WellingtonEat & Drink
The interior The Library, a cocktail bar in Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington. There are two groups of patrons drinking. The booths are red velvet and the walls are lined with books.

The Library

  • Location

    53 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington

  • Website
    The Library

With book-lined shelves, plenty of cosy nooks, live music, and a comprehensive cocktail menu, you’ll wish all libraries could be like this.

Calling all introverts, do we have the bar for you (keep reading extroverts, you’ll like it, too.) Step out of the bright lights and fast pace of Courtenay Place, ascend the flight of stairs, push open the door to The Library and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cosy new world.

The bar is comprised of intimate booths and cosy nooks, surrounded by shelves lined with books (we’re talking real, actual books). Oozing warmth and old-world charm, the bar is dimly lit by table lamps and vintage framed prints adorn the walls.

Dapperly-attired staff greet you at the door. Brought your book along to read while you sip a negroni? No problem. A date for dessert and cocktails? Right this way. Got a crew together for late-night cocktails? They’ve got just the spot for you.

Three people sit at a table enjoying drinks at The Library, a cocktail bar in Te Aro, Wellington.

The Library opened in 2009 and has built a reputation for its cocktails and decadent desserts. Award-winning mixologist, Peter Lowry has been with The Library from the beginning and has become a well-known face for Wellingtonians.

Why a library-themed bar? Peter says that it provides constant inspiration, as well as giving an excuse to have books everywhere. “It suits Wellington as Wellingtonians are a little bit geeky and the idea of fun, frivolous cocktails that are inspired by your favourite book about zombies really appeals to them.”

Peter says that his favourite cocktail to make is the one that you’re going to enjoy the most. The Library staff love to talk to their customers to find out what they like and make a bespoke drink that will be just the thing you didn’t know you felt like.

With regular live music, cocktail and dessert specials, and even a claw foot bath hidden around a corner, you’re about to discover your new favourite library.

A waiter inside The Library pouring cinnamon on a cokctail and lighting it with a torch lighter.
Explore more

Looking for more?

At start of items
Three cocktails and a beer glass are lined up on a wooden bar at Dee's Place located on Cuba Street at Ghuznee Street. A bartender, with a rag on his shoulder is opening a can of beer behind the bar.

Dee’s Place

Hidden underground on Wellington’s Cuba Street, you’ll find Dee’s Place. It’s a cosy neighbourhood whiskey bar serving many American whiskeys and cocktails.

Two bar staff pour drinks at Puffin Wine Bar in dim lighting.

Puffin

Puffin is a hidden Wellington wine bar that exudes personality. It’s a comfortable space for a casual drink with friends where the wine list changes weekly.

Four friends enjoy dinner and drinks at Havana Bar and Restaurant in Wellington.

Havana Bar

Wellington's Havana Bar & Restaurant is iconic. Hidden in two historic cottages, it serves Latin American cuisine, seasonal, tropical cocktails, and live music.

Inside Regent, a cocktail pub in Te Aro Wellington, where four patrons stand by the bar to order drinks while two bartenders are working.

Regent

Regent is a bar that does it all. Enjoy the coldest Martini in town or a perfectly poured pint and watch Wellington’s Cuba Street from above.

Three friends enjoy drinks on the back patio at Lulu Bar & Restaurant.

Lulu

Lulu is a vibrant bar and restaurant inspired by the South Pacific with bold cocktails and live music. Visit Lulu for a welcoming space to share plates and unwind.

Two people enjoying drinks at Golding's Free Dive, a cool, kitsch, and cosy laneway bar in Te Aro, Wellington.

Golding’s Free Dive

Tucked away in Hannahs Laneway, Golding’s Free Dive is a much-loved Wellington bar. It’s cool, kitsch, and cosy. Find great beer and a great atmosphere.

Three people at Ascot sitting at the bar, while a server makes cocktails.

Ascot

Only in Wellington will you find an art deco rooftop bar serving hot dogs and natural wine. You’ll discover Ascot with its old-world charm on Ghuznee Street.

The storefront of Liberty, a restaurant in Te Aro Wellington. It's a white building with black accents and six circular ceiling lights.

Liberty

Sharing plates and considered cocktails make Wellington restaurant Liberty a great spot for a quick drink, a group meal, or a special occasion.

Two people at Rosella eating food. A rack of wine bottles is above them.

Rosella Wine Bar

Rosella Wine Bar’s share-style menu has big bold fresh flavours, using the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa as inspiration.

An open doorway connects a garden courtyard to a busy tavern.

Cuba Street Tavern

In the heart of Wellington, Cuba Street Tavern is a lively bar and eatery with a secret garden, craft beers, cocktails, and locally inspired cuisine.