Best bars 2018

1947 EATERY

60 Federal St, central city

We’re partial to the food at this moody midtown Indian joint, but slipping in for pre-show drinks and snacks on the comfy brown couches in the bar appeals, too. Cocktail whizz Sahil Patel spends up to five hours prepping syrups, garnishes and infusions for his drinks each day. Try a gin and tonic made using barrel-aged, tea-infused gins matched with complimentary tonic waters.

Go for—a bespoke cocktail, and a plate of curry-covered fries.

ACHO’S

St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Rd, K’ Rd Precinct

Grab a spot at one of Acho’s high tables and watch the world go by over jugs of Orion and top-notch Japanese bar snacks. There’s a good selection of sake, shochu and plum wine, and if you’re in the mood for exploring, ask to see the whisky list — you’ll be handed a mysterious-looking little book filled with page after page of Japanese whiskies, priced from $10 to $100-plus per glass, each with quirky tasting notes.

Go for—K’ Rd-meets-Tokyo vibes.

ALIBI BREWER’S LOUNGE

70-72 Onetangi Rd, Waiheke Island

Hidden beneath Tantalus winery, the vaulted brick ceiling and cool leather booths at this working brewery provide a welcome respite from the scorching sun outside. The handful of seasonal beers made here are as fresh as it gets and the food is made to match them, with pretzel bites, buffalo wings and a cracking Reuben sandwich on house-made rye bread. There are well-crafted cocktails, Tantalus wines and a takeaway window to grab a pack of cans and head to the beach.

Go for—a tasting paddle with vineyard views.

ANNABEL’S

277 Ponsonby Rd, Three Lamps, Ponsonby

It’s timely that Annabel’s opens at 3pm, when the circular booth at the front of the bar is drenched in afternoon sun and begging for some pals to catch up over a drink and a few plates of top-quality meat and cheese. The wine and beer list is succinct, but we come mostly for a negroni or a spritz. The sexy, deep-blue banquettes and tables for two make this the perfect spot for rubbing knees with a lover or sharing whispers with your bestie.

Go for—a negroni and a round of meat and cheese, or two.

APÉRO

280 Karangahape Rd, K’ Rd Precinct

Four years on from opening, Apéro is more bustling than ever. Leslie Hottiaux and Mo Koski can no longer operate their hole-in-the-wall wine bar alone, but it still feels homely and intimate, thanks to its attentive, laid-back and charming staff. With an evolving and adventurous list, a drink here is a lesson in good wine, one that is