This Content Is Only For Subscribers
A new Mediterranean-inspired wine and cocktail lounge, Estelle’s, has opened on level one of the Grand Millennium Auckland.
Designed by acclaimed hospitality designer Paul Izzard, the bar features a palette of rich mahogany, black and garnet red, evoking the glamour and warmth of a bygone age.
Estelle’s offers a Spanish-influenced menu alongside Estrella Damm on tap, sangria, and an extensive wine list that includes Dom Pérignon 2012, Ruinart Blanc de Blanc, Spanish Cavas, and New Zealand wines from Cloudy Bay, Prophet’s Rock and Mon Cheval.
Executive chef James Kenny and head chef Aaron Hyett have created a range of seasonal raciones — small plates designed for sharing — prepared in full view of diners. The open kitchen allows guests to see chefs slicing premium jamón, assembling anchovy toasts, and preparing cocktails to order.
“Estelle’s is about bringing the essence of Mediterranean dining to Auckland — that spontaneity and conviviality you experience in Spanish tapas bars and European lounges,” says James. “We wanted to create a space where the bar is part of the theatre, where guests can watch their food being prepared with the same care and flair you’d find in Barcelona or San Sebastián.”
Signature cocktails include the Estelle’s Dirty Negroni with gin sous vide in manuka-smoked olives, the Paradise with dark rum, Tio Pepe, yuzu and coconut, and the Hachi Flotar with tequila, Spanish dry vermouth, agave and yuzu. A classic espresso martini is also available on tap.
A mocktail list caters for mindful drinkers, with options such as the Coconut Lychee Mojito, Caramel Apple Pie, and Summer to Autumn — a mix of raspberry tea, watermelon syrup, vanilla, lemon and ginger ale.
Dishes include Iberian jamón varieties such as caña de lomo, de bellota and chorizo served with guindillas peppers; Gilda skewers with prawns, pineapple and jamón; pan con tomate with Ortiz anchovies; and asparagus with manchego, jamón and a Spanish-style fried egg.
Dessert options include crème catalana with orange and cinnamon, Malaga raisin ice cream with Pedro Ximénez sherry and almonds, and leche frite with cinnamon sugar. Spanish cheeses with muscatel grapes and honeycomb round out the menu.
Estelle’s is open seven days a week from 12pm until late at 71 Mayoral Drive, inside the Grand Millennium Auckland. The venue joins Ember restaurant, Aviary lobby bar, Katsura Japanese Cuisine and Dans le Noir? dining experience.
