Herald rating ****
Address: 455 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
Phone: (09) 361 6970
Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 3pm-11.30pm
KEY POINTS:
I arrive at: 7.30pm on Easter Thursday and the place is humming. There are so many people here celebrating the start of the long weekend that I have to do two circuits to ascertain my group of friends are late. I miraculously manage to nab a corner table by pouncing on its occupants before they've even got to their feet, and manage to secure it until my co-drinkers arrive - not an easy task.
Are served our first drinks: By a friendly bar girl, who is definitely up against it tonight. She is polite and efficient.
The decor is ... Fabulous. The walls are distressed wooden panels, the ceiling has an antique mosaic pattern, and the lights (and wall lightboxes) are low. A separate, airless room is out the back which is not as appealing as the main part, though it does have a fantastic centrepiece on the back wall - an incredible artwork of the Pink and White Terraces. Many influences are at work here - a touch of art nouveau, a hint of nostalgic Edwardian England, and a nod to France and the Middle East. The colours are busy but relaxing.
... and the ambience: It's definitely party time here tonight - the place is full to the brim and the eclectic crowd of 30-40something Grey Lynners look like they're in for the long haul. The tables out front are jam-packed on this slightly chilly autumn evening.
The house chardonnay is: Momo, $8.
The beers on tap are: None, but you don't really come here to drink beer.
It smells: Of Mediterranean food. The bar snacks look and smell great.
The music is: Low, but every now and again a hint of reggae or dub comes floating through the general chatter. I can pick out Salmonella Dub and the Black Seeds.
The toilets are: Decked out with the same antique European vibe - very roomy and clean.
Why you should go: The GTR is a lively wee drinking hole with a great aesthetic and vibe. And sometimes it's nice to go out in the suburbs.
Bottom line: One of the few places you can experience Grey Lynn boho chic in full flight.
