Five reasons to make HQ your summer destination

Sitting proudly on Auckland's most prominent entertainment hub, Viaduct Harbour, Headquarters delivers when it comes to bringing sunshine and good times to your weekend.

Sure to be a popular outpost for all and sundry over the summer months, we've compiled our top five reasons why we'll be making a beeline to HQ this silly season. 

1. The outside area has been transformed into a Garden Bar!

How many grassy patches are there in central Auckland, where you can lounge with a chilled glass of your favourite champagne and the best sunshine-filled view in town? HQ has had a stroke of genius and transformed its concrete surrounds into a grassy green oasis, sporting giant bean bags, multiple tables, a life sized chess set and live music. This not-so-little sun-drenched patch should be saved as a favourite in your Uber app.

2. The food is delicious

With an extensive bar snacks menu that includes some of the best truffle fries in town along with succulent pork steamed buns, wood fire pizzas and tacos, you won’t need to move anytime soon. The refined dining menus for lunch and dinner have been designed lovingly by head chef Jacopo Crosti to satisfy all taste buds. HQ celebrates the best of NZ produce, from the kingfish ceviche (that’s as pretty as it is delicious), juicy rib eye and crowd pleasing pork belly to the sardines on toast (yes sardines on toast!) which have to be tried to be believed. In fact, stop what you’re doing and go and order that right now!

3. The staff are world class

Step into HQ on a Friday after 3pm and you realise that yes, you should have reserved your spot in the sun! At a whopping quarter acre foot print, this place is a bustling village, in fact they currently sell more champagne than any other establishment in the country! And the staff do not bat an eyelid. At any one time there are 50 full time staff on the floor, shaking cocktails, taking orders, welcoming everyone, pouring wine into your favourite glass, chasing down that extra side of sriracha sauce - all with beaming, genuine smiles. You wouldn’t know that on any given day they exceed their projected attendance. Insider tip: ask for Jesse - he moves mountains to make your day or night at HQ a VIP experience!

4. There’s live music playing into the sunset

The HQ Garden Bar currently sports a perfectly placed stage, which is being graced by the likes of Halo, Blackfire and the gorgeous DJ Zeisha Fernaux – all playing and singing our favourite summer tunes. Get out of the Christmas traffic, grab your girl squad and dance into the night! Your selfie game is guaranteed to be strong with this line up of soul sisters and more!

5. They are throwing a ‘must attend’ New Years party!

Whether you are having a stay-cation in the City of Sails or making this a destination for your New Year – HQ is THE place to be. The beverages will be cold, the food served seaside and you are guaranteed front row seats to the breathtaking fireworks! With a special New Years Eve set menu and your favourite tipple in hand, you will cheers to the New Year in style!