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27 June 2012

A new addition to the Auckland scene promises to deliver a non-conformist social experience.

We’ve been watching with anticipation the ongoing renovation progress of our beloved Victoria Park Market. So it is with excitement that we stumbled across a new establishment that is set to officially open its doors tomorrow. Libertine is located in the western end of the Victoria Park Market precinct. Housed in what is arguably one of the most dramatically beautiful parts of this complex, the building has a 100-year history that started as a power station. Being incredibly sympathetic to the building’s history has clearly been important to the new residents; design details like raising some of the floor area have connected the space seamlessly to its outdoor surroundings. Exposed red brick walls surround giant casement windows that allow the afternoon sun to stream in. Embracing the building’s industrial heritage, the ceiling is littered with clusters of decorative lights while the main floor has a series of comfortable booths, perfect for large groups to while away the afternoon.

Committed to the concept of a “libertine” – a person who is devoid of moral constraints and who values physical pleasures, Libertine offers what it describes as ‘sinfully good, free thinking food and drink in inspired surroundings’. This free wheeling attitude extends to everything at Libertine, including a shared eating and drinking philosophy that encourages patrons to order anything from the menu at anytime of the day and eat to it anywhere they fancy.

A large sunken bar area with soft brown leather sofas plays host to the building’s original furnace. The folks at Libertine have given this distinct feature a new lease on life with a live tree gracing the centre of the space. Off from the bar is an outdoor deck that makes fantastic use of the building’s westerly aspect – attracting the afternoon sun. The main floor area is a combination of studded leather booth seating and long tables for communal dining and drinking.

We’re looking forward to seeing what develops at this new hot spot whose philosophy is “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.” Indeed!

Open Monday to Thursday from 6pm

Friday to Sunday from Midday.