It’s cuffing season! Time to hunker down with your new beau? We’ve got all the best spots to visit if you’re in Auckland
Okay, I have to admit that until today, I didn’t know the term ‘cuffing season’ existed and I had to look it up.
For those of you equally confused right now, apparently it refers to this iiiinteresting time of year, when the weather cools off and in turn couple’s start pairing off. Yip, what might have just been something quite casual can pick up in intensity, just because of the temperature drop.
So how come it’s called cuffing? It’s a very charming term, based on the idea of getting “handcuffed” or tied down to one partner.
If you’ve had a fun and flirty summer (are we still referring to whatever that was as a ‘summer’?!?) but are now looking to make it official, here are five ideal, cozy spots to have the convo – or, if you’ve already cemented the relationship and are just looking for some warm, romantic spots to get a vino or cocktail, we’ve got you covered
CAPTAIN’S BAR (main pic!)
Sip on a winter warmer at Captain’s Bar, nestled inside the impressive Park Hyatt Hotel is Captain’s Bar, a cosy wood panelled bar complete with a roaring fire. Escape the cold winter night with your date and make yourself comfortable inside the bar, where there are some special winter warmers on offer like the the spiced wine, with spiced pinot noir, compare, Crème de Mûre and orange foam. There are also delicious nibbles on offer too, like baked brie and panko crumbed halloumi fries.
PALMER BAR
Hit up Palmer Bar for a cocktail list that is hard to beat. Grab a seat by the fire pit on the patio, or get cosy in one of the booths inside before trying something new like the Kiwi Coffee cocktail made with brown butter Thompson manuka whisky, coffee liqueur, cold brew and gingernut cream. Match the drinks with a couple of share plates, the wood-fired leeks with raisin, hazelnuts and smoked tofu cream is a must!
LITTLE CULPRIT
Situated on the corner of Queen and Wyndham Streets, directly across the road from big brother Culprit, Little Culprit is the perfect hidden hideaway for your next date night. You could be forgiven for walking straight past it without noticing, because it’s only once you step off the street and head down the stairs where you’ll find lush velvet booths inside a dimly-lit, sophisticated space that perfect for slowing down and enjoying specialty cocktails, beautiful wine and scrumptious bites.
CARETAKER
Below the ground level of Roukai Lane hides a cocktail bar of unique charm and cool ambience. Caretaker takes table service to the next level – discuss flavour profiles, favourite spirits and fruits with your bartender and sit back as they prepare you a one-of-a-kind beverage. Reminiscent of speakeasies of the past, this dimly lit bar with beautifully arranged leather seating is cosy in all the right ways.
HOTEL DEBRETT’S HOUSEBAR
It’s time to get cosy and transport to art deco heaven – Hotel DeBrett’s Housebar is a must visit this winter. Adorned with beautiful mid-century furnishings this 20-seat hideaway is perfect for those intimate date nights this winter. Cosy up next to the roaring fire or sit beneath the spectacular glass atrium which gives dining-under-the-stars vibes and tuck into their Wine & Cheese Flight offering – $35 for three cheeses and 3x glasses of red or white wine.
Looking for more options? Heart Of The City have launched their new City Centre Experience Selector to provide a unique mash-up of experiences all found within the City Centre.
