Snug Lounge

Sometimes things aren’t quite as they seem, and that couldn’t be truer of Snug Lounge in New Plymouth’s West End Precinct. From the exterior, it gives the impression of a traditional Kiwi pub, but pull the door back and be pleasantly surprised to find a bustling yakitori restaurant serving killer cocktails and playing pumping beats. 

A Japanese inspired grill takes pride of place in the open kitchen, a remarkably small area when you see the depth of the menu that boasts an assortment of Asian inspired dishes. Think sharing plates of steamed baos, yakitori skewers, tempura prawns and dumplings served on little ceramic dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in the heart of Tokyo.

Snug Lounge’s friendly staff will happily guide you through the menu identifying stand-out favourites and instant crowd-pleasers. We suggest saying a big fat konnichiwa to the karaage chicken with kewpie mayo, a totally winning combo. On the drinks side, it’s hard to move past the cocktails that regularly rotate – much to the delight of seasoned visitors - but if you want to get into the true spirit of things, opt for a sake. 

You can choose to relax in the plush dark red lounge room with its low-lighting, open fireplace and velvet seats that exude a moody and opulent vibe. Or, if the weather is fine, you can sit in the shared courtyard with Ms Whites and Itch Wine Bar nearby, where the energy is palpable.

Cocktails flow, plates come and go, but this place shows that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.