Sky Bar

Sky bar is set above a good liquor store in the heart of Queenstown. You climb some steep steps to enter a slick and elegant bar room with leather seating and a contemporary blazing fireplace. You might have expectations of a roof-top bar, open to the stars, but this place is actually so-called because of a ceiling painted with clouds and blue sky - though there is a balcony.

The sky theme continues through an association with flying and in-flight service, with the fridges labeled for 'First Class' service and cocktails listed under 'Business Class' for house spirits or 'Upgrades' to premium spirits, which are made to a DJ soundtrack that mixes acid jazz and cheesy rock. The bartenders are quick and clean, knocking out top quality drinks but at the speed required of a big city venue. The cocktails start at around NZ$12, a good list of house creations and classics - we stuck to Sazeracs, Manhattans and whisky sours, all of which were flawless. The back-bar was one of the better ones we encountered on our visit to Queenstown.