In their own words: Palmer Bar is “your urban oasis, a unique bar and dining experience in a space designed to inspire”.
First impressions: IT’S VERY LOUD OUT HERE. What? IT’S VERY LOUD OUT HERE. That’s because it’s a terrace bar and the target clientele is a group of young women dressed like Dua Lipa. It’s possible one of them was Dua Lipa. I would have asked but I was worried I wouldn’t hear her reply.
On the floor: It was the best of service, it was the worst of service ... if there is one thing I would beg of every table waiter in the city, it would be to, well, wait. Check your customer has asked for everything they want and need. They might be momentarily torn between the potato terrine or the sauerkraut fries. They might want an extra scampi. They might even be calling out to you for cutlery and a second glass of wine as you spin on your efficient heels and leave their table but, as mentioned, IT’S VERY LOUD OUT HERE.
The neighbourhood: We battled the length of Albert St on foot, traversing ramps, pedestrian diversions and temporary alleyways before arriving at this oasis of visual (if not aural) calm. It’s a tall building, surrounded by other tall buildings, with a discrete entrance opposite the heritage grandeur of the former Customhouse. Inside, it’s all sleek browns and buttery creams - like someone said, “Here’s an espresso martini, now make me a bar to match.”
The menu: In downtown Auckland, ceviche, burrata and croquettes are almost as common as road cones. Palmer maintains interest with flavour-forward accoutrements. The cocktail menu is an orchard (fig, grapefruit, macadamia, habanero, et al) and the food list sparkles with references to prune mustard, fennel marmalade and miso butter.