Queenstown is now home to New Zealand's very first self-pour cocktail and beer wall, located at LyLo's rooftop bar.
Visitors to Queenstown have a new reason to raise a glass with LyLo’s rooftop bar, unveiling New Zealand’s first-ever self-pour cocktail and beer wall, redefining the way guests enjoy their drinks.
This innovative system gives guests complete control over what and when they drink. Simply tap your card, pour craft beers, ciders, or signature cocktails, and take in sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. It’s the ultimate brew with a view: no queues, no bartenders, no waiting.
“Innovation is in our DNA. We’re always looking for ways to make a difference and redefine what a stay at LyLo looks like. Our new rooftop kitchen leans into this alongside what we believe is New Zealand’s first accommodation self-pour wall,” said LyLo Managing Director Tim Alpe.
“Forget the traditional bar experience, this is the next generation of drinking - social, interactive and seriously good fun. We have been trialling the technology at LyLo Brisbane, and our customers are raving about the experience. Perfect for sundowners with new friends, guests can mix, match and taste to their heart’s content without waiting in line, and the best part is they can try before they buy.”
“On tap are our customers’ favourite drinks, including Heineken Silver, Export Gold, Monteith’s Golden Light, Monteith’s Apple Cider, Sled Dog Session Hazy, and Canyon Brewery’s Espresso Martini,” said LyLo Queenstown General Manager Hannah Mole.
“We’re all about helping travellers make their LyLo experience uniquely their own, and the self-pour wall is a great talking point that’s super interactive,” Mole added.
“Locals have been buzzing to try it, and guests can enjoy it while cooking in the communal kitchen, taking part in a cooking class, or relaxing after a day of adventure.”
The self-pour system is simple and responsible. Guests show ID to the LyLo bar manager, load their card, then tap and pour. When the balance runs low, they can top up and keep the good times flowing.
Guests can sip with confidence with built-in sobriety limits and oversight by a trained LCQ-certified bar manager, ensuring responsible service.
The new self-pour system also supports LyLo’s sustainability goals, replacing hundreds of individual glass bottles with reusable kegs and precision-pour technology to significantly cut down on glass waste, overpouring, and product loss. Each ounce is tracked and paid for, reducing wastage and ensuring almost 100 percent keg yield. The system uses energy-efficient cooling and dispensing technology to minimise foam and excess waste, a great example of LyLo’s commitment to creating experiences that tread lighter on the planet.
After a big day exploring Queenstown, guests can relax at The Rooftop and enjoy trivia nights, bingo, Paint & Sip sessions, board games, and free WiFi, all with unbeatable mountain views. The new-look communal kitchen and bar, designed by Jonathan Goss at Ellegard Goss, combines style and convenience with snack and frozen-meal vending options alongside a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
Alpe said there are already plans to roll out the self-pour concept to other LyLo properties across New Zealand and Australia in the near future.
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