Bar review: Scarlett Slimms and Lucky, Mt Eden

Drinks and food at Scarlett Slimms and Lucky. Photo / Nicky Park

Address: 476 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden
Rating:

First drinks: were chosen from the quirky booklet menu, opening with a tale alluding to the name of the bar and broken into chapters. We picked a pint of Chomp ($8) on tap and a refreshing Tanqueray and tonic ($9) from the "Sleuth or dare" gin list. Both arrived fast - we were the only patrons on this sunny Saturday afternoon.

The vibe is: relaxed and gets busy as the Saturday night crowd begins to emerge in Mt Eden. During the arvo this spot snares some sun, a delight on a clear but chilly Auckland day. The table service from the young girl working during our visit was particularly lovely.

The toilets are: hip, modern and clean with a bright blue neon sign upon pushing open the door: "Of all the gin joints..." Guys and girls get one cubicle each, which could be an issue on a busy night. Handwash was Ashley & Co.

On the stereo: Some mawkish pop music that didn't appeal to us, but it was soft and inoffensive.

Room for improvement: We noticed quite a few critters buzzing around our table outside - we're told they've had a little bit of a fly issue. We were bugged by it - why are they still here in winter?

The perfect spot for: those who appreciate an extensive drinks list and a little bit of character.

Most redeeming feature: The delicious gastro-pub bar snacks - the hot and sour chicken wings were sticky, succulent and perfectly topped with kimchi. We could have had two bowls, but instead picked the wild venison sliders with stewed crab apple and a hint of lavender. We were happy.