The Corner Store, Mt Eden

Herald rating: * * * *

We arrive at: 9.15 on a cold, windy, rainy night.

Are served our first drinks: The minute we arrive. No need to pay now for our two Monteiths Pilseners, our friendly barman says he'll keep track for us.

The decor is ... stylish, and while it's not cosy, sitting at the bar or in the window is comfy. In the back room there's more of a lounge feel to it and if there weren't so many lights on that would be the place to get cosy.

... And the ambience: Like it's your local where people are friendly, but mind their own business. It's also got that drop in for a quick drink vibe making it ideal for after work.

The house chardonnay is: Lake Chalice at a reasonable $8.50 a glass. And if you're keen for something you haven't tried then our man seems more than happy to offer a tasting. Now that's service.

The beers on tap are: None. But who cares when there's a wide range of bottled beers to choose from.

It smells of: The fresh winter air outside, without the chill factor. It's refreshing to know there's not a stale beer smell in sniffing distance.

The music is: Irishman Paddy Casey, a singer songwriter who is far better than James Blunt just not as famous. We also find our barman is a fan of Queens of the Stone Age and the Kings of Leon, too.

The toilets are: Like they're cleaned every day. Although, because there's only one boys and one girls you might find yourself waiting in the hall on busy nights.

Why should you go: For the free garlic stuffed olives. Plus it's a great after work drink spot, a place to meet friends before moving on, and there's a room out back you can hire for a party.

Address: 25 Mt Eden Rd
Open: 4pm to late (Mon-Fri); 5pm until late (Sat-Sun)
Bottom Line: Pop in for a quick drink or stay the night