Drinks and Bedford Soda and Liquor at Ponsonby Central. Photo / Joanna Hunkin
Drinks and Bedford Soda and Liquor at Ponsonby Central. Photo / Joanna Hunkin
Address: Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown St Rating:
First drinks: Looked like they would take a while, given the vast quantity of people milling about the bar. Outside, it was standing room only. But as we approached the bar, an attentive server subtly pushed two drinks menus in our direction and pointed out a couple of spare seatsat the window. From there, we were treated to constant and attentive table service.
The vibe is: A busy mix of families with young kids out for dinner, mates catching up for drinks and couples out on date night. It's fun and just a little frantic, which only adds to its charm.
It smells of: The mouth-watering aroma of the Argentinian barbecue house next door. Ponsonby residents will know the scent all too well, as it wafts deliciously around the Richmond Rd intersection.
On the stereo: A great mix of soul-soaked funk, including some classic Aretha, courtesy of a live DJ. It was possibly a touch too loud for those trying to hold coherent conversations but we'll forgive anyone who dusts out some old Ace of Base for a spin.
Room for improvement: Anywhere that can keep these service standards up while this busy has it nailed. Even when we ordered more elaborate drinks - the most extreme of which involves a sparking, smoking volcano - they kept on top of things and never left us hanging.
The perfect spot for: Take your pick. From family dinners to Sunday sessions, this place caters for everyone. Their cocktails are some of the best in Auckland and they have their own house brew.
Most redeeming feature: Really has to be the staff. Although the sun-soaked alleyway is a great spot for an afternoon tipple.
