Business North July / August 2021

14 | An oasis of Kiwi food and beverage Richard Loader Our Land Is Alive proudly showcases only New Zealand products, with an extensive list of wines, craft beers, spirits, cocktails and mixers, and tempting seasonal foods T aking pride of place in the Cordis Auck- land Hotel at the top of Symonds Street, the aptly named Our Land Is Alive bar is a unique oasis of good Kiwi food and bever- age, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD. From an extensive list of wines, craft beers, spirits, cocktails and mixers, through to the menu of tempting seasonal foods on offer, Our Land Is Alive proudly showcases New Zea- land product, and only New Zealand product. The hotel’s Director of Food and Beverage Lucas Gougeon says guests can try more than seventy different New Zealand made spirits in the one place, though perhaps not on the same night. “Guests really love the fact that all our product is locally made or sourced and that they can experience a large variety all under the one roof.” Our Land is Alive is a proud celebration of New Zealand from the inspiration of its de- sign, the materials used and its artwork right through to its food and beverage offerings. “I’m a very lucky guy,” explains Lucas. “I came to New Zealand three years ago and one of the first things I was told was that the hotel was building this new bar. I had previously tried some New Zealand wines and beers but very few spirits. “So I took that journey first with my team and colleagues and now we’re trying to bring our guests along on that journey of experienc- ing and trying.” The bar, which opened in March, was designed by Space Studio with the brief of extending ‘New Zealand made’ as much as possible. Bringing the outside in, the bar’s ceiling was painted by local artist Ross Lewis. Referencing ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’, the ceiling depicts the big skies and cloud formations New Zealand is renowned for. Combined with the installation of natural greenery in the bar, guests would be forgiven for feeling they are enjoying a drink in New Zealand great outdoors. Adding to the natural beauty, reclaimed swamp kauri has been sourced from the South Island and used on the bar’s counter and tabletops. Artwork includes a bespoke menu cover designed by Erin Forsyth showcasing New Zealand fauna and flora. “Guests really love the fact that all our product is locally made or sourced and that they can experience a large variety all under the one roof.” to page 16 HOSPITALITY Cordis Hotel Auckland - Our Land Is Alive