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
Kowtow
Kowtow inspires shoppers to think a little more before handing over their credit card.
Bats Theatre
Needing no introduction, BATS Theatre is one of Wellington’s cultural institutions.
Sustainability Trust
An organisation with a big heart, working for a greener city and a fairer community.
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
Bellbird Eatery
Museum and art gallery cafes have really upped their game in recent years, evolving from simple refreshment pit stops to become attractions in their own right.
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.
La Bella Italia
Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.
50-50
Located in the heart of the township of Paraparaumu Beach on Kāpiti Coast, 50-50 is a destination restaurant that offers a dining experience not to be missed.
Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown
Chasing the sun: Where to Dine Al Fresco in Wellington
