212 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby
Auckland,
(09) 360 0396
The ViewAuckland Review
Lolabar’s had a flash makeover since this slim space on Ponsonby Rd was formerly the Hula Bar or Gold. Luckily the renovations apparently included making the door frames a tad stronger.
That’s the only conclusion I can come to as there’s no visible damage when a couple of C4’s brightest and funniest youngish things crash sideways into it after a particularly long assignation somewhere else along Ponsonby Rd. They’re here after lunch, but we’ve popped in for a pre-dinner drink. What we do have in common is an eye for Lolabar’s cocktails.
In the case of the two (very) happy comedians, it’s a fluffy pink Cosmopolitan and a Steinlager Pure, but we go for caipirinha and a hoppy Moa Original lager imported all the way from Blenhiem. The caipirinha’s actually damn good, nice and strong, and with plenty of limes to tick off your 5+ a day target. A second Cosmo is also ordered, and we wonder if ‘What’s Her Name’ will be writing about in her Diary.
At this time of the night the entertainment is limited to videos of giant squid and manta rays with a bubbling soundtrack of R & B, but a shiny pole amid the retro black and white décor – think Dr Evil’s lair with a tinge of 1970’s flair – hints at wilder times later at night. Certainly the comprehensive drinks list with lots of quality spirits and interesting beers offers plenty of reasons for a return visit and a longer stay.
Maybe popping in after lunch one day is a good idea after all?
Lolabar has been reviewed by 4 users