A trio of Auckland drag queens, called the Pop Tarts, gave three cabaret sets to a rapturous response in the Church Lane venue.
12Bar owner Mark Jessop said the atmosphere was "eclectic and electric" with an often flamboyantly dressed clientele and an even split between gay and straight patrons.
"It was an amazing show and a packed-out night. It was the fullest 12Bar has ever been," new co-manager Stephen Tarawa said.
Mr Jessop said he, Mr Tarawa and co-manager David Knight were looking for a point of difference with the establishment and devised the sub-brand titled 12Alt. They thought about which market had not been catered for and believed the gay community had grown large enough to make a bar economically viable.
Mr Jessop said the relaunch night had exceeded expectations. Slight changes had since been made to the music playlist but the bar's layout and decor was "appealing and sophisticated" already and had not changed, he said. 12Bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
A new Sunday afternoon session has started, and the bar also hosts functions for the broader community.
