Hidden Treasure in Hawke’s Bay, Teresa Bar

Nestled in what is arguably New Zealand’s best region for foodies is Teresa Bar, the stunning speakeasy cocktail bar that deservedly took home OneMusic’s Outstanding Ambience and Design Award at this year’s Hawke’s Bay Restaurant Association Hospitality Awards.

Teresa Bar also went on to sweep up the American Express Supreme Establishment award, Toitoi Venues Outstanding Bar award, The National Distillery Outstanding Cocktail Experience award, Trinity Hill Outstanding Wine & Beverage List award, and the Simply Squeezed Outstanding Bartender award.

Andrea Marseglia and Sarah Mitchell are the pair behind Napier’s award winning bar and deli combo, serving up world-class fun, interactive tipples and providing a unique intimate dining experience in their hidden away speakeasy.

Reflecting on their multiple wins, Andrea and Sarah say that the OneMusic’s Outstanding Ambience and Design Award was the one accolade they were really hoping to take home, adding that the venue is so special because there is more than meets the eye.

The concept of Teresa Bar brings a unique cocktail experience to the Hawkes Bay hospitality scene with something a little bit different.

What is special about the venue is that it is two in one. The Harvest Deli, the so called “front” of the venue, offers an impressive selection of charcuterie, cheeses and freshly baked breads. But if you venture further in, you’ll find the thoughtfully designed speakeasy, Teresa Bar, sneakily hidden away on a need-to-know basis, waiting for guests to discover. The darker, cosier contrast impresses guests from the moment they walk in.

Having been licensed by OneMusic, the speakeasy’s music delivers a huge impact when you walk through the doors, capturing the essence of the Italian Aperitivo and following the mantra of allowing their guests to come together, open up, have a good conversation, and stimulate the appetite.  

Bringing his Italian roots to Hawke’s Bay, Andrea enjoys playing old-style crooner type music in the bar and deli during the day and into the early afternoons.

Later in the evenings and especially during the weekends, Teresa Bar ramp up the pace with modern house music, to get the world-class drinks and good times flowing.

“It’s awesome. Our guests will often come and tell us how much they love the music and how it matches the vibe of their night,” says Sarah.

In the intimate, 12 seater bar, the pair wanted the bar to ooze warmth, with friendly and knowledgeable service.

We want our guests to step in and feel really comfortable. We wanted it to be place they come with friends, a partner or even enjoy a drink by yourself, chatting to us at the bar for a few hours.

The pair say that what remains at the forefront of Teresa is ensuring they are adding value to the surrounding district by celebrating local & seasonal produce from the area. The use of local ingredients make for unique cocktail recipes with Teresa’s own dynamic element – think dry ice and bold flavour combos.

 

The couple are self-proclaimed “hospitality nerds” having both worked together in hospitality since they were teenagers. They travelled the world gaining food and drink knowledge and thankfully for us, brought their wealth of knowledge right into the heart of the Hawke’s Bay community. What’s more, they’re just getting started.

Whether it’s the comfy furniture, eccentric artwork, banging playlist or mood lighting, this place has ‘hit the nail on the head’ with design, music and atmosphere and that’s all reflective within their recent awards.

Despite being hidden away, Teresa Bar cocktail bar is quickly gaining notoriety by those in the know. Head to 132 Emerson Street, Napier South and you might find just what you’re looking for.

Learn more about the music licences we have available for your business here.