Mea

The problem with being in hospo is when you create a critically acclaimed joint (ahem, Parasol & Swing) you’ve set the bar for everything you do next. When we heard competition and award-winning mixologists Jason Rosen and Adam Neal were creating a brand new bar beneath the aforementioned golden child, in collaboration with Appleton Estate, we were beyond excited. 

And as soon as we stepped foot in the spirit-infused suntrap, it was obvious they’ve managed to create a space just as worthy as the upstairs rooftop. Better still, the Viaduct’s newest cocktail bar is set to solve a mystery we’ve been pondering for years: who exactly is the enigmatic girl on Parasol & Swing’s logo? 

As the story goes, Mea (pronounced Mee-ya), is thought to be the granddaughter of a travelling barman who practically turned every glass he touched into a liquid sensation. Mea herself cut her teeth on the bars of London before travelling all over the world—through the tiki bars of America, the tropical shores of Jamaica and finally to Tāmaki Makaurau. Naturally then, the new digs, is a spot to soak up the sunshine, yarn to the bartender and enjoy stellar drinks that draw inspiration from London to Jamaica and beyond. 

Seating just 14 at any time, Mea’s narrative is woven through her gorgeous fit-out. Think: rum-lined walls, stunning light fittings, and a scattering of high tables. It’s an intimate affair and opens out to the Viaduct primed for people-watching. 

And if you were wondering—yes, Mea is also a nod to the former iconic Ponsonby watering hole Mea Culpa which was once owned by Rosen. 

Despite the collaboration with Appleton Estate, Mea is not exclusively a rum bar, the menu promising a summery mix of forgotten classics and bespoke modern cocktails. 

Take their Mai Tai, a jovial blue tiki highball spiked with Wray & Nephew rum, dry curacao, orange oleo-saccharum (for the uninitiated, that's citrus syrup), orgeat, lime and 17-year-old Appleton Estate rum which is kind of a big deal—only 1,500 of these bottles were produced globally and only 23 made available in Aotearoa. 

Then there’s Indigo Dream, a total showstopper. Pretty in pink (or is it indigo? Knock back several drinks and you won’t know either) and topped with a heady sprig of jasmine, it’s an upbeat blend of Skyy vodka, bianco vermouth, cognac, jasmine, green tea, blueberry and coconut served with one helluva ice cube. 

If you’re feeling more whimsical, the Peaches and Tonic is an essential sip. Bulldog London Dry Gin, rose, peach, palo santo and a delightful helping of what they’re calling ‘peach caviar’. It’s giving fruity popping boba and we’re elated.  

Flagging? Never. Well, not with a Wicked Games on board, at least. Consider this Mea’s take on an espresso martini, Skyy vodka, PX sherry, coffee, demerara unified with a blackberry stout reduction, plus a black Irish whiskey liqueur called Shanky’s Whip. Was there ever a better-named liqueur? We think not. 

Now it just wouldn’t do to leave you on an empty stomach. At Mea you can score oysters, house-fried togarashi corn chips with guac and salsa verde, beef tartare, sashimi cut market fish, fried chicken with Nashville sriracha, ranch and pickles, smashed burgers, shoestring fries, and more. Treated. 

Sure to immediately become one of best spots to eat, sip, play and stay a while on The Viaduct, you ought to swing by Mea, stat.

Words by Alice Rich | Image credit: Mea x Appleton Estate

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