Bedford Soda & Liquor
Bedford Soda & Liquor runs a dual operation from its Britomart laneway location: a soda-focused cafe during the day that transitions into a cocktail lounge as evening falls. The space is intimate, seating about 60 people across banquette seating, a small bar, and a handful of two-tops. The cocktail menu changes seasonally and leans creative, using house-made sodas, syrups, and tinctures as the backbone for drinks that taste different from standard cocktail bar fare. The dim lighting, dark wood, and leather upholstery create a mood that suits dates and small groups better than large parties. Bartenders here take their craft seriously and will adjust drinks to your preferences if you ask. The non-alcoholic menu is unusually strong, built from the same soda-making expertise that defines the daytime operation.
What to Expect
A small, dimly lit room that feels like stepping into someone's stylish living room. The atmosphere is intimate and conversational. During the day it operates as a bright cafe; at night the lighting shifts and the cocktail menu takes over. Don't expect loud music or crowds. This is a talking venue.
Intimate, warm, and focused on the drinks. The bartenders are the entertainment. It's the kind of place where you settle in for a few hours rather than hopping to the next spot.
Quiet background music. Jazz, soul, and lo-fi. The volume stays low enough for uninterrupted conversation.
Smart casual. The crowd dresses with intention but not formality. A nice shirt and clean jeans fits perfectly.
Date nights, small groups wanting quality cocktails, and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the louder Britomart bars.
Cards and contactless accepted. Cash works but isn't common here.
Price Range
Cocktails NZD 22-28, mocktails NZD 14-18, small plates NZD 16-24
Cocktails ~USD 13-17/~EUR 12-16, mocktails ~USD 8-11/~EUR 8-10
Hours
Mon-Wed 7 AM to 10 PM, Thu-Fri 7 AM to midnight, Sat 9 AM to midnight, Sun 9 AM to 9 PM
Insider Tip
Ask the bartender to make something based on your flavour preferences rather than ordering off the menu. They're skilled at riffing. The house-made sodas are worth trying even if you're drinking alcohol. Sit at the bar for the best experience.
Full Review
Bedford carved out a unique position in Auckland's bar landscape by building its cocktail program around house-made sodas. That sounds gimmicky on paper, but in practice it produces drinks with a depth and freshness that standard cocktail bars struggle to match. A gin and tonic here uses a house tonic syrup that makes commercial tonic water taste flat by comparison.
The space is small, which works in its favour. Seating fills quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, but the intimate scale creates an atmosphere that larger venues can't replicate. The bar itself is the best seat in the house. Watching the bartenders build drinks from scratch is genuinely engaging, and they're happy to explain their process.
The seasonal menu rotates every few months, keeping things fresh for regulars. Winter menus tend toward darker, spirit-forward drinks, while summer brings lighter, citrus-driven options. The small plates menu pairs thoughtfully with the drinks but isn't extensive enough for a proper dinner. Eat beforehand.
Bedford works best as a second or third stop in a Britomart evening, after dinner and before a nightclub or late-night bar. The pacing is slower here, which provides a nice contrast to the busier venues on Fort Lane. Couples will find it particularly appealing. The mood is romantic without being forced about it.
The Neighborhood
Bedford sits on the edge of the Britomart laneway precinct, within easy walking distance of Impala, Sweat Shop, and the other Fort Lane venues. The surrounding streets have a mix of offices and hospitality businesses. The waterfront is a five-minute walk north.
Getting There
From Britomart station, walk toward Fort Lane. Bedford is accessible from both Fort Lane and Galway Street. From the Viaduct, walk east along Quay Street and turn right into the Britomart laneways. Uber dropoff on Customs Street East is the most convenient option.
Other Venues in Britomart-Viaduct
Impala
Multi-room nightclub on Fort Lane with a rooftop terrace. House, techno, and hip-hop nights draw a well-dressed crowd that stays late.
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
Craft beer bar and kitchen on Gore Street in Britomart serving house-brewed beers in an industrial-chic space with exposed brick and steel.
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Rooftop bar and bowling alley overlooking the Viaduct Basin. House-brewed beers, pizzas, and panoramic harbour views from the seventh floor.
Danny Doolans
Large Irish-themed bar on the Viaduct waterfront with live music seven nights a week, multiple levels, and a busy weekend crowd.
1885
Speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the Britomart heritage precinct. Small, atmospheric, and focused on classic cocktails with a New Zealand twist.