Regent

Regent is a bar that does it all. Described as a ‘cocktail pub’, it offers top-quality cocktails, pints, and snacks in a welcoming and relaxed environment. 

“We wanted it to feel relaxed, like a pub,” says Regent’s venue manager Jack Driver. “You can just come and have a pint, or a well-made modern cocktail.” The food menu reflects this approach. Snack on classic British pub fare like scampi fries, brezels (soft bread pretzels), and pork scratchings. 

Regent is one of the few Wellington establishments with its own Guinness tap. They’re highly regulated in New Zealand, and not many bars get one. Jack says they had to prove that they knew what they were doing. “Everything needs to be looked after properly — the temperature, the glassware — to make sure the Guinness pours perfectly each time. There’s an art to it.”

Regent offers all the classic cocktails, plus a few the team has come up with themselves. A must-try is the freezer martini. Martinis are best served as cold as possible, and Regent’s comes at an impressive negative 15 degrees. The staff pre-batch the gin and vermouth, keep it seriously cold, and serve it in a glass straight from the freezer. It will give you goosebumps in the best way. 

Regent is a little hard to find but well worth a visit. The entrance is through an unassuming door on Ghuznee Street and up a flight of stairs. Inside you’ll find a bright, open space. There’s red and blue decor to match the 1960s ‘Regent’ petrol pump light that takes centre stage behind the bar. The L-shaped balcony looks out over Cuba and Ghuznee Streets. On fine days it’s a sun trap, and perfect for people watching or star-gazing in the evening. From the record player you’ll likely hear funk and soul, Motown, or even some disco. It’s a little bit of everything.