The Blue Door

The Blue Door is a small, hidden bar down a cobbled alley off Buckingham Street in Arrowtown, the historic gold-mining town about 20 minutes' drive from central Queenstown. It has been part of Arrowtown life for around three decades and is one of the area's most characterful places for a drink.

The building's history explains its atmosphere. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, during Arrowtown's gold-mining era, the space was a cold storage room for food, chosen because its thick stone walls and cool, partly underground position made it a perfect cellar. In the early 1990s the floor was dug out so that people could stand upright inside, and that sparked the idea of turning it into a hidden, speakeasy-style bar. The original schist stone walls, rustic beams and fireplace remain.

The drinks list covers hand-crafted cocktails, Central Otago wines and craft and local beers on tap, so it is a good place to sample the region's wines. Food comes from its sister restaurant Little Aosta, with small plates and wood-fired pizza, and the bar works with Aosta, the neighbouring Bib Gourmand restaurant, on private events. Live music is a regular feature, and the bar runs a series called Tiny Room Concerts, intimate fireside shows that bring local and touring musicians into the stone-walled room. Spots are limited and tickets are sold in advance through Humanitix, so book early if a particular show appeals.

The Blue Door opens every day from 3pm until late. Tables can be booked through the bar's website, and the bar can be reserved for private functions and parties. The room is small, so book if you are coming as a group.

It suits couples, small groups of friends and anyone who enjoys historic interiors and a relaxed atmosphere rather than loud music. On a cold night, a seat near the fire with a glass of Central Otago wine is hard to beat. Combine it with dinner at Aosta at the same Buckingham Street address, or an afternoon exploring Arrowtown's Lakes District Museum and Chinese Settlement.

If you are coming from Queenstown, arrange transport home rather than driving.