We’ve all been hanging out for summer, and events all over the Shore are popping up to help us enjoy it: outdoors, on the beach, with music, food and drinks for that relaxed, laid-back summer vibe.
Bars and restaurants play their part too, with summer menus and entertainment; none more so than Regatta Bar and Eatery which is hosting the Absolut Summer Pop-up in the Garden Bar from December to February.
“The Absolut pop-up bar at Regatta is a place where you can come in off the beach in your jandals, relax, kick-back and enjoy Absolut cocktails while having fun catching up with friends and listening to great music,” says Regatta Bar owner Andy Ruzich. The environment in the pop-up will feel like an escape to a resort-style beach bar, with lush greenery and lots of palm trees and plants.
“We have the perfect location to make the most of lazy summer days right on Takapuna Beach. There’s nothing better than a swim, a walk along the beach, or both, and then your whole group adjourning just across the road to enjoy the food, drinks, and the great DJ entertainment line-up.
And what a line-up. On Friday evenings (4pm – 10pm) in December, the pop-up bar offers the perfect end-of-week wind down, with a focus on female DJs. Zeisha Fremaux, singer, songwriter, model, actress, presenter, brand ambassador and one of New Zealand’s most popular DJs, takes centre stage alongside a number of other DJs.
Every Sunday (2-7pm) there’s a featured top DJ, including Karn Hall, Rob Martyn, Sam Lovli, peppered with live music from saxophonist Kareem Live from Sax Appeal.
Things heat up over the two summer long weekends, where the entertainment takes over the whole venue like last year’s Highlife. “The Anniversary and Waitangi weekend events are a large summer party with DJs playing from 2pm to midnight,” says Regatta event manager Stacey Hart. “We are doing these events the day before each public holiday so that people can enjoy the event ahead of the public holiday.
“We’re really excited about hosting the Absolut pop-up,” says Andy. “It will feature a ‘Dinghy Bar’, shaking up a range of Absolut cocktails.”
To match the entertainment, there will, of course, be the usual high standard of Regatta hospitality. VIP Cabanas can be booked for premium hospitality packages. Alternatively, you can just drop in to enjoy the Absolut cocktails served from the dinghy bar, and personalised service with a dedicated hosting team looking after guests in the pop-up.
“With the cocktails changing on a monthly basis,” Andy adds, “you have the perfect excuse to return to sample what’s on offer in each of the three months the bar is open. There will be surprise and delight elements offered throughout summer to complement the range of Absolut cocktails.”
There are two hospitality packages available in the Cabanas. The Platinum Cabana Experience in a cabana that seats up to 10 people includes a magnum of Mumm Champagne, a dozen Heinekens, 12 Absolut tap cocktails, two antipasto platters and one Monohull (seafood extravaganza) platter. The Gold Cabana Experience for up to eight people also includes a magnum of Mumm Champagne, with six Heinekens, six Absolut cocktails, one antipasto platter and one Monohull platter. Email book@regattabar.co.nz for bookings or visit www.absolutsummer.co.nz
“Having the Absolut Pop-up really celebrates the summer vibe for Regatta. With the energy focused on the pop-up you can still enjoy Regatta’s dining experience in the restaurant as you’ve come to know and love. We have separate sound systems in the restaurant and pop-up bar so you can enjoy the dining experience or join the summer vibe in the pop-up.
However you choose to enjoy Regatta you’re sure to get a real taste of summer!
