Old school – The Southern Cross

The Southern Cross has been wetting Wellingtonians’ whistles through a variety of incarnations over the past 100 years, immortalised in song and local memory.

Although its student heyday as home of the $2 jugs is long gone, it’s clearly still a favourite for casual sunny afternoon refreshments.

The garden bar, bedecked in greenery, is a lush environment for lounging with friends whilst inside offers a variety of spaces and tones to suit the nature of any visit without ever losing the casual keynote that underpins this Kiwi classic.

The Bar Nun loves the Southern Cross’ versatile interior, but you’ll find her nestled in the courtyard making a dent in a shady couch.

The internet is free! A splendid lure in a city sadly bereft of public wireless schemes.

The simple menu well represents the tastes of the capital’s market with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and a focus on organics. Here’s an institution that really understands its people. 

 New school – Foxglove

Overall impressions are of a somewhat over-scrupulous attention to detail. Great service and an interesting (if a little hard on the collection plate funds) menu is offset by an awe-inspiring interior scheme, the most impressive aspect of which is the interior fern wall which lends a cool lushness to the atmosphere.

The space has been broken up into segments of varying sizes by a clever system of shelving that allows air and light to move through the divisions so that even the smallest alcove does not become stuffy.

The Bar Nun is slightly overwhelmed by the conceptual onslaught; the captains’ chairs, draping gauzy curtains, hundreds of miniature busts and bronze ornaments, objects of interest, bookshelves, record collection and wall of deer’s heads comprise enough interior inspiration for five or even six different bars, lending every corner a unique perspective.

The outdoor area downstairs is wonderfully accommodating for small groups or larger parties; bonus points for the beautiful lighting, so often overlooked out of doors. 

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