Singers, Stars and Soul Food at Eat Drink Play

This popular bar has curated a distinctly Kiwi, old fashioned cocktail menu, with each individually designed and named for one of the nine stars in the Matariki cluster. Try a “Fire in the Sky”, named for the Pohutukawa star (tequila, Cointreau, Horopito bush pepper, black walnut bitters, Kaitaia Fire Hot Sauce), or an “Effects of the Wind” after the Ururangi star (Diplomatico, feijoa syrup, lavender bitters). Book here.

In celebration of Matariki, St Johns will be serving the ultimate Aotearoa soul food menu, which will have everyone reminiscing about the warming family meals of their childhood. For just $89 pp, guests can dine on NZ oysters, crumbed green lip mussels, of sumptuous chicken, lamb and pork roast with confit garlic and rosemary duck fat potatoes and pūhā salad, with a purini mamaoa (steamed pudding), chantilly cream and butterscotch sauce to finish. Includes drink on arrival. Book here.

Warming winter dishes and smooth jazz go hand in hand, and The Realm is delivering the best of both with its mid winter jazz fest and feast. Relax with a glass of Esk Valley Merlot while you take in the mellow tones of Lauren Armstrong and Greg Crayford and linger over a plate of slow-cooked beef cheek pappardelle. Bookings essential , book here.

For the Anglophiles among us, you don’t have to wait another six months for Christmas at The Old Bailey. Gather round the fireplace at this authentic British pub and experience a Northern Hemisphere Noel for yourself, with a traditional menu including a Scotch egg, roast chicken, leek and potato soup, and bread and butter pudding accompanied by a warming glass of mulled wine. There will also be a collection for the Wellington City Mission, so you can feel the joy of mid-year gift-giving. Book here.

Jack Hackett’s is marking the star festival by hosting a galaxy of jazz and blues female powerhouses for a very special night of live music. With one singer for each of the nine Matariki stars, be serenaded by some shining jazz luminaries and blues divas. Fortify yourself for the gig with a limited edition “Hello Pork Pie” – a house-made pork and watercress pastry confection. Pair with an Emerson’s Rebel Red ale for optimal enjoyment ($39 for both – available for the duration of Eat Drink Play). Book here.

Party under the Māori New Year stars at Wellington’s coolest rooftop bar, Dirty Little Secret, for their Tihei Matariki celebration. Groove to the sounds of Tia Ward on vocals and DJ Pet spinning ‘til the wee hours, as you sip on special-edition cocktails including The Whetū (te reo for star) Fizz featuring Tanqueray gin, blue curacao, blurberry liqueur, butterfly pea flower syrup, lime, lemonade and a glitter sprinkle) or a Smores Martini with vanilla vodka, crème de