Each week we will be featuring a local bar, pub or club to help boost the Kiwi hospitality industry and encourage customers to get out and explore!
This week we discover Queenstown’s newest Mexican bar and restaurant, Margo’s.
How has business been going during this tough year?
We were hit pretty hard, much like everybody else in the hospitality industry and there were a few really tough months. However, there was and still is a real sense of championing local businesses in our little old Queenstown community and we’re so thankful for the ongoing support from our local crowd. In opening our new business, Margo’s, we have learnt a lot of valuable lessons. Pre-COVID we had grand plans for the space, and post COVID we managed to create a space with 10% of the original budget – it just proves that good food, good drinks and good atmosphere prevail.
What have you been doing to encourage customers to come/come back to your local?
We have literally just opened (as of a week ago), so we are fortunate in the sense that we are the new kid on the block. We have a great team of hospitality superstars, an amazing head chef, Matt Tobin, and a buzzing atmosphere – so we hope that encourages our customers to come back!
How would you describe the atmosphere of Margo’s?
Margo’s is a never-ending exploration of tastes, sights and smells. The atmosphere is fun, bold and high-energy – we want to help our guests celebrate life’s everyday moments, while indulging in a tasting experience like no other.
What is your signature drink?
Margaritas, margaritas, margaritas. Can we say that again? We’ve got a full cocktail list designated to margarita’s, from our classic frozen margarita, to our “grizzly beergarita” with Crimson Badger’s alcoholic ginger beer.
Why do you think your local stands out from the crowd?
Margo’s is all about experience from the moment you walk in the door. From our friendly service, to our colourful street-art filled walls, and new sights and smells. Our food is fun and colourful and draws inspiration from the many different flavours of Mexico, while many of our drinks are an experience in themselves. We pride ourselves on being approachable, inclusive and fun.
What are your 3 top tips for being a great bartender?
- Communicate. Being able to understand the wants and needs of different customers and deliver them an experience (and cocktail) that they won’t forget.
- Experiment. At Margo’s our bar staff are creative masterminds, and we let them experiment with different mixes, methods and cocktails. A great bartender really has no limits when it comes to creativity.
- Be knowledgeable – research, taste test and understand what makes a good cocktail!
To nominate a local to be featured, email ccowan@intermedianz.co.nz or send us a message on social media @theshoutnz!
Did you know?
There are 6 ways you can catch up with The Shout NZ?
Our print magazine – back in September! Subscribe here.
Online, updated daily with its own completely unique content and breaking news.
Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
Our digital magazines – the latest issues are online now, here and here.
We are also on Facebook and Instagram!
