The Corner Store

I had driven past The Corner Store a tonne of times and always thought it looked cute but tiny. I had NO idea there was a back bar with a roaring fire and a dimly lit outdoor courtyard.
Just the other day, a friend and I were talking about the lack of cosy wine bars in Auckland. You know the kind with big, leather chairs, a roaring fire and a well-​thought out wine list. Enter The Corner Store. It’s more a cocktail bar than a wine bar but it ticks the roaring fire box. There’s also a sneaky internal courtyard that’s blissfully quiet mid-​week!
Hungry? Try their small but delicious tapas menu. Beautifully tender pork belly and damn near perfect fries!

The Corner Store was one of the first places I remember going and being horrified by the price of a house wine; I was so taken aback that I asked the bartender if we got to keep the glass once we were done! Every other time I’ve been back has been for a birthday, engagement party or other event that involves free drinks, so I thankfully haven’t had to give the barkeep that horrified face again.
The Corner Store is actually much bigger than it looks from the front — if you’re looking for a place to have a party, there’s a big back room that you can hire out and will comfortably fit a small to medium group. It’s got its own bar and is separate from the chaos of the front area; it’s nice and private.

Cutest bar in Auckland. It’s so cute. You just want to package it up and take it home for your backyard. I love that they’ve kept the whole old heritage theme going but also have a really modern courtyard out back.
It’s a really good place to go before a show or band at the Powerstation because in two skips and a jump you’ll be right there. It’s also pretty good after something at the Kings Arms as it’s not too far away and provides a quieter place to hangout. The staff are always really fun and know their drinks. I always just say to them, make me something you like to drink. And what comes back is always so yum.
I really recommend you go there. Even if it’s just to have a look at it’s cuteness! But have a drink to two, too, you never know where the night can take you.

It was only a few short months ago I came here for the first time and tried the amazing Frangelico and lime made by the talented Scott. Who would have known that this is an unbeatable combination? I certainly didn’t before we asked Scott to make us ‘a drink’.
I also had my all time favourite cocktail… PIMMS! Amazing! Made with all the extra added touches; lime, lemon, mint and strawberry. Pimms to me is the definition of summer! With the added extras, its ultimate goodness!
This little bar is the perfect place to come if you’re wanting something a little more classy and intimate. They have a large selection of malt whiskeys, cocktails, an extensive wine list and a large selection of local and imported beers. They also have a small plate/​tapas menu, perfect if you want something a little snacky at after work drinks, or before heading out for the evening.
The size of The Corner Store is very deceiving. There is the main bar that you walk straight into from off the street, but they also have other little section that can be hired out. They also have a lovely little courtyard area, a perfect place to have a few drinks at the end of the day while the sun is still warm.
The Corner Store is located on the corner of Mt Eden Road and Nikau Street, closest to the Symonds Street end. I would recommend coming here for a few quites before heading out for the evening or even if you’re just after a quiet night.