Tiger Baby Bar

Tucked away off Lichfield Street in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre you’ll find one of the gems of Ōtautahi’s bar scene, Tiger Baby. Paying homage to the culture, colours and flavours of South India, the vibes here marry cosy and tropical with ease. Entering Tiger Baby is a reprieve from your everyday life and you are instantly transported to another time and place entirely. 

The decor and design of Tiger Baby are on point, making the most of its petite floorplan and cleverly chosen pendant lighting creates a warm ambience. Exposed brick walls are juxtaposed with vibrant wallpaper and plenty of plant life, while the polished concrete bar is itself a statement piece. So too is the glassware collection behind the bar, with a unique range of coupes, goblets and highballs adding to the overall aesthetic. The pièce de résistance is a bright pink wall alongside the bar complete with Tamil signwriting, a nod to Tiger Baby’s South Indian influence.

Owners Monica and Jay are no strangers to the Christchurch hospitality scene; between them, they have over 30 years of experience in the industry, evident in all the small and big details at Tiger Baby. Jay originally hails from Chennai in Southern India and is responsible for the authentic bites and delights on the food menu. While Monica manages all things cocktails, wine and whiskey, having spent many hours perfecting each of the signature cocktails on the list.

These signature cocktails are in a league of their own, all featuring flavours you will be familiar with but with a twist and drawing inspiration from South Indian ingredients. Featuring homemade syrups and garnishes that have been thoughtfully chosen, you may even be served a side of fairy floss depending on your chosen cocktail. If you want to broaden your whiskey horizon, there are several Indian whiskeys to try or if you’re a wine drinker through and through, peruse the blackboard where there’s always a wide range of choices.  

Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner drink or somewhere to keep the night going, Tiger Baby fulfils the brief of many an evening out. It’s tropical paradise escapism at its finest.