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 Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Nearby Places
Egmont Street Eatery
Leeds Street may be leading Wellington's hidden heritage revival, but brick-lined Egmont might be in line to carve a niche for itself, if this elegant eatery is anything to go by.
Indian Alley
Just a short stroll from Oriental Bay in Wellington, Indian Alley is a classy little restaurant that offers something new and exciting to even the most seasoned enthusiasts...
Smack Bang
A real eye for detail and a love of interiors mean Smack Bang is nothing short of stunning.
K C Café & Takeaway
An unassuming takeaway in the eyes of the casual visitor to Wellington, KC Cafe is so ingrained in the culinary history of the capital that it may as well have heritage status.
Similar Places
The Dutch Shop
The Dutch Shop is a perennial favourite among Petone locals and visitors alike - particularly for those with a penchant for cheese.
Heyday
A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.
August Eatery
August conjures many things in the minds of Wellingtonians: the last throes of a bitingly cold winter, the promise of warmer days ahead, the prospect of the country’s...
Keihei Chicken
A bright, bold splash of yellow on Fergusson Drive, Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this otherwise grey corner of Upper Hutt.
Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown
The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food & Drink Heroes of Kāpiti Coast
