• Crumpet Have cocktails crafted exactly to your liking thanks to their ingenious flavour wheel, or take a look through the rolodex of classics. The staff know exactly what they’re doing, and did we mention they serve crumpets? This spot is right next to the Opera House which makes it the perfect stop on your way to the show, or for a post-show nightcap. 

• Elixir This bar on Chews Lane entered the very first cocktail in Visa Wellington On a Plate’s Burger Wellington competition, which was a very clever take on a cheeseburger styled pickleback.  Pop in for excellent chats, drinks and nibbles, plus if you’re in early you might even bump into the owner’s son Luca who is arguably the cutest little regular in town. 

• Hawthorne Lounge is a favourite haunt for late night drinks and cocktails, and it does get busy on the weekends! The service is slick, with very experienced hands behind the bar. If you’re looking for a great night out with great drinks to boot, you will not leave disappointed.

• Night Flower is one of Wellington’s worst kept secrets, there’s no visible sign on the door so you’ll need to push through to one of the best cocktail bars in the capital.  Located upstairs on Ghuznee around the corner from Cuba Street, this speakeasy style bar specialises in bespoke drinks and classic cocktails and punches. 

• CGR Merchant & Co is Wellington’s premier rum and infusion bar tucked up and away on Courtenay Place. They've won several accolades in Cocktail Wellington over the years, so you can be rest assured you’re in good hands. 

• Kuikui Lane was inspired by the owner’s own kuia (grandmother) and is a space that fully embraces manaakitanga. Drinks are expertly mixed with locally sourced ingredients in a place that welcomes you like family.  Aroha mai, aroha atu.

• The Library is probably not the place to go if you want to read a book, but they are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a good cocktail! The team are renowned for putting on some pretty spectacular themed parties, and they’ve even created a few dessert burgers in Burger Wellington presented by Garage Project too.

• Hanging Ditch tucked away in the Hannah’s Factory Courtyard, the first thing you’ll notice are the liquor bottles hanging from the ceiling, which prove not only beautiful but functional. Pull up at the bar, partake in a bit of banter, and settle in for a great night. 

• Next Door in Newtown bills itself as a neighbourhood cocktail bar, and is the sister venue to beloved Margot.  You’ll see a few people dropping in for drinks on their way to or from dinner.  Expect smart, classic cocktails made well. 

• Auntie Social (which is also in Newtown) gives lounge bar feels, and has a retro-tastic bar that takes centre stage. Serving up live music, DJs, treats and eats this is the place to be for a fun night out. 

Still thirsty? If you happen to have a penchant for hotel bars, check out this blog which rounds up the best hotel bars in the capital!