Aucklanders, prepare to reach soaring heights with New Zealand’s latest rooftop bar, The Churchill.
Set to be the talk of the town for many months to come, The Churchill is a well-crafted space unlike any other. Found atop the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, this inner-city gem exudes elegance and superb quality rivalled only by the world's best. Managed by Scott O’Conner, the gin bar strives for nothing but perfection, delivering on all points from exquisite eats to delectable drinks.
“We consider this to be a locally-sourced international bar,” says Scott. “With over 170 of the world's best gins and more on the way, we aim to give guests anything and everything no matter their taste.”
Don’t fret if you don’t consider yourself a gin expert, Scott has crafted the 10-10-10 menu to be an approachable gateway into the world of gin. To craft your own ‘Dutch Courage” simply select a gin, mixer, and botanical before sipping away on a cup of curated bliss.
Trust us on this one, the food menu is not to be looked over. Brought to us by Executive Chef Glen Rockhouse, the menu boasts locally sourced ingredients expertly showcasing the many flavours of the world.
“The purpose of the food menu is to create an elevated bar dining experience,” says Glen.
Designed to share and almost too gorgeous to eat, you’ll want to have your cameras at the ready as each dish in itself is an incredible work of art.
Our top pick is the South Island sourced Handpicked 55 day aged beef eye fillet tataki. This twist on the traditional is served with shiitake mushroom, edamame, soy mayo and pickled onion. A must for steak lovers, you’ll find each bite tender and smooth. Easily addictive, this is not one to miss. Pro tip: ask to pair with Caorunn Gin Small Batch Scottish gin with citrus tonic, apple and cinnamon.
While you’re at it, give the juniper and pepper scented duck pastrami a try. House-cured with gin botanicals and coffee, the firm pastrami is excellently paired with smooth and silk beetroot and goats cheese resulting in indulgent texture with every bite. Take your feasting to the next level with a creation from the 10-10-10 menu. We recommend the saffron gin with Mediterranean tonic, cucumber and mint.
Also worth a mention is the stunning Ora king salmon tartare. With salted cucumber, avocado labneh and a serving of sumac crisps, the entire dish is bursting at the seams with flavour. This one is perfectly complimented by Roku gin, grapefruit tonic, grapefruit and peppercorns.
Vegan, dairy free and totally moreish, the cumin roasted cauliflower will have you falling in love at first bite and comes served on a bed of beetroot hummus with fattoush and lemon oil. Contrast this with Glenalough Rose gin with East Imperial Old World tonic, pomegranate and basil.
Tempted? Escape up into the clouds and let The Churchill take your tastebuds on a gin-fuelled adventure around the world.
For more info on The Churchill, including opening hours, click here.
Image Credit: Jaiden Bhaga