A rather unexpected find in the artisan suburb of Grey Lynn, Freida Margolis is a fine establishment full of colour and character with a penchant for the drink.

She stocks a decent selection of craft beers from around New Zealand constantly adding to her repertoire, and the wine flows thick and heavy too with reasonably priced Bordeaux and Spanish/ South American merlots.

For what is a rather confined drinking area, Margolis is continually able to accommodate more people and it only adds to the ecstasy that flows about the room on a Friday or Saturday night. With all those ethnicities and personalities syncing together as the music plays, it’s only a matter of time before innocent conversation spills over into friendly revelry. Imagine wining and dining with extended family who you haven’t seen in years. You’re now part of the crowd.

From time to time Margolis’ have a three piece band or a soulful singer contributing rhythmic notes from the corner – most of which hail from weird and wonderful places around the globe. It’s always surprising and more importantly, entertaining to watch a live performance here.