The Mercury Room is a bar in a historic building on Hood Street in Hamilton Central, and its main draw is the long lunch. As at 2026 it costs $60 per person for two hours of shared platters, with the option to go bottomless. The food is generous shared plates, gourmet pizzas and bites, paired with cocktails, premium drinks, beers and an extensive pour list. The set menus run from casual snacks up to a top "platinum" tier. Lunch is offered in three slots, 2-4pm, 5-7pm and 8-10pm, and the website asks guests to book their spot in advance. The room also hosts private functions, live music and quiz nights.
Eight other bars sit within a kilometre, and the two closest are Patrons Bar, Restaurant & Brewery and Biddy Mulligan's, both 0.1 km away. Biddy Mulligan's is the only one of these with a rating in our figures, 4.4 from 559 reviews. For a group that wants a fixed-price, timed meal with a drink, the long lunch format is what sets this place apart from its neighbours. Our pick in Hamilton Central for a long, unhurried lunch with friends.