Suite Bar, Auckland

Nestled in Auckland’s Lower Hobson St is an underground oasis, home to some of New Zealand’s top bartenders.

The team behind Suite Bar say they like to showcase the best in high quality, local ingredients, mixed to perfection under the mastery of tenders Barney Toy, James Goggin, Kenny Ariaens, Margarita Vovna and Nick Seeherr. Together this team can mix up just about any concoction imaginable – simply describe what you feel like or simply what mood you’re in and they’ll know straight away what to create.

Specialising in the concept of “Provenance Purchasing”, Suite Bar is committed to keeping it fresh and seasonal. The team are always on the lookout for the new and unusual, from homemade jams and grenadine to a unique homemade Orgeat made by hand pressing and macerating almonds to perfection – a key ingredient in their famous STOLEN mixed rum sour. Made of STOLEN White, manuka honey, egg white, lime juice, and fig and cigar bitters (also homemade), this tantalising cocktail will more than tickle your taste buds with a velvety texture and subtle dryness.

Suite pushes the envelope to offer a variety of cocktails using all kinds of new and exciting flavours. With bartenders travelling across South America, Scandinavia and Asia to research new trends and exciting flavours, you can expect to enjoy some of the best drinks New Zealand has to offer.

Their STOLEN Capsicum Daiquiri is a true winner with the sweet spice of red capsicums and the mellow sweetness of STOLEN White. Suite Bar owner Dave Hawk has even worked to create a new range of “Cool As” in-house sodas, developed by bartenders for bartenders. Using local ingredients like lemons from Havelock North and New Zealand Horopito, these sodas are set to be the perfect mixer for any drink.

But don’t just take our word for it – Suite carries a full trophy case, including the Hospitality NZ award for best bar as well as previous NZ Bar awards for top drinks selection, best team and top bartender. Simply put, Suite is the perfect place to relax, listen to top local music and be served by bartenders with a genuine interest in delivering guests the very best. With quirky elements like moustaches printed on wine glasses and an eclectic range of glasses to serve up your cocktail, Suite offers visitors approachable sophistication where world class drinks are always guaranteed.