Herald rating ****
Address: 246 Queen St (upstairs in the mall)
Phone: (09) 368 1755
Open: Mon-Sat, 3pm til late
KEY POINTS:
We arrived at: 7pm on Thursday, just in time for the jazz band, according to the sign. A man in a dapper suit and hat was manning the entrance so we knew we were in the right place. Two guys were at the bar in deep conversation with the barman, which is always a good sign. We're told there's a party on later but are made to feel more than welcome.
Are served our first drinks: By Mr Chatty. He didn't have a wine list but promised to bring back a merlot we'd like. This turned out to be the Villa Maria, at $8 a glass. We did like. He gets a gold star.
The decor is ... Striking yet relaxed. It's essentially a live music venue geared towards the stage. You can pick your seating, whether it's black leather couches, white iron tables and chairs or a simple dinner setting. There's also, bizarrely, a tree with flashing blue fairy lights in the middle of the room. As garish as that sounds, it's one classy establishment, adorned by portraits of music legends and vintage jazz paraphernalia.
... and the ambience: Comical. The barman says the jazz won't start until 9pm but the percussionist isn't having it. Despite the tiny audience, he announces his band is running late and that he's going to play along to a recording without them. He gets a gold star too.
The house chardonnay is: Different each week but considering the owner set up the upmarket Dida's Wine Bar and compiled the wine list at Mollies in Herne Bay, it's guaranteed to be good. Wines start at $6 a glass.
The beers on tap are: Non-existent. It's all bottled beer.
The music is: Solo man on bongos, embellishing jazz track while smiling smugly.
It smells: Of many fun nights ahead.
The toilets are: Spacious and clean, and without wanting to sound like I'm about to move in, homely. Something to do with the plant, possibly.
Why you should go: Because Ponsonby's Alhambra is no longer and there's really nothing like live jazz on a chilly night to warm the soul. Even if it's a one-man band. Thursday is jazz, Friday blues, and there's an open stage 4pm-8pm Saturdays for budding musos or comedians.
Bottom line: If you want live music, good conversation and a big sparkly tree, this is the place for you.
