IT’S 6.30am, and Brazilian supporters at new bar Estadio in The Temperance are far from sleepy.
When I arrive, members of Wellington Batucada are already beating their drums (including Brazilian percussion guru Carlos Ferreira from Melbourne-based band MelSamba), and the 60 or so people keen on seeing Brazil thrash the Ivory Coast, are singing.
Some haven’t yet slept after watching New Zealand’s unbelievable draw against reigning Football World Cup champs, Italy.
Some are in suits, ready to head off to work after the game, and a few have brought the kids along to share the excitement.
The audience is a sea of gold and green, showing support for the Central American team, and when they deliver the first goal, the house is brought down with a victorious roar.
The drumbeat rises to new heights, people jump up and down screaming in glee, and one couple hug so vigorously they tumble to the floor.
General manager Jason Willis loves this Latin passion, and he hopes the audience today is a taste of what’s in store for Estadio.
Capital Times chats to Willis about what Wellingtonians can expect from the new Courtenay Place haunt.
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THE ill-fated Temperance bar on Courtenay Place has received a makeover just in time for kick-off.
The huge space that once catered to young’uns intent on drinking up large and dancing the night away to throbbing house music is now aimed at a different community.
Last week Southern Cross owner Gary Clarke took over management of the bar, which is owned by DB breweries. Already, the difference is stark.
Now a colourful Latin American cultural hub, multi-coloured cushions and beanbags adorn the space, umbrellas and flags hang from the ceiling, and floral tablecloths drip off the tables.
For now the working name is now Estadio.
General Manager Jason Willis has had little sleep. Estadio is open for 22 hours a day, from 6am to 4am, for the Soccer World Cup.
“We’re looking to use the World Cup as a full stop to the old, and a move to the new. It’s been a baptism of fire. We met the staff, and then told them we’d be open for 22 hours,” Willis laughs.
Every World Cup game will be broadcast live on the big screen, and enthusiasts are encouraged to come along in their soccer colours, and even bring blankets or pillows from home.
“For the more major games we run a traditional Latin American breakfast buffet, with cakes, cheeses and cold meats, or a traditional English breakfast,” says Willis. “If you’re inclined to buy beers or a mojito at 6am, you can do that too.”
But Willis wants Estadio to be a family environment. The back corner of the bar has been cordoned off as a kids’ play area, and Willis says there have already been children running around on a Sunday morning.
He took on the project because he’s always wanted to work with Clarke, although, he laughs, “I didn’t know it would be this big a project”.
Willis and Clarke felt there were many pockets of Latin American groups living in Wellington.
“We thought it would be great if we could create a cultural centre for language, food, and events,” says Willis.
Estadio’s music will be Latin, as will the wine, beer, and cocktails. Salsa dance classes are on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Willis is hoping to introduce Samba classes in the coming weeks.
Staff have been busy working on a Latin American-style menu to create a “fusion of all the best things Latin American”.
Many involved in the project are authentico – the head chef is Brazilian, and the other chef is from Chile.
Any staff feeling left out needn’t worry – all will receive free Salsa and Samba dance lessons, and Spanish and Portuguese classes.
“My grand vision is that when you come and you’re shy about dancing, don’t be surprised if your waiter gets you up to dance,” Willis laughs. “I want people to walk out of here and feel like they have done something different.”