The night started out really well, had been out with good friends and thought we’d go for a quick dance and drink before heading home!

Music was pretty good, we danced and were having a good time. However, it soon turned pear-shaped as I got a decent case of the hiccups …. and having tried the usual tricks to rid of them, decided to sit down and have a break. It was then that the most arrogant doorman came and told us to “get out” because clearly I needed to go to bed!! I honestly thought he was joking, but no, he stood there waiting … gesturing towards the door … and waiting …

Such a shame, because we were having a fantastic night up until that point. We don’t get out often being parents of younglings, so when we come across gits like this it doesn’t go down well. But given the other reviews, I suspect we aren’t alone.

Would like to review positively but can get past the front door. Avoid, Avoid, Avoid – one of the doorman (the blonde one) is arrogant; persecutionist and bordering on racist. Security guard passes himself off as the manager. Why does a manager stand in as the security guard? The club has an unstated policy of 25 years plus only entry after 11pm; barring any patron that is wearing heals and tailored clothing unless you can prove you are of direct british descent. Agree with the comments below that this bar has relocated from Christchurch and can only assume that the doorstaff hate their jobs. Avoid!

Would have given five stars but I was shocked at how rude the doormen were, especially the guy that looks like Brian Tamaki.
Might be all good at the moment with big crowds and ques etc, but it’s going to put people off in the long run.
Lose the attitude.

The doormen at this establishment are the most obnoxious, ill mannered & egotistical in Wellington by far. This bar has relocated from Christchurch and I can only assume that the doorstaff have brought the resentment of their situation with them. Avoid!

Bangalore Polo Club Wellington
as reviewed by Ask The Locals on 23rd Sept ’11

Planning for our night at Bangalore began way back during Wellington on a Plate in August 2011. Whence we were enjoying the delicious cocktails of the Museum Hotels Cocktails in the City. The Museums consummate hosts stayed behind to keep us company after the official cocktail session had ended. One of these hosts, the very charming Houston told us he was later to meet with friends who were visiting here from Christchurch. These friends were employed by the owners of the Bangalore Polo Club in Christchurch and were still being paid, even though the Christchurch Bangalore has not reopened since the devastating February earthquake. Such loyalty to their staff must not be overlooked.

So we made a pact that night, to get to the new Wellington Bangalore Polo Club, which has recently been refitted and opened up in the old Coyote spot on Courtenay Place.

And here we are, nearly seven weeks later, to discover the place heaving by six o’clock on a Friday night on their second week of trading. Luckily I booked a table earlier in the week. I got things underway with a cocktail called the ‘Catapult’. Very apt, as it did catapult the mood from weekday-ho-hum to weekend-hip-hoorah. I can see why they decided on the name ‘catapult’, perhaps my term for the cocktail is a little too wordy for the menu. I will happily allow them to borrow my term, should the feedback be resolute enough to get it back on the menu. My friend ordered a Lady Stacy, a veritable meal in one, with strawberries, mint, cucumber, pineapple juice and a brand of Vodka I can’t pronounce without slipping into an Australian accent. A bit early for that!

Feeling ‘fearless and brave’ as the Bangalore Polo Club catch phrase goes, we ventured away from the bar and settled into reading the amusing 13-page dinner menu. Rest assured there was to be no funny business around ordering food this time. We were again female diners, but this time we had healthy appetites and we weren’t afraid to satisfy them.

However, I wasn’t going to be seduced by the cheese and herby calzone. No! I’ve learnt this is an unwise weakness to give into at such an early stage of the evening. It can only lead to buttery lips and a full stomach, leaving no room for the main fare.

Even with such resolve, we did not get past the starters and entree menu. We were sold on the prawn cocktails, how could you not love these classic delights.

To read more of our review, follow our link:
http://askthelocalsnz….

I haven’t eaten here yet but i will be back for sure….omg what an amazing place…beautiful decor, great cocktails, good service by the bar staff, and fantastic atmosphere…a MUST!!