The Merchant Bar & Kitchen

First ever visit for a quick catch-​up lunch, so tool the easy option of the $ 20 special burger and a Heineken light. I went for the Chicken and bacon burger, he went for the beef. Both were delicious and generously portioned, and cooked to perfection (as long as you like a little pink in your beef burger). Place was reasonably busy for a Thursday and the staff were friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back for more

Never again!
We were very disappointed with our pre-​movie dinner at The Merchant last Sunday evening.
After a lacklustre welcome, we found a table and ordered. As we waited, we noticed a nearby table send back a venison open sandwich. Within 60 seconds (approximately 3 – 4 minutes after placing our order), my partner was presented with a stone-​cold venison open sandwich, complete with soggily re-​heated chips. When this was queried, it was taken back to the kitchen and replaced with a fresh meal, which raises the question of why The Merchant would try such a cheap move in the first place? I ordered the tagliatelle, which tasted like… absolutely nothing. The combination of mushrooms, capsicum and utter lack of seasoning made it incredibly bland (and I’m not exactly daring when it comes to spicy food).
The service was pleasant, when it was actually provided, however nobody bothered to return to ask about our meals so we didn’t provide this feedback in person.

Me and my work mates come here every Monday for their quiz nights. Probably been going strong for 2 years? Unfortunately the quality of the food has been steadily declining that we actually try to avoid eating at that place. Today I ordered the entrée sized crispy pork belly, there was no crackling — crackling was chewy and not crispy, the pork itself was slightly dry which was a shame because the flavor was quite nice. The menu said it comes on a kumara purée, which somehow turned into potatoes on my plate… And was cold. We really do want to like the merchant but unless they put some love into their food… They will be possibly be losing a frequent customer.

Situated on the outside of Albany Mall, this is a good venue for quiz nights, live shows and music. However, I’m giving it a thumbs down for pricing — $ 4.50 for a soda, as in bubbly water, and $ 9 for very over fried kumara fries!

I went to the merchant with fairly low expectations, mostly due to it being situated at the mall. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This is a great bar to stop in for a few drinks and snacks, but also a great restaurant to enjoy a full meal. I would recommend a reservation on the busier evenings or you may end up seated in the lounge area and possibly even sharing a table. Of course with a great crowd of people and a vibrant atmosphere even a meal in the lounge area would be enjoyable.

Had a pretty good lunch here. The service was fantastic. A lot better than I’ve had from previous pub/​bar type places. All the wait and bar staff were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive. A real asset to the place and better than many good restaurants I’ve been to lately. The menu is not too extensive — but I prefer few choices to many. The food was above average but not amazing. We both had pizzas, and while they were good, for the price ($ 21) they could have been more flavoursome. Overall, it was a good lunch and I’d definitely go back to try some more meals that looked good on menu.

Generally a great bar! I have to say that their drink prices are a little high. However great atmosphere and lots of good live music (normally Friday and Sunday). Staff are friendly and fun to chat with. I’ve had a few various dishes here as this place is my local and I have to say each time their food continues to be good value for money and good quality. This place also allows you to set up a tab and have your own waiter keeping your drinks refilled (still not sure if this is good or bad haha). Great for dinner or a casual drink with a mate.

Their lamb burger is okay, it was a little too sweet for my taste, the muscles were amazing and I would recommend. I dipped the fries in the soup of the muscles and it also worked ! Which is real nice :) the flavor that’s in the muscles and the fries was nice. The fish is okay and something I don’t recommend as the price is a bit pricy. The beef burger was alright too but I recommend not sitting in the direction of the wind as people smoking will be annoying. Also prepare to wait a while for your order :(overall 3.5 out of 5 !

LOVE their $ 15 weekday lunch special! Great outdoor area with designated non smoking tables & cute flowers planted in simple terracotta pots as centerpieces on the tables. Love the open faced steak sandwich with caramelised onions. Delicious!

Massive function for our Mentors — the service and professionalism in dealing with a big group was fantastic. Well done Gareth and the team. Food was excellent. Venue set up perfect.

We had a good meal at the Merchant some months back, they had a movie deal with the nearby Albany cinema that we took advantage of. A good meal plus movie tickets right? well we went there again on Saturday and decided to grab a non-​movie deal and look at them with a critical beady eye. I’m pleased to say that even without the movie deal the merchant turned out okay. Leading in with the décor, its an interesting blend of 90’s outdoor and 70’s indoor, I honestly felt like I should be donning an ascot and suffixing each statement with ‘like, man’ the atmosphere was really relaxed though, lots of people soaking up the sun and a quiet indoor feeling. The food was good … not great value for money to be honest, I had a grilled chicken burger at $ 19 and my wife had three corn fritters at $ 17(!?). Food was well presented and the fries came in this ‘mini wire deep fry cage’ which was cute. The staff were friendly and the service actually pretty good.
I’d recommend it for a classic pub lunch in a 1970’s bachelor pad, like totally man.

Had the margherita pizza and it wasn’t flash. Might ve been cooked for too long. Everything was dry and bland except for the three fresh basil leaves. Hubby’s lamb burger looked more decent.
The staff was polite and friendly and the place is quite cosy though. Would probably give it one more go for a light meal and drinks.

I’ve been drinking at the Merchant long before they became The Merchant, and I’ve always enjoyed the clientele the restaurant attracted, and the general atmosphere it creates. Being part of the mall, it is never going to be a big night out kind of place, but it is great for more mature drinkers to have a brew or two.
What sets it apart from other watering holes is that you can have a good conversation while eating and drinking, and still have a good time.
I normally combine a big night out at the movies with dinner and a drink, and with the good selection available on the strip, you can pick and choose your destination of choice. Most nights it will be The Merchant.

Yes, changing from Reservoir to the Merchant was a good call for this place on the «Albany Strip». My memories of Reservoir include underage teens trying to sneak up the stairs and rumors of knife fights inside. The Merchant has a completely different feel about it. I think it is extremely well laid out and decorated. I love the greenery and the wooden décor. It screams expense and quality to me. The greenery also provides such much-​needed shade as this place is a self-​confessed sun-​bather. Put on your sunblock and wear sunnies if you’re going to be sitting outside! The greens also act as little barriers between tables, which is pretty cool. Food wise I think I’d always choose the pizza because I’m limited, boring, and the pizzas here are particularly good!

Until not long ago this place was Reservoir. For all of five minutes, it was the happening place for all the pretty young things of the Shore to go for a night out — then they all discovered town. The place is probably better for it. As it’s now known, Merchant Bar is a nice big bar and bistro sitting on a terrace out the back of the Albany Mall. I’m not a mall person, but Merchant is half decent. It’s very spacious inside and out and has a good range of grub — nice pizzas and desserts especially! I remember celebrating the All Blacks semi-​final win back in 2011 up here with a beer or three — wicked times!

If you’re looking for awesome, unusual cocktails after a hard day of shopping in Albany Westfield, The Merchant should definitely be your fist (and possibly only) port of call. Their jam jar cocktails are soooo good! They also have a really great selection of New Zealand wine which is helpfully set out into categories (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir etc) so even wine novices like myself can make an informed decision on their plonk.
I’ve not eaten here yet but all of the food making it’s way to tables when I’ve been in looks amazing. The Merchant is on what I refer to as the «nice side» of the mall, alongside the likes of Mama Loco and Columbus Coffee, where they have a deck and loads of outdoor seating. This place is a fail-​safe post-​work pick me up spot.
Tip: if you’re only getting one drink, make sure it’s the Passionfruit Stall Jam Jar: Absolut peach vodka, passionfruit & lemonade, it’s like a summer beach party in your mouth!

Oh you are in for a treat if you come here. Situated on the outside around the back of Albany mall, this restaurant gets the best of the afternoon sun for you to bask in while enjoying your incredible meal.
This place used to be Reservoir Bar but it has since closed and reopened under The Merchant Bar. The menu is somewhat similar however, luckily for me. I have never tasted quite a pizza like the «Bazaar». Chicken tikka masala, cashews, spring onion, fresh banana, cucumber mint raita and mango chutney all make up one sexy pizza. An absolute must have should you choose to come here!