New Zealand’s hotly anticipated highest rooftop bar, perched on the 38th floor of Auckland’s newest lifestyle hotel voco Auckland City Centre, has opened for business.

Bar Albert is set to be Auckland’s hottest new destination for sky-high gatherings and glamour with its Art-Deco inspired décor, open-air deck, private event space and towering views across the city’s icons, Waitemata Harbour and Waitakere Rangers.

As the highest rooftop bar in New Zealand, Bar Albert’s position on Level 38 of the voco Auckland City Centre hotel offers guests a sophisticated spot to mingle with spectacular views, and lounge in sumptuous tan and gold trimmed leather seating.

Presenting a locally inspired food and beverage offering, signature gins and seasonal cocktails that are themed by Auckland Street names, including Eden Crescent, Napier Street, Chancery Street and Market Place.

The signature Eden Crescent cocktail features The Roots Dry Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, house-made pistachio & rosewater orgeat, spray of rhubarb bitters, served in a coupe glass and garnished with dried rose petal.

Wine lovers can feel good about sipping a local wine produced less than 50km away from Waiheke’s Man O War or Kumeu River Wines, among other New Zealand and international varieties. Matakana’s Sawmill Brewery features on tap alongside Peroni. East Imperial Tonics are on hand for alcohol-free tipples.

Bar Albert’s food menu presents an enticing array of house-made pizzas, antipasto platter with selections of cured meats, pickled vegetables, artisan breads, dip and olives, small plates, and cheeses. Best paired with a Charcuterie board is the Napier Street cocktail, presented with Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or Scotch, Cocchi Americano Blanco, topped with house made tamarillo and honey soda with honeycomb skewer.

The voco hotel’s food and beverage concepts and outlets, including Bar Albert, have been designed in consultation with globally recognised consultant Shane Giles from Blue Salt.

Head Mixologist and Bar Manager, Chelsey York can be found concocting cocktails at Bar Albert and brings her American flair in the fine art of making prohibition-inspired craft cocktails.

“I’m super excited to be joining the team at Bar Albert and serve smashing cocktails accompanied by the most incredible sky-high views in our sophisticated speakeasy inspired atmosphere.

“I’ve designed balanced cocktail menus that feature seasonal produce and are approachable for everyone. I love getting behind the bar and making new unique syrups, dehydrating fruits, creating mixes, and clarifying punches.

“When I make a drink for someone, everything goes into it. It’s so satisfying seeing the guest take a sip and go “ahhh.” My thirst for knowledge is unquenchable, so is my thirst for a banging Espresso Martini,” Chelsey said.

Bar Albert is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm until midnight and open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.