Cnr Market Place and Customs Street West,
Viaduct
Auckland,


(09) 307 1500

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Individualism … on the Viaduct—can it be so?

Ever since a mate raved about having their staff Christmas hooley at Bungalow 8, I’d been meaning to visit.

I’m not sure if it was the luminous lights eminating from beyond the 3,000 litre fish tanks or the DJ’s soulful tunes, but the place was a beacon for many.

Set aside from the general hubbub of Viaduct central, Bungalow 8 is a refreshingly unique venue that if this night’s patronage was anything to go by, should continue to prosper.

Aside from the congregation of smokers outside, the first thing you can’t help but notice is those giant fish tanks. At this stage of the night I wasn’t in a position to care if they held exotic varieties; I do however recall that there was life in them—always a good thing!

Filing up the Jarra stairs and through massive doors, you’ll find bamboo rafters and Asian-influenced prints on one of the walls.

The large, central bar was manned by four staff and although in huge demand, a softly spoken barman was quick to serve our group.

Budvar ($8) was a popular choice by the boys, and only when the Stewed Apple and Honey Mule cocktail was ordered by one of the girls did I realise just to what extent Bungalow 8 was seeking a sense of uniqueness.

The cooked cocktail, one of five or so on offer, involves direct involvement from the kitchen and is apparently a staff member’s concoction. By all accounts, the cocktail was as delicious as it sounded.

With great tunes, a captivated, entertaining crowd and well priced drinks, Bungalow 8 offers every bit the party atmosphere that visits to the Viaduct should be about.

Even without the Feng Shui fish tanks, I’m sure Bungalow 8 will continue to do well in its own right!