Blue Door Bar

Who would’ve thought an old, weathered doorway sporting peeling blue paint could cause such a stir? Arrowtown's Blue Door Bar is a hidden speakeasy-style bar, cherished by locals and drawing in curious visitors who’ve caught wind of its legendary existence.

Tucked down a quaint alleyway, just across from its relatives Aosta and Little Aosta, this hole-in-the-wall had humble beginnings as a cold storage space in the late 1800s, with thick stone walls keeping produce chilled year-round. In the 1990s, the floor was excavated and, with people now able to stand up inside, the idea of a hush-hush establishment was born.

While there’s a delightful courtyard for warmer days, we reckon the real magic unfolds inside. Original stone walls and floors, repurposed timber furniture, wooden beams and an open fireplace come together to create snug nooks to kickstart or wind down your evening.

Behind the bar, the energetic bartenders are in their element, popping corks, cracking cans and shaking spirits. There’s an extensive list of local wine, craft beer, single malt whiskeys and impeccable cocktails at the ready, including mulled wine and warming concoctions when the winter sets in. And if hunger strikes, there’s no need to rush away. Share a selection of small plates or order something from Little Aosta’s menu (the sourdough pizza always does it for us).

But the allure doesn’t end there – after all, what’s a good whiskey sour without some good tunes? Across the week, a range of local and international artists turn the tiny room into an intimate live music venue, with a few DJs included in the mix. Despite its capacity for around 30 people, the lively atmosphere often spills out onto the laneway, offering more space to soak up the vibe.

‘Secret bars’ that aren’t so secret tend to lose their charm pretty quickly. That’s not the case with The Blue Door Bar, which remains one of the neatest spots in Arrowtown to sip something special surrounded by great company. Make sure you squeeze your hand into the cracks in the walls – you may just stumble upon little notes of wisdom (or nonsense) left by previous guests.