Our Story

About us

Established in 2011, the Conservatory was the first "living bar" to be built in the world - the bar is a living wall of plants.

Situated in Auckland city centre and directly on the waterfront, we are incredibly proud to be an individually owned and operated, free trade bar and restaurant, with the same owners from day one. The heated and covered wrap-around outdoor terrace ensures the view can be enjoyed whatever the season.

Less than 8% of New Zealand's venues are able to call themselves "free trade". It means we are able to stock the best products in the market, based on their quality, and in turn support the smaller businesses, like ourselves, rather than selling what a large brewery has instructed us to sell.

Built and designed with the strong ethos that a great drinking and dining experience doesn't need to be pretentious, the venue has a multitude of comfortable seating options to suit everyone.

We call it casual dining.

That certainly doesn't mean our approach is casual to delivering high standards, exactly the opposite, rather that we provide excellent service in a relaxed environment where everyone feels welcome.

Yes, we've won awards and all that business, yet that isn't what drives us. What does drive us is creating the best atmosphere, with awesome food and impressive drinks to bring great people together, whatever the occasion.

So, next time you're planning a get together, get it all together here.

The Conservatory - it's about living.

"We ate here during winter the food was awesome service was great and to top it all off they gave us hot water bottles and blankets to keep warm."

- Tessa Curmi