CGR Merchant & Co
MondayClosed.
TuesdayClosed.
Wednesday5:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Thursday5:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Friday5:00 pm – 2:00 am.
Saturday5:00 pm – 2:00 am.
SundayClosed.
Look for an unassuming red door in the heart of Courtenay Place in Wellington and you’ll be whisked away to one of the city’s best cocktail lounges.
CGR Merchant & Co is a hidden oasis tucked away upstairs, drawing crowds of cocktail, gin and rum lovers in the know. An innovative, experimental playground with a relaxed, upbeat vibe, everyone is welcome to settle in and enjoy one of the truly unique concoctions on offer.
The intricately designed fitout of the space provides the perfect atmosphere in which to let your imaginations run wild, with the theme of the place clearly inspired by the early spice trade. Soft brown tones dominate, from the rustic floorboards to the polished tables and stools. Burlap sacks practically spill through the rafters, leaving space only for some foliage to peek through. Perhaps most dominating is the array of shelves behind the bar, showcasing a formidable arsenal of bottles and jars.
Gin and rum infusions are what CGR Merchant & Co is all about, and you’ll find plenty of that here, so take your time navigating the menu. Every drink is carefully crafted to be a winner, but the salted caramel rum is by far the signature cocktail.
With its unique space hidden away in one of the busiest pockets of town, CGR Merchant & Co offers a quiet haven for anyone to slip away and immerse themselves in a truly artisan cocktail.
Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
44 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro, Wellington
Nearby Places
Squirrel
Nestled near the corner of popular Blair Street, Squirrel offers a warm and inviting haven complemented by a menu that showcases the best of Wellington’s producers and suppliers.
Los Banditos
Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.
Enjoy Contemporary Art Space
With a regularly rotating schedule of work on display in Enjoy's two separate exhibition spaces, you will always find something new and exciting to draw you in.
Moore Wilson's Tory Street
If you’re into food there’s no doubt you’ll be into Moore Wilson's.
Similar Places
La Bella Italia
Discover Lower Hutt's very own Little Italy down an unassuming side street in Petone.
Glou Glou
Located inside Wellington’s iconic Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket casual cafe that is ultra sleek yet laid-back enough to warrant a daily...
Charley Noble
A favourite spot for nearby business people, don't be surprised to see Charley Noble buzzing with guests even early in the week right through from breakfast till dinnertime.
Havana Coffee Works
This cozy, retro café on Tory Street moves through to an open-air, garage-style roastery.
How to Spend a Day in Petone, Lower Hutt
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Wellington Harbour, Pito-one, or Petone, is a suburb of Lower Hutt offering a well-blended happy mix of old-world charm and modern-day sophistication. Its seaside location adds to its natural allure and its historic main street exudes a charm that is often hard to come by in small towns — or, in this case, suburbs.
The Class of '25: Wellington's Best Openings
