Cafe review Ruby Macandrew
Hawthorn Lounge
We’d heard... The Wellington central stalwart, which is home to a frequently-changing drinks menu, is the perfect place for a winter warm-up.
The vibe... When we arrived, bang on 5pm, a line of people were already outside waiting for the intimate, speakeasy-style bar to open.
We ordered... Cocktails, of course! Beginning with the Viaje de la Pina ($19), a punchy blend of syrupy-sweet sherry, white cachaca, pineapple, lime, agave, salt, and hellfire shrub bitters. While not the most attractive drink colour-wise, it went down a treat, with just enough bite from the spicy bitters. My drinking companion opted for an Old Fashioned made with Chivas whisky ($19) and a homemade ginger tincture. The drink, which was served short with a crystallised ginger garnish, was warming and sweet – the perfect antidote to minor winter chills.
We smartly interrupted our cocktail-swilling to grab a bite, in the form of an impressive cheeseboard ($16 for one, $27 for two), made up of a mature, crumbly cheddar, a perfectly-ripe brie and Kapiti’s Kikorangi blue cheese. The three kinds of cheese were accompanied by a selection of crackers, marmalade, and a berry coulis; the latter providing much-needed tartness to break up the creaminess of the cheeses.
For round two of drinks. I opted for a classic gin and tonic, tall and with Beefeater gin ($13.50), while my companion asked for a surprise from the very knowledgeable bartender. She was delivered something called the Mother of Kings, part of an upcoming new menu, which is a softer take on the Negroni.
The service… Second-to-none.
If you go… Be prompt if you’re heading there after work! It fills up very quickly. Also, if you’re overwhelmed by the menu, talk to the staff and they’ll whip you up something delicious.