Each week we will be featuring a local bar, pub or club to help boost the Kiwi hospitality industry and encourage customers to get out and explore!
This week we get an insight into one of Palmerston North’s top nightlife spots, Bubbles Champagne & Wine Bar.
How has business been going post lockdown?
Bubbles has had some great nights post-lockdown and we have been able to kick off some new initiatives. We have added a mid-week open mic comedy night hosted by our local comedy club. A great addition to our weekly calendar. It’s a different vibe, earlier start than our usual events and some new customers coming in for the event. Looking forward to doing more of them.
Not to say we are not doing it tough though. We have a small physical space so numbers are limited for us during any lockdown above Level 1. We have been open for limited hours during Level 2 with acoustic love music at weekends. Cool vibes.
Customers in Palmy have been super supportive though. We are grateful to them for some huge nights, and to our bands and staff for hosting the shows and managing the bar so well. We have had some great weekend nights with queues out the door due to being at capacity.
What have you been doing to encourage customers to come back to your local?
As above. Some new events and sticking with our popular events and weekend live music shows. We have been running live music events every Friday and Saturday for a number of years. As soon as these kicked off after Lockdown 1 the bar was jam packed from the first Friday.
How would you describe the atmosphere of your bar?
During the week we have an afternoon and early-evening champagne room/wine bar/cocktail bar vibe. We have different seating options for people to gather and an outdoor area in an Alleyway of 3 bars, Cafe, boutique nail bar and hair salon. “The Alleyway” as it’s called locally is also home to outdoor gigs that we host when it gets warmer. Great fun party atmosphere, just like our regular Fridays and Saturdays.
What is your signature drink?
Erm…. Bubbles! Actually, it’s anything a customer wants. We’ll give anything a shot. If customers want something specialist our sister bars will back us up. The Celtic Inn across the Alleyway has over 50 Whisky options and next door is The Fish Cocktail. A great cocktail menu and the best shakers in town.
Why do you think your local stands out from the crowd?
The Alleyway is awesome and, as Bubbles is right in the middle of it, we are in the prime spot for nighttime entertainment. Also, we have been consistent in providing live music every Friday and Saturday for a number of years. You can see bands play in other places but, as we’ve been consistent, the quality at Bubbles is top notch.
What are your 3 top tips for being a great bartender?
1. The customer is always right.
2. If the customer is wrong, see point number 1.
3. See point 1 or 2.
Essentially if there’s no people, there’s no bar. Treat people kindly and they’re likely to reciprocate. Kind, safe and happy bar is always the plan.
To nominate a local to be featured, email ccowan@intermedianz.co.nz or send us a message on social media @theshoutnz!
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