3 / 175 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby
Auckland,
1010

(09) 376 4460

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5 out of 5

For my second husband I shall marry a man who can talk gin (the first one is always for money).

One night and a short but intense conversation with the barman at Mea Culpa has convinced me that gin chat is the best and most seductive banter there is.

Five times, he used words like infused with lavender and lotus leaves (that’s the Quintessential); mellow and best with orange citrusy flavours (the Plymouth); a big floral bouquet (Bombay Sapphire); robust (Tanqueray); and oily, smooth, rolls around the palate (can’t remember).

Then he talked about the processes each gin maker used and their heritage. By then I was hooked and glassy-eyed and on the verge of ordering the best gin in the world for $15 a shot when my friend reminded me I had another appointment.

Still the gin made only in Plymouth, England, was mellow and perfectly suited the fresh orange slices as promised.

If this bar isn’t proof that people make places, I don’t know what is. Sure, the décor is appealing. Although it’s small and the walls are rough concrete, it has cosy flourishes like the oriental carpet rolled out on the footpath just outside the door on which are placed the frou-frou wrought iron chairs and circular tables under the frou-frou wrought iron vine doorway. So there’s an industrial rustic thing going on.

The music is good too—cool, jazzy, subdued enough to allow conversation. And since the barman is chatty, pretty soon there’s a nice informal friendly atmosphere happening.

But that’s just window dressing. Really it’s all about the bar here. And the barman. But the bar, well the bar is wondrous. It’s spacious and well-stocked with a wide, surprising range of spirits. As an enthusiastic and dedicated drinker of gin, I almost beat my fists on the floor with joy.

My friend reported the wine list was small but select. One of each type of wine (except the chardonnay of which there were two) and good quality choices. Beers were on the pricey side (a Sol for around $8), but I wouldn’t come here for the beer.

Also, the glasses on display are gleamingly clean thanks to the committed polishing of my favourite barman.

Come between four and six and he’ll supply you with freshly roasted nuts or olives.

Next time, I am definitely going to order the best gin in the world—which is called Hendricks if you were wondering and cannot be bought in this country. My favourite barman says although it goes well in a g&t, it’s even better as a martini. I believe him.