Dux Central

If bars could be left or right-handed, Dux Central would be ambidextrous. Inside, there’s The Brew Bar stocking over 220 craft beers; a deluxe gin bar set against an emerald green interior; a 1920s speakeasy cocktail lounge hidden away next door and an upstairs event space complete with a sun-drenched balcony and all the facilities needed to host private functions. There’s nothing this place can’t be.

Brought to life in September 2015 by Dux Group, the high-end bar is the closest replica of the company's pre-quake institution, Dux de Lux. And just like its predecessor, nowadays you’ll hear the phrase ‘Meet you at the Dux’ uttered from a mishmash of characters all over town, be they looking for an after work bevy, a foolproof first date location or somewhere to celebrate the big 2-1 or 9-0. A full schedule of DJs, live bands and open mic evenings adds another thick layer of entertainment to days and nights spent at The Dux.

In keeping with their ‘something for everyone’ theme, the food here is all-encompassing and embraces every palette. Whether you like your meat with a side of meat, can’t handle the gluten or prefer your pizza on the vegan side, nothing is too much to ask. However, if nothing stands in the way of you eating it all, we suggest digging into an all-time favourite: a steamed bowl of Mills Bay Mussels to share.

And when it comes to choosing your tipple for the night? Once again, anything goes. Peruse the limitless list of craft beers (including Dux’s very own brews) at The Brew Bar or find your perfect drop of local or international gin inside The Emerald Room Gin Bar. As long as you’ve got at least 18 years to your name (and are a nice person) Dux Central has a barstool and a glass with your name on it.