The Broken Lantern

Broken Lantern is a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant located on the famous Ponsonby Road in Auckland. Opened by the creators of the award-winning Parasol & Swing company, the venue positions itself as a world-class modern tavern. In New Zealand, it is known for its impeccable service and unique atmosphere, blending the chic of New York bars with the comfort of a local pub.

The Broken Lantern. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The interior design is inspired by the century-long history of the building, where raw textures of the old structure sit alongside modern street art. One of the highlights is the hidden courtyard—a perfect sanctuary from the city noise, where you can enjoy the sunshine with a glass of wine. Every six months, Broken Lantern updates its concept, including not only the menu but also the artwork on the walls.

The bar specializes in signature cocktails, natural wines, and craft beer. A unique feature of the wine list is the option to purchase tap natural wine in bottles to go. Thanks to its hospitality and high-quality gastronomy, this place has become a key spot on the city's nightlife map, attracting both connoisseurs of rare drinks and lovers of quality cuisine.

For those planning to visit Broken Lantern, it's helpful to know the exact coordinates of this popular spot. Located in a vibrant neighborhood, having this contact information will help you clarify details or book a table for a large group. Below is the current contact information for the bar's management.

Visit Broken Lantern for exceptional cocktails developed by a professional team of mixologists. Try the Lonely Hearts Club featuring mint tea-infused gin, or the Barrel-Aged Decadence for a deeper flavor. For beer lovers, there are always ten varieties of the best craft brews on tap, and the natural wine collection can surprise even the most seasoned experts.

The culinary program, led by head chef Ollie Fitton, is inspired by Spanish and South American traditions. Guests are offered delicacies such as Carne Asada chicken with chimichurri, flank steak with soffrito sauce, or refreshing ceviche on tapioca crackers. The menu is updated regularly, featuring seasonal produce and new flavor combinations that perfectly complement the drinks.

Beyond the tastings, you can simply soak up the atmosphere: admire the changing murals by local artists or relax in the secluded courtyard. Keep in mind that the venue operates as an R18 establishment, making it a wonderful spot for an adult evening out, a romantic date, or an Auckland bar crawl. Attentive staff and a stylish musical backdrop will make your evening truly special.

Broken Lantern is located at 198 Ponsonby Road in one of Auckland's most colorful and lively neighborhoods. The easiest way to get here from the city center is by public transport: regular bus routes (such as the Northern Express or local services to Ponsonby Road) stop just a few steps from the venue.

If you prefer more comfort, a taxi or Uber ride from central Auckland will take no more than 10–15 minutes. The journey from Auckland International Airport to the bar takes approximately 25–30 minutes. For those driving their own car, keep in mind that parking directly on Ponsonby Road can be difficult, so it is recommended to use nearby public parking lots or mobile apps to find available spots.

The Ponsonby district is also very pedestrian-friendly. If you are staying nearby, a walk to the bar will allow you to enjoy the local architecture and the atmosphere of old Auckland. For precise navigation, you can use the venue's GPS coordinates, which are easily recognized by any mapping service.

The story of Broken Lantern began with a major renovation of a historic building on Ponsonby Road, which previously housed the popular bar Little Easy. The new owners—Jason Rosen, Adam Neill, and Ollie Fitton—decided to completely reimagine the space, stripping away the former interiors to reveal the authentic features of the century-old structure. The team from Parasol & Swing Company, who already had successful projects in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, brought their experience in creating world-class cocktail bars to this venue.

The building itself is an important part of the neighborhood's history, and during the renovation, designers sought to preserve its spirit while adding modern industrial accents. The "modern tavern" concept combined respect for the past with a desire to create a place relevant to today's metropolitan residents. The result is a space with a unique character, reminiscent of the stylish establishments of New York's Lower East Side.

An interesting feature of Broken Lantern is its dynamic nature. From its opening, the venue committed to a principle of seasonal evolution: every six months, not only the menu changes but also the visual design, including massive murals painted by local artists. This keeps the bar's history alive and constantly evolving, encouraging guests to return for new experiences.

Visitors to Broken Lantern usually need between 1 to 3 hours to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere. This is enough time to slowly enjoy a couple of signature cocktails and try the main items from the seasonal menu. The place encourages long conversations, so many guests stay longer than they initially planned.

If your plans include a full dinner with dessert and a tasting of rare natural wines, it's worth setting aside at least three hours for your visit. It is especially pleasant to spend time in the sunny hidden courtyard, where the city bustle feels far away and the evening flies by unnoticed.

Broken Lantern maintains a convenient schedule for both early and late-night revelers. It is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Thursday, the bar opens at 4:00 PM and stays open until at least midnight. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, doors open from 12:00 PM, and closing is at midnight or later (often until 1:00 AM at the height of the weekend).

Please note that this is strictly an R18 venue, and you will need a valid ID for entry. Before your visit, it is recommended to check the official website for any potential schedule changes or private events.

The Ponsonby area offers many options to continue your cultural or entertainment program after visiting Broken Lantern. Exploring this district will allow you to see the city's architectural landmarks, enjoy harbor views, or try your hand at extreme sports.

Thanks to the venue's central location, many of Auckland's iconic sites are within a short drive or a pleasant walk. Below is a list of interesting places nearby to help you plan your perfect day.