Monday 15 August 2011

Auckland hospitality legend Luke Dallow’s new bar is open, with ambiance in true Dallow reflective style and the maestro’s service ethic well and truly alive.

Red Hummingbird in Federal Street is a city local bar – you could say your local on the corner – with a short yet inviting menu that is quick, scrumptious and curious.

Click for big version

And as with Dallow’s other establishments current and past, both service and a quirky introspection have nested at Red Hummingbird.

Dallow was responsible for the hugely popular Malt and Sale Street venues, and his attention has now turned to Chapel Street Bar & Bistro and Red Hummingbird.

Dallow is renowned for his focus on design and hospitality and his brief to his architects and builders as well as his staff recruitment policy for the new venue has been no different.

The accoutrements are pure Dallow inspiration, delivering what he says is an escape in to the unknown.

Red Hummingbird has many features including a four-foot Tiki, cathedral windows, tea cup lampshades and a giant birdcage that is lined in velvet and can seat 12 people.

“It’s a journey – one in which you are always enlightened,” says Dallow.

“Enter Red Hummingbird and you take a through-the-looking-glass journey into what I’m all about…and yet it’s a voyage that has no conventional order. It’s a potpourri of what I’ve seen, bought or been given over the years.

“If I go to heaven tomorrow and my life flashes before my eyes I’ll probably pretty much see Red Hummingbird,” he says. “However, please don’t hold me to my word – as they say, the only constant is change and there is no doubt change will be a constant at this bar.”

Five interior murals adorn the walls at Red Hummingbird. They were designed and curated by Flox, late in the night with her spray cans and stencils….eat your heart out Florence Broadhurst!

Federal Street of course is the new inner-city precinct that has the support of SKYCITY which is also backing Red Hummingbird. The area is soon to be the home of restaurants by Al Brown and Sean Connolly.

SKYCITY CEO Nigel Morrison says Federal Street is destined to become an important and vibrant city venue.

“With the likes of Luke, Sean and Al plying their trade there’s no doubt Federal Street is going to be high on the list of destinations for Aucklanders and visitors alike.

“It’s fantastic to work with Luke on his exciting new venture – he is an expert in the industry and consistently creates award-winning venues. He has brought his own unique brand of expertise and flair to Red Hummingbird and together we have created what we believe is a first class setting,” Morrison says.

Red Hummingbird is open seven days: Monday from 3pm and Tuesday-Sunday from midday until late.

ENDS

© Scoop Media