Mystery bar

File under: drink, nightlife, Wellington

Here's something for those of you with a thirst for the unknown, as well as just a thirst. Some of us recently visited a newish bar, in a part of town not generally known for its nightlife, and supped a rather well-assembled Martini and a very pleasant Verdelho. The bar seems to make a point of exclusivity, to the point where there were two bouncers on the door and a sign saying "maximum 35 people", but it's very relaxed and comfortable once you're inside.

This photo has been heavily photoshopped, partly to enhance the cocktail lounge atmosphere, but mostly because my phone takes such rubbish photos in low light that some drastic tweaking was called for. The decor is not actually red at all: instead there's a curious mixture of purple, white and pale greens. Aside from the odd Philippe Starck lamp there's a general feel of "tasteful hotel lobby circa 1987".

The mysterious feel is compounded by the entrance sequence, which takes you through a doorway in an anonymous grey carpark, down a couple of flights of stairs, past a brass plaque engraved with Chinese characters, then across this magnificently gloomy retro stairwell before you finally reach the door to the bar itself. Any readers who can tell me the name and location of this bar will win... something.