Vibe
Distressed brick walls, an effortlessly long bar, and great music from vintage soul to Band of Horses. Golden Dawn offers a great alternative to the bland tunes in other bars along Ponsonby Rd. Note that the real entrance is the side door around on Williamson Ave.

Service
Welcoming, unpretentious and knowledgeable. When was the last time you had an in-depth conversation with bar staff about the joys of New Zealand microbreweries? Apparently Golden Dawn shares ownership with Wellington’s excellent Matterhorn and Mighty Mighty. It shows.

What’s on Tap?
Aaaah, Hallertau. No longer do you need to trek out to Riverhead for West Auckland’s best craft beers. Zingy cider and a great selection of other bottled beers – Moa, Tuatara, Emersons – make it Ponsonby’s hoppy heaven for beer lovers. A great winelist and a terrific spins on old school cocktails – try the Floridita with Havana Club, sweet vermouth, chocolate liqueur, lime, and grenadine. Cuba’s never seemed so close.

Feeling peckish?
Simple European and Middle-Eastern inspired bar snacks served up in porringers, small metal bowls.

The Bottom Line
A terrific antidote to more than a few generic bars along Ponsonby Rd, Golden Dawn has got real charm and individuality. How come it’s taken a few Wellingtonians to show Aucklanders how it should be done?

A Reason to Return
Apart from the essential Pale Ale thrills of Hallertau’s Statesman? Golden Dawn spills out into a great outdoor area with funky old tables and more distressed bricks – an essential late afternoon destination as we head into summer.

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