With a menu designed around beer and live entertainment, a new pop-up in Auckland’s Viaduct looks set to take off this winter. Perched on the water’s edge, The Nightingale is one of several new openings in the harbourside area.
Serving up a large selection of craft and international brews including nine on tap, there’s also a wine selection that’s concise but considered and a list of cocktails to match. Designed with beer in mind, the menu is gourmet comfort food and comes with suggested beer pairings to go with each dish.
Shared platters include a charcuterie platter of salami copa, prosciutto, spiced chorizo, venison bresaola, mortadella, preserved vegetables and apple mostarda grilled sourdough. There are lighter options on the menu too like crayfish with soy glaze, wasabi aioli and sweet chilli.
Open day and night, it’s in the evenings and weekends that Nightingale really sings as a live entertainment venue. With a dedicated stage in the main bar area, head along on Fridays or Saturdays for a refreshingly broad line-up. Flowers and greenery adorns walls and counter tops, vintage Tiffany lights line the outside verandah, and birds feature on a wall mural by street artist D-Side.
Having operated Cassette Number Nine in Auckland’s Vulcan Lane and Queenstown’s World Bar, Tardis and now Tanoshi, new owners John Hennessy and Matty Yates are well placed to run this new venture. With the opportunity to open for six months over the winter period, their aim is bring something fresh, intriguing and spontaneous to the Viaduct. “We’re about good craft beer and food, welcoming service, and a broad line-up of acts, bands and DJs for all types of ears.”
