A taste of ...
Foxglove Bar & Kitchen
33 Queens Wharf.
We’d heard… The waterfront establishment’s three bars would have something to wet our whistle on a rare, fine day in Wellington.
We ordered… Pints of Panhead’s Supercharger APA ($12), followed by an Aperol spritz ($14) and, eventually, a negroni ($14). The classic cocktails were well-executed, and we were soon in the mood for some snacks. We ordered polenta crusted squid with wasabi mayo ($15), fish tacos ($15) and pumpkin and feta wontons with chilli sambal and sage oil ($12). The squid suffered from the sogginess to which calamari is prone, and the mayo was more mustardy than wasabiinfused. The fish tacos were overpriced - we received two and there was no option to increase the portions (we asked). They were also woefully underdressed fish with a few spoonfuls of tomato salsa that didn’t appear to be freshly made, and some fronds of watercress. The wontons’ chili sambal was in fact a tomato relish. It was spicy, sweet, and delicious with the reasonably crispy, well-seasoned wontons. We wouldn’t evangelise about the bar food, but it was enjoyable enough to pick over while we sipped our drinks outside.
The service… The staff were friendly and earned their keep we ordered at the bar but didn’t have to hang around for our beverages. It’s always slightly offputting being called ‘‘ma’am’’ by someone who is your age - you could say these guys were polite to a fault.
The vibe… Foxglove is a super cool space - its two storeys are divided into dining areas and cosy nooks indoors, with sunsoaked seating overlooking Wellington harbour on the balcony outside. The theme wasn’t overdone - it has a whimsical, almost seaside bach-y vibe - if your bach was a sprawling weatherboard homestead. There’s plenty of seats - it’s a great place to head with a large group.
If you go… Make sure to check out Foxtail - the little cocktail bar located through a wardrobe that boasts experimental libations alongside some of the finest whiskey in Wellington.
Rating out of 5: 3 – Britt Mann