QT Queenstown has given us yet another excellent excuse for a cheeky getaway, and it's delightfully Champagne-soaked. Following the roaring success of its debut last year, The Champagne Parlour pop-up is back and it’s a dreamy, rosé-tinted reality that’s a tonic to the dreariness of winter.
A blush pink door is your portal to bliss. Cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in QT’s Remarkable Lake Room transformed into a wonderland by the effervescent Aotearoa-based creative, Evie Kemp. From luxurious bedding and a giant neon bottle (did somebody say lit?) to cotton candy wallpaper punctuated with bold, retro-feel artwork, every detail is utter perfection.
Image credit: QT Queenstown | supplied
And that’s before we've even got to the Champagne altar, the holy grail being an iced bottle of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rosé to sip in bed, in the bathtub, or wherever takes your fancy. Care for a top up? The in-room mini bar is practically overflowing with bubbles.
Speaking of top ups, a Champagne-tasting makes for a worthy chaser. Head downstairs to Reds Bar and summon a guided G.H. Mumm flight (you know, for educational purposes). Peruse four exquisite 50mL pours of Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige, Mumm Central Otago Blanc de Noir—a pinot noir that’s, curiously, not red at all—G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut and, of course, another glass of G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé.
Image credit: QT Queenstown | supplied
At this point a feed’s a good call and it’s an easy segue into Reds’ fusion menu. Balance out the earlier indulgence with sweet and spicy salted edamame, house a triple wagyu cheeseburger, smash a mortadella pizza, or wrap your mouth around some premium eats straight from the charcoal grill. Don’t overlook the sides either, their charred brussel sprouts doused in truffle oil are sensational. As for dessert, we’re convinced their Basque cheesecake (gluten-free, by the way) is heaven-sent.
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Delving into something other than Champagne might feel sacrilegious but with a cocktail game this epic, it’d be rude not to wash down the above with a housemade tipple or three. Don’t miss the Hazel Pearfection—a meeting of fig liqueur, hazelnut orgeat, cream, and pear foam spiked generously with vodka. Another essential libation is the Pinky Promise, a double gin-based situation with savoury and spicy notes of ginger, lemon, beets, and rosemary in aquafaba foam.
Your feasting complete, the rest of the evening is yours to act on at whim. Continue the festivities on a nearby dance floor in town, take a long soak in the bathtub, or perhaps make the most of the love dice we spied in the room… Awaken the next morning to stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and snow-dusted Remarkables and dig into the buffet spread downstairs in the Bazaar or make the most of having Champagne on speed dial and enjoy a deliciously lazy breakfast in bed.
Here for a good time, not a long time, if you want some Champage Parlour in your life (you do), you’ll need to book in, stat.
The Details
What: The Champagne Parlour
Where: QT Queenstown
When: 24 June - 17 August 2024
Extending your stay? Plump your itinerary with all the best things to do in Queenstown.
Main image credit: QT Queenstown | supplied