Bars can often be hectic places, with the fight to get to the bar an age old familiarity for many of us. Nestled then just out of the CBD is a haven of calm in the form of the Southern Cross. One of the most spacious restaurant bars in the city, The Cross gives you the choice of plush leather seating indoors, or ample seating outdoors, surrounded by a cool atmosphere and even cooler decor.

The courtyard area is also one of the most family-friendly bar areas in Wellington, and indeed is actively promoted as such. You'd be hard pressed to go there on a day and not see children grabbing some of the games on offer, not least the Giant Jenga which is almost as much fun for onlookers as it is for participants.

Not content with being a great hangout, The Cross is a fine venue for dining in. It boasts a broad menu, but the Devils On Horseback and The Cross Platter in particular come highly recommended. If you're looking for somewhere away from the busyness of the city but still close enough to the action then you'd be hard-pressed not to enjoy a Cross experience at least once.

Really like the garden bar. Food is tasty, especially the stonegrill but seems quite pricey.