Mystery bar number 7

File under: drink, nightlife, Wellington

During the last week, my attention and hence this blog have been monopolised by architecture week and related events. I realise that this may have been a little dry for those without a specialist interest, so to slake your thirst, here is the latest mystery bar.

Mystery bar number 6 proved fairly straightforward for many, though not for Hadyn (you need to get out more!), so here's hoping that this one's a bit trickier.

It's in a lively part of town, but its lack of street presence keeps it out of the public eye. Only those who notice a discrete sign and try the staircase are likely to be aware of its presence. The decor is 70s retro, but not in a mirror ball and flares sort of way. No, this is a very Kiwi variety of old-school bar: brown vinyl, loud carpet and no-frills leaners. There's obviously an ironic sensibility, though, and while it may look as if your old uncle Trev might feel comfortable here, knocking back a jug or two while holding forth on yesterday's match between King Country and Wairarapa Bush, a glance at the cocktail list would have him sputtering into his DB in disgust. "Cachaça?!? Whaddarya, mate?!"

It's clear that the reclining chairs and very comfy sofas are the spoils of painstaking expeditions to retro furniture specialists, and the potted plants speak of saloon bar "class" rather than public bar egalitarianism. Yet there are rough edges that speak of a less polished history, and the stalwarts of good old Kiwi blokedom are very, very near, perhaps casting a wary eye over the smart young things with their Riesling and their 42 Below, before returning their attention to the Trackside channel.