Bright days and nights
WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Chloe Mundy
Since launching nearly three years ago, Mr Brightside has become a firm favourite in the central city’s hospitality scene. Rooftop bars are a rarity, and this one is right by Ōtākaro – Avon River, atop a heritage building, no less, in the refurbished 1925 Public Trust Office building on Oxford Terrace. The golden sunset hour here, paired with drinks and nibbles, is one worth savouring.
With spring in the air, Mr Brightside’s general manager, Adam Wood, has a spring in his step too and big plans for the new season. He’s excited to have the doors open every Tuesday through to Sunday from midday to at least midnight, offering an energising ‘brightside by day, brightside by night’ experience.
A new release – Brunch on the Brightside, three courses, five cocktails for $85pp – is showcasing what a gorgeous venue this is during the day, with elevated city and blue sky views on all sides.
“We’ve had a huge response to that, with brunch bookings all the way through to February now,” says Adam. “We still have a little space, but we recommend not waiting around to book your group if you want to give it a try. It is really helping to amplify the fact that we have a dedicated team of extremely talented chefs here. Of course, we’re always going to be a bar – but we’re a bar with elevated food. We’re introducing more lunch offerings throughout spring. We’re a brasserie by day, switching to small plates and burger banquets in the evening.”
As the sun goes down, this place lights up with neons and good vibrations. DJs are in the house every Friday and Saturday night, with live music every Thursday night and Sunday afternoon.
“For our bands, it is the closest they get to being like The Beatles in 1969 playing on their studio rooftop!”
Expect a whole new Mr Brightside cocktail menu this spring. Some old favourites will be back, along with plenty of exciting new inclusions.
“We have 40 new cocktails from bottled classic, fresh fruit high balls to a dedicated coffee cocktail page and everything in between. We’re very excited by the new menu design too that we’ve been working on with local design agency Slaughterhaus.”
Throughout October, Mr Brightside will be showcasing Tito’s Vodka and running various cocktail competitions featuring some of the city’s leading bartenders. Preparations are well underway for Cup and Show Week too.
Service at Mr Brightside is seriously fun. On super sunny days, don’t be surprised to be served by Brightsiders wearing sunglasses and caps along with sharp new aprons and tees. The 15-strong staff team is well-trained in delivering attentive but not intrusive service.
“We are approachable and love meeting new customers and sharing our story. We have become a must-try destination for tourists, both nationally and internationally. We have such a unique offering here, and I like to think we have played a cornerstone role in helping to revitalise this area.”
Whether your Brightside choice is brunch with friends, crayfish rolls and champagne cocktails at golden hour, or taking in the lights after dark, this really is a fabulous room with a view.