WellingtonEat & Drink
The interior The Library, a cocktail bar in Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington. There are two groups of patrons drinking. The booths are red velvet and the walls are lined with books.

The Library

  • Location

    53 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington

  • Website

    The Library

With book-lined shelves, plenty of cosy nooks, live music, and a comprehensive cocktail menu, you’ll wish all libraries could be like this.

Calling all introverts, do we have the bar for you (keep reading extroverts, you’ll like it, too.) Step out of the bright lights and fast pace of Courtenay Place, ascend the flight of stairs, push open the door to The Library and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cosy new world.

The bar is comprised of intimate booths and cosy nooks, surrounded by shelves lined with books (we’re talking real, actual books). Oozing warmth and old-world charm, the bar is dimly lit by table lamps and vintage framed prints adorn the walls.

Dapperly-attired staff greet you at the door. Brought your book along to read while you sip a negroni? No problem. A date for dessert and cocktails? Right this way. Got a crew together for late-night cocktails? They’ve got just the spot for you.

Three people sit at a table enjoying drinks at The Library, a cocktail bar in Te Aro, Wellington.

The Library opened in 2009 and has built a reputation for its cocktails and decadent desserts. Award-winning mixologist, Peter Lowry has been with The Library from the beginning and has become a well-known face for Wellingtonians.

Why a library-themed bar? Peter says that it provides constant inspiration, as well as giving an excuse to have books everywhere. “It suits Wellington as Wellingtonians are a little bit geeky and the idea of fun, frivolous cocktails that are inspired by your favourite book about zombies really appeals to them.”

Peter says that his favourite cocktail to make is the one that you’re going to enjoy the most. The Library staff love to talk to their customers to find out what they like and make a bespoke drink that will be just the thing you didn’t know you felt like.

With regular live music, cocktail and dessert specials, and even a claw foot bath hidden around a corner, you’re about to discover your new favourite library.

A waiter inside The Library pouring cinnamon on a cokctail and lighting it with a torch lighter.

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