Ascot
MondayClosed.
Tuesday4:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Wednesday4:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Thursday4:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Friday4:00 pm – 2:00 am.
Saturday4:00 pm – 2:00 am.
SundayClosed.
Just when you thought the stack of great hospitality businesses on the corner of Ghuznee and Cuba Streets couldn’t get any better, this hideaway bar taking pride of place on the top floor has just gone and proved us all wrong. Aiming to create lo fi wine-drinking environment, owner Cosmo Hawke instead makes sure the easy-going vibes at The Ascot (where music is loud and bartenders are smiley), makes everyone feel right at home.
Hotdogs and wine might seem like an unlikely combination to some, but at The Ascot, anything goes and no one’s going to judge you holding a glass of natural wine in one hand and a saucy dog in a bun in the other. Choose from either free-range pork dogs, or a vegan carrot dog, and pick a glass of something from the chalk board.
The all-natural wine list has consistently changing ‘glass pours’ meaning everything on the menu will be available by the glass at some point. The name (and original signage) comes from the Ascot Theatre in Newtown where Cosmo’s grandparents spent many of their working days selling hotdogs from a cart, so it seems only fair to reinvent their menu and bring it to modern Wellington. The outside decking is well protected from any wild Wellington weather, and come those rainy days we reckon being tucked up in this cosy spot with it’s floor - ceiling pane windows and candles burning is going to be a hard place to beat.
Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
2/55 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Nearby Places
Wellington Apothecary
Find a complete range of botanical tonics, teas and skincare, all handmade in small batches at this local apothecary.
Fidel's Café
Fidel's is a Cuba St institution and a go-to for those in search of great food, sharp service and good vibes in the heart of the city.
Similar Places
Tartines French Cafe
Tartines offers a small slice of French culinary delight, with handmade tarts, pastries, fresh bread and classic dishes that will have you mistaking Lower Hutt for Lyon.
Jean's
Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jeans, you can find plenty of life and character...
Graze Wine Bar
Wellington’s central city eateries are revered across the country, and for good reason.