New Central City Tapas Bar 'Bellota' To Open This Week
The Peter Gordon inspired Tapas bar, 'Bellota', (pronounced Bey-otta) will open this week in central Auckland with an
exclusive media preview on Wednesday 22 November, before opening to the public this Thursday 23 November.
Described as a modernised rendition of the authentic Spanish Tapas bar, Bellota will feature a comprehensive range of
premium Spanish and European wines by the glass (in 90ml or 180ml tasting options) to complement the variety of
traditional flavours on the menu.
Bellota will be managed by the same team that currently run the award winning dine by Peter Gordon restaurant. Peter
Gordon's enthusiasm and knowledge of Spain has been pivotal to the inception of Bellota, from the naming of the
restaurant*, to assistance with menu design and sourcing of local Spanish ingredients.
Peter Gordon, who travels to Spain frequently and consults to 'Foods From Spain' - the government department, says he is
passionate about traditional Spanish Tapas bars.
"Spain is my favourite European country and I'm confident Bellota will be the most authentic Spanish food based Tapas
bar in Auckland," he says.
SKYCITY Food and Beverage Manager, Brendan Turner, who looks after SKYCITY's top-end dining and entertainment
establishments, (including Orbit, dine by Peter Gordon, The Observatory, Bar3, and now Bellota) is excited about his new
project.
"This is a fabulous new addition for SKYCITY that will enhance and complement our existing facilities," he says.
"Bellota will offer something totally unique in the CBD.
"The menu is inspired by arguably New Zealand's best known chef who has proven expertise and a huge passion for informal
Spanish Tapas style dining. We have sourced Spanish ingredients and will offer an extensive Spanish and European wine
list. In addition, we will operate extended opening hours providing Tapas from 5pm to late every Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Saturday and from midday to late on Fridays.
"With Bellota, we aim to provide a distinctive service style where our wait staff will be encouraged to guide customers
on how to best select and savour their food and wine selections," says Mr Turner.
Designed by award-winning architect Andrew Lister, (who designed the Orbit restaurant refurbishment and Sheinken Café),
the venue itself also offers a contemporary adaptation of the traditional Spanish Tapas bar.
"The design features a cellar cave-like entrance and the interior is broken up by curvatures in the walls to create a
number of intimate booths and alcoves. These combine to provide numerous variations of seating and dining options.
People may prefer to be seated at the bar or take a table in a more secluded area with a group of friends," says Mr
Lister.
Lister has selected a combination of warm, organic, natural products and a robust colour palate including rich reds,
rustic browns and dark wooden floors for Bellota.
Brendan Turner says the location on Federal St, will make the bar popular with a range of guests.
"With its proximity to the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre and SKYCITY Grand Hotel, we believe this bar will
complement these premium facilities and become a popular venue for international visitors. It will be an exciting new
venue for those seeking a sophisticated central city late night bar that offers sensational food throughout the night.
"With the popularity of dine by Peter Gordon restaurant opposite, the bar will also appeal to fans of Peter Gordon's
flavours seeking a less formal or a more spontaneous evening. We also believe Bellota will also offer the perfect pre or
post theatre destination."
Ends