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."

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