CURIO

CURIO cocktail bar (formerly Little Culprit) has had a full change of character. Now, this Queen Street cocktail and wine lounge is home to the strange, nostalgic and slightly uncanny.

Run by the same team, but with a fresh drinks list and countless curious things to look at: think antique oddities, cult film references and Kiwiana nostalgia. Sit for a while and you’ll start to notice the details, from vintage Gremlins trading cards, beautifully dried florals (courtesy of nearby Greenpoint Florist) and all sorts of fascinating pieces collected from auctions, local vintage stores and the team’s own personal collections. The result is busy in the best way, with enough going on to spot something new every visit.

The drinks list is just as specific. They’ve built a cocktail menu full of unusual combinations that make sense once you sip them. Special mention to the Gremlin (hi-ball with tequila, suze, whole mandarin and thyme), Kevin Nashi (martini with feijoa gin and pear) and the Oddball (made with mezcal, fino sherry, miso-cured pineapple and wakame).

Or, if you’d rather leave things to fate, try ordering their mystery drink ‘from the boot’.

Wine, beer and low-to-no alcohol options are available too, including de-alcoholised cocktails made with Project Hydrosol distillates. Before 9pm, there’s food coming in from the neighbouring Culprit kitchen: think oysters, potato wafers with roast onion dip, fried chicken, tostadas, crinkle fries with truffle and cheese or a full kaimoana platter if you’re making a proper evening of it.

Walk in for a drink, stay longer than planned. It’s easy to do.