LBQ drops anchor for one night, trading its usual warmth for something saltier. Long communal tables, low light, rope and timber, and the Pōneke Shanty Club leading the room through some rousing singalongs. Sea shanties were never written down. They travelled port to port, voice to voice, and that's exactly how the evening works. By the second set the room is carrying the chorus. Between the music, anonymous dockside confessions are read aloud and become part of the night's folklore. Food is hearty and built for winter: slow-braised beef cheek and dark ale pie, or roasted kūmara and caramelised onion pie to start. Char-grilled market fish or a smoked mushroom and lentil wellington to follow, and a spiced rum sticky pudding or dark chocolate and sea salt tart to close. Your ticket includes three courses and three drinks. Choose from curated beer, rum, or non-alcoholic ginger beer.