Isle On Snickel

Venture down one of the smallest, most secret lanes in Auckland CBD and you’ll happen upon a bar and cellar you won’t want to leave. Sitting pretty among a florist and botanical gift shop, a Thai vegan eatery, a Japanese restaurant, and a barista, Isle On Snickel completes a micro-climate that’s a welcome relief from the frenetic energy of the city. 

Tucked between Fort Lane and Commerce Street in the digs formally known as La Fuente, the collab between the iconic Tantalus Estate, Alibi Brewing Co., and Waiheke Distilling Co has gifted us Waiheke Island’s free and relaxing atmosphere without needing to board a ferry. Although once you’ve had a taste, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the island muses themselves. 

At Isle On Snickel the platter game is strong, the menu fortified three-ways with each partner contributing a unique offering, which, in the epitome of first-world problems makes the decision-making process a delightfully difficult one. 

Take Tantalus Estate’s exquisite small-batch, French-inspired wines. The limited edition blends are crafted by hand in Waiheke’s inimitable climate using premium oak barrels. Alibi Brewing Co. share their quintessential craft beers, straight from their speakeasy-style brewer’s lounge to your hand. Expect: new world, hop forward, experimental, flavorful, contemporary beer. The perfect complement to this duo, Isle On Snickel is well-stocked with botanical vodkas and bespoke gins (the latter which contain macadamia for a silky smoothness) by Waiheke Distilling Co. 

With so much to revel in it’s worth opting for a tasting. Our pick? A romp through Waiheke Distilling Co’s trio of gins starting with their signature Spirit of Waiheke—a veritable ode to the island itself—followed by their take on a London Dry, and ending with a cherry juice-infused Red Ruby number. 

And it isn’t just the top shelf tipples that make Isle On Snickel a dreamy hangout space. The team exudes a sense of warmth and hospitality, setting you at ease as soon as you step through the door. Perhaps this arises from the fact Isle On Snickel was built from an unwavering sense of togetherness and a deep respect for the land and our world as a whole. Or maybe it’s the warm geometry of the back wall, which creates a sense of a hive and sanctuary. 

Whatever it is, we might have just found our new favourite drinkery. 

Image credit: Isle On Snickel | supplied.