Bunker

Address: Cow Lane, Queenstown and Arrowtown, New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0)3441 8030
Website: view Bunker’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Cocktail bar
Food: Bar Snacks

Review

Located down a back alley in a rustic wooden building, Bunker has occupied a former run-down one-room apartment since 1997. Don't be alarmed by the queues of people going into the neighbouring clubs - climb the outdoor steps and it's suddenly surprisingly private and clearly attracts a discerning crowd. The terrace is bedecked with twinkly lights and a firepit, and the bar itself is small and dark, with a low ceiling and candlelight and a log fire in winter helping create atmosphere.

There's a small curvy L-shaped bar at one end and leather sofas at the other, while James Bond posters are spotlit on the wall. The menu itself looks a bit manky but the contents are good: a selection of Martinis, classic cocktails, a smaller selection of contemporary cocktails and a handful of novelty 'dessert' cocktails, all made with a good selection of premium spirits. A small cigar humidor is inlaid in one wall, good for taking out on to the terrace with a cognac to smoke under the stars.