Hidden bars of Wellington (and how to find them)
Up a flight of winding stairs or down a laneway, these are Wellington’s best-kept secret bars.
At Lulu, food, music, and design come together for a memorable experience. Inspired by South Pacific flavours and design, the bar and eatery encourages visitors to settle, share plates, and soak up the atmosphere. The menu is bold and fresh, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and thoughtful combinations.
“We created Lulu to be a welcoming and fun space — it’s more than just a restaurant, more than just a bar,” says owner-operator, Mat Lear. The food is an ode to the flavours and cooking techniques of the South Pacific, so there are some special finds on the menu. Matt always recommends guests try the Ika Mata. “It’s a raw fish salad from the Cook Islands. We serve ours with prawn crackers. They make a really nice vessel for the fish and give a great crunchy texture to the dish.”
When it comes to drinks, the crowd favourite is Lulu’s Spiced Piña Colada. To make their syrup, they rub fresh pineapple with a spice blend and roast it over charcoal. “The extra care is worth it, and the result is a Piña Colada with a depth of flavour as you’ve never had before.”
The design aesthetic, created by co-owner Tracey Lear, is sophisticated but fun. Plants hang from the rafters, and the bar is lit with iridescent purple and green light. “We wanted to create a tropical feel without it becoming a cliché tiki bar. Lots of natural timber, warm lighting and interesting textures.”
Lulu’s laid-back feel complements its lively programme of music and events. Regular live performances and DJ-led sessions shape the energy of the space. “We have always been big supporters of live music. We run some form of live music every Friday and Saturday night. We also have an amazing partnership with Shan from Aotearoa DJ Academy, who runs open deck sessions.”
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