Recycled bricks, concrete and darkness form the foundation of Queenstown's newest arrival on the bar scene, Priory, due to open midway through next month.
Setting up in what is fast becoming the trendy bar niche of the resort, Searle Lane, Priory will have a cave-like feel with no natural lighting entering the tiny premises.
Co-owners Mike Burgess and Blair McNaughton are seasoned players in the industry locally, owning successful bars The Buffalo Club, Winnies, Bar Up and The Ballarat Trading Company.
Mr McNaughton said Priory would offer something entirely different from other bars and nightclubs in Queenstown.
"It'll be a bit different from what we've done before - a bit more edgy and something different for Queenstown."
The bar will have a "dive-bar" atmosphere, with lots of of old brick, old doors, concrete floors and a "not-so-polished" feel.
"Almost like a little cave."
The two had gained some ideas from bars around the country, Mr McNaughton said, citing Soul Square in Christchurch and Racket in Auckland as strong influences.
Old furniture, timber and bricks for the bar are being brought from Christchurch, most of it recovered from demolition after the February 22 earthquake.
They hope to have the bar operating before the busy Christmas-New Year period kicks in.
