Hospitality Business Magazine

New Auckland venue adds Pacific charm to the viaduct

The Lula Inn.

The Lula Inn, a slice of pacific paradise in the heart of Auckland city, has opened.

Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s South Pacific provenance, The Lula Inn will offer lively drinking, dining and entertainment experiences set within an urban garden escape. Perched in the heart of Princes Wharf (previously home to The Crew Club), Lula’s boasts a pacific-inspired interior, bringing a relaxed, colonial charm to the historic Launchman’s Building.

The Lula Inn General Manager, Kevin Fraser says, “We are thrilled to open the doors to The Lula Inn, which will offer special experience for both food and drink lovers, and music fans alike. Lula’s captures the charm of the South Pacific with hints of its landscape, flavours and energy at every turn – each visit will be a sensory experience.”

“Lula’s is the perfect place for an everyday escape and sense of indulgence that we all crave in a busy city. Lula’s fun, adventurous and playful energy will mean there is something exciting happening whether you’re enjoying lunch in the sunshine, an after-work drink or a night out with friends,” added Fraser.

At the helm of The Lula Inn kitchen is head chef Sam Clark who has produced a menu of ‘playful kiwi cuisine’ designed to be shared and enjoyed together. According to Clark, the food at Lula’s will be ‘bountiful, fresh and local’, from premium New Zealand produce like Takapoto Beef Steak and fresh seafood dishes like Leigh Fish Kokoda, to nostalgic family favourites such as Lamb Shoulder and the vibrant, adventurous Southern Fried Snapper Roll, wrapped with Kiwi personality.

The Lula Inn is set to hero gins from around the world with a refreshing cocktail menu that tells the tale of the South Pacific – full of flavoursome tropical concoctions and classic favourites with a twist. “The cocktails will leave even the most dedicated aficionados feeling adventurous with an array of innovative combinations and unique ingredients such as Amaretto, Earl Grey tea, pink peppercorn, vanilla and fresh fruits.

As well as food and drinks, The Lula Inn promises to be an entertainment hub in the city. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Live at Lula’s kicks into gear and turns the tempo up with some of the country’s most talented soul and funk artists bringing a vibrant energy to central Auckland.

According to Kevin Fraser, “Lula’s is an everyday escape for Aucklanders;  a place to explore and experience from the moment you walk through the doors. Every touch point, from our wonderful hosts, lively entertainment, interior cues and buzzing atmosphere, is unique to The Lula Inn. We have been fine tuning Lula’s for a long time so we‘re very excited for people to finally get a taste of it. There’s no other place like it.”

The Lula Inn will opened on Thursday June 1 and will be open daily from 10am – late weekdays, 9am – late weekend