Concrete Playground

This aptly-named small bar is brimming with more than its fair share of goodness. Surprisingly, it's not just one busy room, but is cleverly composed of an assortment of nooks. A private table at the front, stools along the wall, hidden under the stairs, the upstairs 'lounge' room or in the upstairs courtyard: take your pick.

The menus are similarly overwhelming, but I suspect it would be hard to go wrong with these cocktails (all $16). I taste test the Blood and Sand: a 20s-style, Rudolf Valentino-inspired combination of scotch whisky, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth and orange juice. It's surprisingly delicate and slightly sweet, served up in an authentic cut crystal glass. While tempted to follow up with a second, I instead opt for the Plum Pisco Sour in the next round, containing said plum-infused pisco, egg white, lemon and a touch of bitters. It turns out to be a glass of frothy sherbet-y deliciousness, topped with maraschino cherry. All cocktails change seasonally but never fear: the menu is extensive, and the bar staff attentive.

There's also a great share food menu for the peckish. The Mezze Plate ($25) is a firm favourite, with two dips, house-marinated antipasto and seasonal additions with turkish bread. For something a little different, the House Cut Kumara wedges with chilli aoili ($10) and the Roquette and Parmesan Polenta Wedges ($10) are hard to go past.

This bar will really come into its own during summer. Be sure to nab a spot on the rooftop upstairs in the early afternoon if that's what you're after, as it's filling up quickly even in the cooler months. Otherwise, I'm certain you'll decide to settle in downstairs anyway. Corridor is too good to miss out on.