Mystery bar number 8

File under: drink, nightlife, Wellington

I've been unfairly accused of duplicity regarding the clues to my previous mystery bar, but my accuser is a well-known nutter, so you can safely dismiss the accusations. I do intentionally err on the side of vagueness, but purely to maintain a sense of challenge, enigma, and yes, mystery. It would hardly be a mystery bar if I said "It's upstairs, between the bucket fountain and Murphy's, and it's named after an African country starting with M and ending in occo", now would it?

Anyway, to business. This place had been on the cusp for a while, and didn't seem to know whether it wanted to be upmarket, boho or cheap and basic. Its decor veers between colonial, minimalist and art nouveau, and the staff and events always seemed a little too alternative for most of the clientele. The restaurant had a good menu and impressive wine list (including '99 Larose and even occasionally the odd single-vineyard Côte Rôtie), but the ambience never really suited fine dining.

It's recently had a bit of a rethink, and while the decor hasn't changed, it has a new logo, new chef and new bar manager. It also has a series of themed and "special" nights that seem to be sending it downmarket: "Ladies'" nights and Friday "corporate shouts".

With the departure of the previous bar manager and many of the waiting staff, some of its distinctiveness has now gone. The bar staff used to be lively and creative people (the fact that they often turned up on catwalks or music videos didn't hurt, either), and while the current staff seem competent and pleasant enough, they can't make most of the unique and delicious cocktails on what was an extensive list. I asked for a dry Martini there last night, and while it wasn't dreadful, it was about as dry as a Karori winter.

This used to be a good place for a relaxing evening, sipping a couple of cocktails on a Monday night while perched at the bar having a chat, but it just doesn't seem the same now. It could have emphasised its distinctive features and become something special, but it seems to have veered definitively towards the bland and predictable.

P.S. A quick note for those that have been there with me (yes, you Hadyn): if you recognise it, then hold off for a little while and give the others a chance!