Hummingbird

Occupying a prominent corner spot on Courtenay Place, there’s something magnetic about Hummingbird, a perennial energy that hums beneath the surface, pulling you into its rich, revitalised glow. A fixture in Wellington hospitality since the turn of the millennium, Hummingbird has had its trials and tribulations but has managed to evolve with the times while fiercely holding onto its soul.

The fitout is moody in a quintessentially Wellington way: deep green tiled bar, low lighting, and a layout that flows between the reimagined main space and a seductive lounge that occupies the old Betty’s bar. Explosions of floral patterns contrast with smooth lacquered finishes, making for an interior that’s adventurous without being chaotic. There’s something cinematic about it all, part classic supper club, part modern bolthole, especially when the live jazz begins to stir in the lounge.

The menu is generous, with something for everyone and every occasion. From the theatre of the open kitchen come delights such as the 12-hour braised lamb shoulder, served with a bright salsa verde and rich lamb jus. A seasonally changing raw fish dish keeps things fresh, served, for instance, with wakame, pickled grape, creme fraiche, and olive oil. Finish with the sticky date pudding served with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream, and if you’re staying for another round, take things up a notch with the Spicy Mandarin Margarita.

More than a bar and more than a restaurant, Hummingbird is a comeback story written in deep tones and with bold flavour. It’s a statement of intent for Courtenay Place, proof that history, when respected and handled well, can still feel electric.