Quentin Nolan and his business partner — who bought former hospo institution, Surreal, in 2023 and reopened it last year as Local Queenstown — have taken over the upstairs venue and will specialise in wood-fired pizzas, shared plates, cocktails and later-night music.
Wharf Casino shut its doors in 2020 when New Zealand went into its first Covid lockdown and never reopened — SkyCity, which held its casino licence, exited its lease early last year to consolidate on its larger Beach St operation.
Nolan, who also owns the local music fest, Snow Machine, is promising "an elevated sort of bar experience, taking advantage of some fantastic views — some of the best in town".
"Our forecast is we’ll have a split of 60% drinks, 40% food.
"We’re looking at going out to tender in the next week or two and then hopefully start building pretty soon.
"Our plan is to be open by mid-August."
Nolan says they’ve got an architect and an interior designer, both from Australia, working on their concept — they’re still to settle on a name.
