Monkfish

A cosy refillery and off-licence that’s strictly about good vibes, Monkfish is your Vivian Street stop for your beer, wine, and spirits needs.

It’s a small space, but one that packs plenty of character. The palettes splashed across the interior walls are at once contrasting but harmonious, with the cool navy that dominates the shop complementing the psychedelic orange swirls of the rear wall. A beautiful rimu counter takes centre stage, tying it all together gracefully while acting as a hub of good conversation.

Friendly chat is certainly at the cornerstone of Monkfish. Self-described as a “laid-back bottle shop” with a “small bar atmosphere”, the team are always happy for customers to pull up a seat and have a taste of what’s on tap. 

Monkfish specialises in stocking fresh beer and cider directly from smaller brewers across Aotearoa, with guaranteed cold storage. That’s a key point of difference - the shop works directly with breweries to make sure stock is cold stored on arrival, ensuring the beer you get is presented in the best possible condition. Wine aficionados will also find plenty to peruse here, thanks to an ever-rotating wine list compiled from independent distributors.

The different fridges set up around the shop are designed to be fun to explore. Look for the ‘party fridge’ with mixed packs, easy drinking lagers, multi packs of Pals, and more. The centre fridge allows you to mix your own six-pack from a range of over 40 styles of beer and cider, while the end fridge is reserved for the really new and interesting, such as sharing bottles of mixed fermentation or barrel-aged beer and natural wine.  

And if you’ve forgotten to bring your own vessel to fill, you can simply rent a glass flagon from Monkfish for a truly unique experience. It’s the small touches like these that make Monkfish a place worth stopping by for your next batch of beverages.