Bar review: Mekong Baby, Ponsonby

Drinks at Mekong Baby. Photo / Joanna Hunkin

Address: 262 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
Rating:

First drinks: Took some time to decide on as the cocktail list is as extensive as it is enticing. We settled on a Ginger Fizz and a Spicy Lychee to begin with, both of which were delicious and delivered just what the label promised. A second round saw us venture further into the Orient, with a Snow Kiss (mint, lychee, vodka, bubbles) and Inner City Dragon (infused vodka, ginger, orange rind, chilli), both of which delivered another taste sensation.

The vibe is: See and be seen. It would be pretentious if they didn't have the goods to back it up - but they really do. From mouthwatering food and drinks to impeccable service, everything about this place is top notch.

It smells of: Lemongrass, ginger and all things exotic. Deliciousness.

On the stereo: Apart from the distant thud of a baseline, it's really impossible to tell. Instead, we were serenaded by the buzz of Thursday-night gossip and clinking glasses. Note: this isn't a bad thing. I would much rather not hear the music than be left shouting over a stereo that's been turned up loud enough to drown out drunken chatter.

Room for improvement: To be honest, we really can't fault it. Our hostess was charming, greeting us warmly while apologising for the fact we'd arrived during shift change and would be served by a variety of staff - all of whom were equally delightful. Despite arriving just as the dinner rush set in, there was no pressure to eat and we weren't made to feel we were taking up valuable table space (as so often happens in restaurant bars).

The perfect spot: To treat yourself, when you're after something a bit more special than a glass of house wine.

Most redeeming feature: The staff. They're friendly, efficient and have a cheeky twinkle in their eye.