It’s cooling down in Auckland, but that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate. You just need to know the best nooks and crannies where you can sip brandy or sample freshly mixed mulled wine. Here are our favorite city spots for cozying up during the chillier months.
Mo’s
This teeny, tiny corner bar is a hidden gem in Auckland’s central business district. It sits snuggly in the CBD, just back from the hustle and bustle of the main drag. During the winter months, Mo’s brews a big pot of mulled wine (spicy, warm and fruity) that will have you returning each day after work when the clouds gather. Get there before the work crowd at 5 p.m. to secure a stool; there’s only room for about 20 people. If you’re in town for more than a week, make sure you drop your business card in the glass bowl on the right hand side of the bar — it’s easy to win yourself a NZ$50 (about $40 USD) bar tab for Friday night drinks. Mo’s offers a full range of spirits, beer and wine — try the Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir.
1885
This sexy spot is set in the hip Britomart neighborhood. Upstairs, the dark wooden décor and classic Chesterfield lounge chairs lure you in for a warming dark spirit, neat. Try a Hennessy VS cognac or a Maker’s Mark whiskey. If you’re in town on a Wednesday night, head downstairs to the underground bar and check out the jazz set. You’ll need to get in early if you want a seat on the comfy, eclectic couches, or just perch by the bar for some toe tapping. You’ll forget all about the grizzly weather outside.
The Gypsy Tea Room
This dimly lit little jewel is nestled in the groovy suburb of Grey Lynn, about a 10-minute cab ride from downtown Auckland. It’s a musky and romantic haunt with plenty of tables for two and offers spicy mulled wine during the winter months. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, try an Emersons organic beer, a Coopers craft beer or a Little Creatures brew. The Gypsy Tea Room is perfect for an intimate night out — it’s elbowroom only, in a good way. Or if you have a larger group, put in a call to see if you can secure some space.
Photos Courtesy of iStock/Travellinglight, Gypsy Tea Room
