Each of these Auckland cafes and pubs have opened over the last few months, and each has created a buzz in the community for their welcoming and relaxed vibe and delicious dishes perfect for sharing.
Grey Lynn Firehouse, Grey Lynn
Ponsonby and Grey Lynn residents and visitors have been spoiled for choice for great cafes and champagne-fueled long-lunch restaurants but the arrival of a classic pub with an elevated feel will fill a gap for those wanting to enjoy a relaxed pint after work.
Grey Lynn Firehouse has recently opened in the heritage-listed wedge of brick building just back from Ponsonby Road that has been given a classy refit that keeps it’s character but gives it a bit of a polish.
Created by Luke Jones and Dave Lincoln (Honest, Norma Taps, Roundhouse Drinks Dept.), Firehouse offers 10 taps, Roundhouse cocktails on tap, bubbles, and a curated wine list.
The drinking is good but the food has been given equal consideration, delivering classic pub favourites using locally sourced ingredients but presented with style. Think chicken parma, fish and chips, hearty shared plates, and Sundays dedicated to a reimagined classic Sunday Roast.
The rooftop deck up top also offers the kind of suntrap that Aucklanders lap up, so expect this place to be busy in the late afternoon.
Mother, Grey Lynn
When Mother opened in September there were queues out the door, with a good portion of those waiting, seeking the delectable icing-topped sweet almond bun that swiftly gained stardom on social media.
We visited recently and the queues were still there, although now the word has spread about the bakery and cafe’s wider offering, including salads and to-die-for focaccia sandwiches – the mortadella, provolone and pistachio butter is a must.
Let us be the ones to spread the word that the hot spot is now open longer hours from Wednesday to Sunday, serving small plates, cocktails and drinks that change the vibe from cafe to hip but relaxed wine bar.
Gather, Smales Farm
If you don’t work or live in the immediate vicinity to Smales Farm business and hospitality hub by the motorway between Takapuna and Wairau in Auckland, it’s not surprising if you’ve never visited.
It’s sort of an island surrounded by very busy throughfares, and its not always obvious what awaits unless you make it your destination.
We suggest that you do though, to visit airy and light new cafe Gather. The stylish new space is create by Angela Redfern and Greg Snelgrove, behind iconic Grey Lyn take-out deli Ripe. The latter’s inventive, filling salads and seasonal fare are well known to Aucklanders, having been in business for over 20 years. Now, the duo are turning their experience to an eat-in cafe which offers a slightly more leisurely pace.
Open for breakfast and lunch, Gather offers familiar brunch fare and fresh baked goods as well as salads and flatbreads and that strong, hot coffee that Ripe always excelled in.
Takapuna Surf Club, Takapuna
A dearth of fine dining shoreside is almost made up for with this easy, breezy bar and restaurant perched above Takapuna Beach.
It only has a glimpse of a view but it soaks up atmosphere from the busy shopping street below and the convivial crews always gathered around bar leaners here. It’s an easy amble from the rug under the tree where you’ve whiled away a few hours before and after your swim, and has delicious cocktails and plates for sharing.
Read more about Takapuna Surf Club
Water Boy, St Heliers
We give a warm welcome to a place where you can wander off the sand of St Heliers after a dip with sandy feet and a damp swimsuit. It will feel completely natural to do so and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink next to a couple sharing a couple of flutes and a plate of oysters. The table along might be full of a family including toddlers with a dog underfoot – It’s how Aucklanders do summer isn’t it?
What we’re saying is the beachside pub is stylish but unpretentious with an enjoyable atmosphere that will draw you back time and again. The food is delicious, fresh and fit for the location – seafood is a highlight but there are hearty options fit for a classic pub too.
