a pumping dance floor in these dainty surroundings seems such a waste of this uniquely proportioned facility… what a pity.
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 It’s easy to be put off Courtenay Place by the hordes of intoxicated revellers – navigating the footpath after dark can be described as akin to a trudge through the war-torn pastures of Ypres. Presumably with this in mind, the Malthouse has cleverly snuggled its outdoor seating back from the street to allow patrons a breath of fresh air and a cigarette [now there is a contradiction] with their beverage, free from the dangers of being trampled or harassed. With around 150 porters, pilsners, pale ales, stouts, lagers and trappist delicacies to delight in, the only issue is being spoiled for choice. There’s Mac’s on tap for the more conservative palate, the adventurous are invited to indulge in an aged beer from the cellar selection.
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 The bass from Shooters rumbles in the pavement, even at a distance of 100 metres or more. Inside, a relentless, churning meat-market boggles the minds of the chaste and charitable. The grandiose interior boasts remarkable timber and wrought iron magnificence, echoes from its past incarnation as the Grand Hotel, but the high ceilings only serve to create an echo chamber for the wolf whistles, jeers and leers of patrons that probably should have been refused service hours ago. The barmaid looks absolutely sick and tired of it all, and who’s to blame her? Clutching their cassocks, the nuns flee for the street, having not the heart to bother her.
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 There’s something of the wolf in sheep’s clothing about J J Murphy’s… a Heineken bar passing itself off as an Irish pub. The décor is formulaic, but who cares? This isn’t somewhere one comes for the ocular appeal. This is a place to linger over a cold one and be engaged by the outlook – the foot traffic on Cuba St is more entertaining than what’s on the telly and with plenty of outdoor seating, J J Murphy’s is the perfect vantage point. Keep your Heineken, another glass of the black stuff please!
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 This is where Cuba's hospo staff come to share a jug after work; what higher recommendation can be given? Tonight it's packed to the gunwales with feminists as Mighty Mighty is hosting LadyFest, the international womens' music and art festival and the regulars are thin on the ground, but this is testament to the variety Mighty Mighty can handle so masterfully. Also famous for its daytime markets, Mighty Mighty is ground zero for the hipsters of Wellington - but the good kind.
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