What it lacks in atmosphere, Number 49 makes up for with quality wine.

The Venue
The space itself is quite sterile. Number 49 comprises a long, narrow room with an unexciting green carpet and relatively bare walls, lacking in visual punch. The bar is up a couple of stairs and it isn't much more promising. However, head to the rear and go to their outside private terrace with plenty of space and umbrellas to keep off the rain and sun.

The Atmosphere
The friendly, bubbly bar staff more than make up for the unexciting environs of Number 49 whilst the patrons are a wine-loving professional bunch with a median age of late ‘30s. Politeness is the order of the day – there are no lager louts here.

The Food
Daily specials sit alongside a compact menu of sandwiches, fish dishes and sharing platters. Attention has been paid to balance the menu out and make it desirable to a range of different tastes.

The Drink
Number 49 is a wine bar through and through. Clearly a lot of consideration has gone into the wine selection, balancing both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere and a range of price points to give a well-balanced choice of whites, reds and roses, plus a few sparkling options. About 40 per cent of them are available by the glass. There is a decent selection of spirits; however, beer drinkers have to settle between two New Zealand options – Steinlager or Macs Gold All Malt Lager, which is crisp and fresh.

The Last Word
A lot of care has gone into selecting the wine and other drinks at Number 49 and it shows. Now a little of that TLC needs to be lavished on the decor to bring it up to scratch.

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