Frieda Margolis

This quirky converted bar (previously a butchers shop) is intimate, friendly & vibrant. Known as a ‘cocktail bar’ however they have a fab wine list that pleased my palate. The owner is also the resident pianist who plays old familiar tunes, that you could easily listen to all night sipping wine & chatting to friends and/​or strangers. Art plastered the walls, chairs hang from butchers hooks mid-​air and the human voices full the space nicely. The staff are pleasant who also sing, with great melody. Fab place to meet people casually, without pretence. On the corner of Hakanoa Street & Richmond Rd. Cool, just saying.

A very cute space with a very different wine list and a nice, chilled vibe. We were attending a Unilocal event, so can’t judge any eats or the regular ambience, but having the owner play the piano was a nice touch and the staff were super friendly and knowledgable. My only complaint is that I don’t live closer! Can’t wait to come back on a regular evening for a few drinks with friends!

Cool new bar in a refurbished butcher’s shop with a retro feel and tasty Peking duck sliders. Gypsy tearooms have got some competition on Richmond Rd!

FUN FACT: This adorable wine bar used to be the local butchery.
Now it’s owned by a charismatic local who doesn’t mind a yarn and if you’re lucky will even play you a tune on the piano! Man of many talents.
We came here recently for Book Club and sat on their long table outside. It was chilly but they have heaters and wind down awnings so it was bearable. Considering it was only a Tuesday, it was pretty busy. Obviously Grey Lynn locals don’t mind a drink and to be honest, I don’t blame them. If I had a cool wine bar down the road I’d be doing exactly the same.
The wine list here isn’t huge but it does features some interesting options, including a number of European reds. We settled on an Italian red that was full bodied and only $ 9 — absolute steal!
They also have a short menu featuring easy to share crowd pleasers. Think sliders, cheese & charcuterie platters and the like.
All in all a great spot for an after-​work drink tipple — fun & friendly atmosphere without the rowdy drunks.

I felt like I was in Europe and accidentally came into someone’s home when I came into this bar, a man was playing piano, chairs hanging from the ceiling, about 5 people in total, boutique wines and beers, cosy lovely seating and friendly man at bar :) loved this place, highly recommend!

For whatever reason, this place has chosen to occupy the premises of what was once a local institution, rename themselves and run an entirely different sort of business, but confusingly and inexplicably allow for the previous business’ signage to remain stationed above the store front. So it is with Frieda Margolis and their quizzical «West Lynn Organic Meats» sign. Luckily for Frieda, they do a good job, and once you’ve been there for a drink once, you’ll likely want to return. Great selection of craft beers from Wellington and a charming little eats menu.
Four stars.

If you are looking to find Frieda Margolis you won’t see any signage. Well only for West Lynn Organic Meats who used to occupy this spot on the corner of Richmond and Hakanoa Streets. Just look for the happy people hanging out in the butchery. There’s also a couple of outside tables which are always well utilised.
We’ve been here on a Saturday afternoon and a Sunday night and both times there have been several other small groups of patrons coming and going. So far it seems a bit of a pop-​in for one or two kind of place and even if you’re not local, make the effort to visit.
The real charm is the owner/​operator who has really taken the time to source unusual top quality ingredients and design drinks (and a few food items) around them. There’s Day of the Dead Chilli beer from Wellington, Honey Spiced Rum and exciting combos as per the Frieda Punch made with 666 vermouth and pomegranate served in a wee jug with my new obsession, fresh mint. My very first drink here though was (of course) the Frieda Margolis; a taste sensation of Lime, Chilli, more of that 666 Vodka mixed with Hakanoa Ginger Beer. This is the kind of place you’ll want to try everything so do pace yourself and visit often!
We didn’t eat but did see what I think was the Chicken Fez to delivered to another couple — priced well and it looked and smelled delicious. The soundtrack is laidback cool and if you’re lucky, the owner may bust out some jazz piano. He is possibly a bit sick of explaining who Frieda is but ask him anyway because hey, he did name his bar after her. We love this place — it’s probably more for the grown-​ups than the funky kids which is all good with me.