the wellingtonista

Mystery tiki

Submitted by The Masked Barfly on Sun, 2008-10-12 10:27.

The Craftsman didn't take long to identify: not surprising given its prominent position. Here's another quick one, which should also be pretty obvious.

Tiki!The Watusi pretty much counts as Wellington's first Tiki Bar, but this place has a few touches of tikitude as well. There's this little guy, of course, and the animal print cushion helps. It has a smattering of tiki masks and ukuleles, an outdoor area with lush foliage and torches, and most importantly, a drinks list titled "Tiki Cocktails". Heaven! Or is it?

On the downside for tikiphiles, it's really more of a café than a bar. It has counter food (as well as a full menu), takeaway coffee and disturbing signs of a (shudder) child-friendly attitude. The décor tends more towards Kiwiana bach nostalgia than Trader Vic exotica, and the music is more Beach Boys than Martin Denny. I also couldn't vouch for the authenticity of their Mai Tais and Fog Cutters, and what's this? No Zombie?!

Never mind: it's only tiki purists who would be put off by that. Sun, cocktails, food and a surprisingly good beer list: there's a lot to like here, and it's one more reason to look forward to summer.

Tiki cafe

Hadyn's picture

it's only tiki purists who would be put off by that

Yeah but where's the fun? By genericising* it you make it boring.

Do they at least serve pineapple for breakfast?

*totally a word

It's not Beach Babylon is it?

Yes, yes it is. Well spotted!

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