Rocketman

Rocketman is the playful sibling of Caretaker, the celebrated basement cocktail bar on Roukai Lane in Britomart. Run by the same team, led by bartender Alastair Walker, it sits upstairs from Caretaker and offers a very different mood: a retro-futuristic hideaway designed as a light-hearted party space rather than a hushed cocktail den. Walker, who was born in Hull and worked behind bars in Manchester and Melbourne before settling in Auckland, opened Caretaker about a decade ago and is also behind the cocktail bar Deadshot, so Rocketman comes from one of the most experienced bar teams in the city.

Its best-known feature is a secret karaoke room, which makes it a favourite for celebrations and late nights out with friends. Walker has said the bar draws plenty of hospitality staff after their shifts, which says something about its atmosphere. Music is a big part of the experience, with a regular live jazz band and a soundtrack that leans towards 1990s hip-hop with some disco. There are cosy tables where groups can settle in for card games.

The drinks live up to the Caretaker pedigree. Cocktails are the main focus, supported by a small wine list, and the team offers whisky tastings and cocktail masterclasses on request, which can be a good way to learn from some of the city's most experienced bartenders.

Rocketman also hosts private events for between 20 and 100 people, from birthday parties to work functions, and the karaoke room adds an extra element to a booking.

Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to 2am, and on busy nights it can close later. It is not listed as open from Sunday to Tuesday, so plan your visit for the second half of the week.

The bar suits groups of friends, people celebrating and anyone who wants cocktails with a sense of fun. Because it shares a lane with Caretaker, many people combine the two in one evening, starting with a carefully made drink downstairs and moving up to Rocketman for music and karaoke. Britomart's restaurants, including Cafe Hanoi on Galway Street, are close by for dinner beforehand.