For those whose hosting accoutrements are yearning for a seasonal overhaul, there’s no better time for a refresh than now — timed to take advantage of The Studio of Tableware‘s impressive sale. Here, you’ll find discounts on most of the retailer’s highly coveted brands and pieces, comprising a varied range sure to impress even the most discerning diners.
On now, The Studio of Tableware’s summer sale is vast and all-encompassing, and in order to assist you to navigate the selection we’ve compiled a list of the pieces we are lusting over right now. From impossibly chic caviar sets and the widely-coveted cutlery egg, to elevated cookware, tableware, glassware, barware and more, we’re certain you’ll find something you adore. That said, we recommend getting in quick — these pieces won’t last long.
Top tip: Whilst most is available online, make for the Mount Eden showroom to discover an exclusive selection of clearance pieces, only available in-store.
Going back to to the office doesn’t have to mean forgetting about your personal style. There are plenty of work-ready options that marry elegant, timeless design with interesting details, and if you ask us, most of them can be found at Muse.
From crisp shirting and flattering trousers to subtle accessories and bags that fit all the essentials, we have pulled our favourite pieces from Muse to see you back to the office in style. Shop our essential edit below.
Choosing just the right restaurant to flaunt Auckland’s culinary prowess to a group when dining with international guests whose palates have been toiled with and tantalised by some of the finest chefs in the world (I deal in the luxury realm after all), could seem to some, an extremely daunting task. However, I am a woman of great determination and also of great belief in our own impressive and diverse culinary scene. Showcasing our city and country’s gastronomic soul, particularly when the stakes are high and the discerning palates are technically educated in the finer nuances of cuisine, makes the process all the more exciting. And if the truth be known, the greatest experience we can offer visiting guests is an insight into our own symphony of gastronomic talent, that’s less about amuse bouches and more about amusing tales and rousing nights out.
Auckland’s dining landscape offers choices that are as diverse as the city itself, providing a tapestry of tastes and experiences. From the avant-garde kitchens at the likes of Ben Bayly’s Ahi, where chefs wield their passion for expressing New Zealand on a plate, to the timeless, effortless classics and world-class location of Soul Bar & Bistro, to Metita where every dish tells a story of Michael Meredith’s life, it’s a culinary journey that promises both delight and daring. Choosing an experience that not only satisfies the senses but also uncovers the very essence of New Zealand’s identity can be more than just a meal. Dining with international guests at Somm Cellar Door and Bar, for example, offers a passport into the heart of our winemaking regions, showcasing our most acclaimed wines and globally renowned viticulture, all from its stunning waterfront location. So rest assured, wherever you choose, every bite tells a story, and every plate is a chapter in the evolution of New Zealand’s burgeoning and impressive food culture.
While it has been glorious to bask in the warmth of summer for the last few weeks, the sun exposure that comes with long days by the pool can lead to a trove of seasonal skincare issues. From sunburn and irritation to dryness and pigmentation, the sunnier season can wreak havoc on our skin. But not all hope is lost, with just a few simple product changes it’s possible to both combat and prevent the sun’s damaging effects. Here, we outline the best way to switch up your skincare regime for the season.
01. The Cleanser
When searching for the right summer-ready cleanser, try opting for one boasting soft, soothing ingredients that will gently remove makeup, without stripping the skin of its moisture even further. The brightening Cleansing Cream from Sothys smoothes onto the face before gently cleansing and eliminating impurities — all while boosting radiance.
02. The Primer
Keeping makeup firmly in place during summer’s high temperatures is no easy feat, making a quality primer an essential. Try to find a multi-purpose primer like this Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primerfrom Charlotte Tilbury, not only will it keep your makeup from slipping, but it also gives a hydration boost to sun-worn skin and helps prevent future damage by incorporating Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen.
03. The Lip Balm
One of the first places to fall subject to the suns wrath is our lips, and it pays to keep them protected. Ecostore’s Beeswax Lip-Balm blends natural beeswax and sweet almond oil to deeply hydrate and nourish lips right when they need it the most.
04. The Moisturiser
While it’s important to find a cream that replenishes moisture and helps restore skin’s natural barrier, it’s especially essential that you find a daytime moisturiser with UVA protection in order to prevent new damage, too. Emma Lewisham’s Skin Shield Take On The Day Crème with SPF30 and UVA/ UVB, pollution and blue light protection is a multi-shield formula to dramatically slow down the visible signs of ageing.
05. The Face Mask
There’s an array of face masks on the market that are capable of deeply hydrating the skin, but none are as lightweight as Noble Panacea’s The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask. Ideal for those humid evenings, when the last thing you want is a heavy product on your face, this treatment uses its highly concentrated formula to restore moisture levels, strengthen the skin’s barrier function and reduce irritation all while allowing your skin to breathe freely and comfortably.
06. The Serum
In a bid to protect against environmental stressors, especially the damage caused by the sun, it’s important to invest in a quality Vitamin C Serum. Codage’s No.3 serum, available from East Day Spa and Spring Store, is especially formulated to detoxify and restore brightness to lacklustre skin dulled by the elements.
07. The Night-Cream
A quality night cream is a year-round necessity, but during summer it pays to amp up protection against dehydration and damage from the climate. The Superdefence Night Recovery Moisturiser from Clinique focuses on strengthening the barrier to diffuse environmental aggressors, all while spurring on cellular recovery come sundown.
08. The Sunblock
What should be a summertime no-brainer is still often overlooked by many, in order to keep skin fully protected against future damage sunscreen is an absolute must — whether you plan on being in the sun or not. SPF infused moisturisers, primers and oils are ideal for those days spent mainly in the office, but for those containing longer sun exposure we recommend Skincycles DNA Defence Sun Shieldwith SPF100+.
“An ice cream a day” might be our summer mantra, but this frequency can make it necessary to branch out from the typical flavours. From gourmet gelato to classic cones, these are the best ice cream scoops to seek out around Auckland.
One of our favourite scoops has to be Duck Island’s Salted Caramel & Cacao Crumb flavour, perfectly sweet with a moreish hint of salt, finished with clusters of cacao nib crumbs layered throughout to offer a bit of chew and texture. That said, this ice cream purveyor is known for its innovation, and is always adding exciting new ice-cream treats to its cabinet. From refreshing berry sorbet scoops, to decadent chocolate and caramel variations to a new Mint Chip that we’ve certainly got our eyes on, Duck Island’s ice creams offer an array of unique flavours. Although, if it’s something different you’re after, Duck Island also offers ice cream sandwiches (the Cookies & Cream is a particular favourite of ours) and ice cream sundaes, complete will all the tasty trimmings.
The Pistachio, Honey & Baklava flavour from Miann is a fragrant treat that sees candied pistachio praline and smashed baklava rippled through a pistachio-based gelato. Or, if you’re after something slightly more indulgent, the Sea Salt Caramel gelato loaded with caramel sauce and roasted walnuts is an utter showstopper.
Taking nuttiness to a whole new level is Little Lato’s indulgent (and award-winning) Peanut Butter Chocolate flavour. It’s even dairy-free, so plant-based eaters can also enjoy a scoop or two. That said, Little Lato’s new flavour collaboration with Loaf NZ is a must-try this summer. This delectable flavour sees salted butterscotch gelato swirled with a salty caramel sauce and mixed with chunks of caramel slice (chocolate biscuit base, gooey caramel filling and solid chocolate). Otherwise, flavours like Lolly Slice, Mint Slice, Chocolate Orange, Strawberry Marshmallow, Roasted Strawberry Shortcake, Coconut Caramel Cashew, Yoghurt & Lemon Curd and Blackberry Gin & Basil Sorbet await you at this always-creative ice cream outlet.
An absolute institution in Warkworth, Charlies Gelato is the perfect place to pick up a scoop or two before enjoying a stroll around Matakana. The Black Doris Plum Sorbetto is heavenly, but even better when paired with the best-selling Dark Chocolate. You’re welcome.
Locations:Auckland CBD’s Ferry Building, Ponsonby, Newmarket, Waiheke Island and Mission Bay
There is a reason that Island Gelato has expanded well beyond its Waiheke Island beginnings — the flavours here are exceptional. In fact, Island Gelato took home 25 awards in last year’s Ice Cream and Gelato Awards, an acknowledgement of the creativity and quality at play with these clever purveyors. Here, find a raft of award-winning flavours like Sour Cherry & Darkest Chocolate, Pic’s Peanut Butter Caramel, Rhubarb sorbet, Whiskey Truffle, Woodland Berries, Coconut Latte, Plum & Coconut Pavlova, and so much more.
Operating under the philosophy that ‘normal ice cream is boring’, Giapo is the place to go for something a little less ‘vanilla’. Here, from the cones to the flavours to the toppings, there is no limit to the ice cream makers’ creativity, making it hardly surprising that Giapo is frequently dubbed the best ice cream in Auckland. And while there are a number of showstopping scoops to choose from, the Coconut Chocolate Cookies and Cream is always a winner — so creamy you’d never know it was vegan.
Locations:Commercial Bay, Ponsonby, Sylvia Park & more
One for the seasoned sugar fans who want to enjoy their scoops guilt-free, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolatey Love A-Fair flavour was inspired by Tony’s Chocolonely and saw the renowned ice cream purveyors join the chocolatiers’ mission to end modern slavery in cocoa farming. Featuring chocolate ice cream with salted caramel swirls, caramel chunks & sea salt chocolatey chunks made with traceable open-sourced cocoa from Tony’s Open Chain, indulging in creamy goodness has never felt so good.
Left: Penguino. Right: Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens.
Take a trip down memory lane at Browns Bay’s iconic gelato parlour, Penguino — renowned for its deliciously creamy, handmade scoops and tasty flavours that change daily. If you can get your hands on a scoop of the Cotton Candy or the Coconut Choc Chip, you’re in luck.
Heading to Muriwai for a beach day? Stop off in Kumeu at Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens for real fruit ice creams and smoothies. Generously sized even if you order the smallest version, our favourite is always a frozen yoghurt, mixed berry combo.
Locations:Mission Bay, Ellerslie, Mount Eden, Newmarket, Parnell, Auckland CBD, Maraetai & Takapuna
Of course, summer in the City wouldn’t be the same without a walk along Mission Bay, finished off with a scoop from Movenpick. Our favourite would have to be the classic tiramisu in one of Movenpick’s renowned waffle cones. That said, there are Movenpick locations all around Auckland if you can’t make it out East.
Mad for matcha? Tsujiri has three locations in Auckland and undoubtedly serves the best matcha soft-serves in town. A niche but always very delicious option, very deserving of its place as one of the best ice cream spots in Auckland.
During the long and hot days of summer, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the North Shore, especially when it includes a stroll along Takapuna Beach. This is only made better with a scoop (or two) of gelato from Takapuna Beach Cafe in hand — where you can find flavours like Cool Mint and Bittersweet Chocolate, Blood Orange, Chocolate Hazelnut and Honeycomb.
An iconic ice cream parlour that offers some of the most beloved, nostalgic Tip Top scoops around, Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream in Royal Oak has been running for 50 years and is still a firm favourite among those looking for a satiating scoop. Proving that you can’t beat the classics, this recognisable corner spot is a summertime must-visit.
It was Daren Zhou’s experiences living in places like Beijing and London that inspired him to move from a career in video and art direction to one in the hospitality realm. Now, after returning to New Zealand, he is set to open a new venue that promises to bring a sophisticated, international edge to the city’s nightlife scene, and it’s the kind of place we’ve been sorely missing. Meet The Nightcar.
“My favourite kind of restaurant and bar is the kind where I can dine and drink in a boutique nightclub setting,” Zhou explains. “For me, the ideal is when you take the vibes and energy of an upmarket nightclub and the booth-seating and table service of a restaurant and combine the two.” It is this mix that Zhou has adopted for his new venture, citing places like Delilah in Los Angeles, Tao in Chicago and Supper in Amsterdam as his inspirations. “The Nightcar is a third culture lounge bar that will deliver the feel of a luxurious nightclub alongside the flavours of the Yangtze River,” he says.
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge, with Zhou telling me how his background in video direction saw him naturally draw references from some of his favourite movies and TV shows. “One of my favourite shows is Snowpiercer,” he tells me, “which tells the story of a doomsday train that circles Earth carrying the last of humanity. One of the train carriages is a lounge bar is called ‘The Nightcar’, hence the name.”
Indeed, The Nightcar’s interior, expertly brought to life by CTRL Space, has elements that speak to the idea of luxurious train travel, from the cosy and low-lit carriage-shaped dining room to the sumptuous, deep-red colour scheme. It also boasts a futuristic, backlit bar, heavy drapes, and sleek, glossy dining tables surrounded by plush booth-seating that one could only imagine sinking into to enjoy a nightcap or two, or some delicious food.
The menu, designed in collaboration with The Nightcar’s Head Chef Win Siak Lai, was largely inspired by the unique culture of North West China (north of the Yangtze River), where both Zhou and his business partner William Zhang are originally from. “Our food and culture is still very much unknown, even to Chinese citizens,” Zhou tells me, “so we decided to cook and serve dishes based on what we grew up eating.” Best described as modern Chinese, The Nightcar’s food offering comprises a range of small, made-to-share plates, including both hot and cold vegetarian and meat dishes and a number of noodle options, designed as the perfect accompaniments for a cocktail or two.
“The ‘Zha Jiang Mian’ Pork Belly Yangchun Noodlesis my favourite noodle dish,” Zhou reveals, “which is best alongside the ‘Huang Gua’ with cucumber, minced garlic and vinegar as a cold dish and the ‘Yang Pai’ which is lightly seared lamb spare rib with cumin and chilli (the traditional choice of meat for the nomadic people of China’s North West) as a hot dish.” He continues, “as a dessert I would strongly recommend the ‘Ci Ba’ Rice Cake coated in panko and drizzled with brown sugar — one plate is never enough of this one.”
Alongside the food there is an impressive wine offering, spanning a raft of international and local drops, as well as a perfectly-curated line-up of cocktails, which combine ingredients from different parts of the world and a variety of spirits from The Nightcar’s extensive list. Here, the drinks and food are made to be enjoyed together, with Zhou telling me how he hopes his guests will be able to discover unexpected pairings and new favourites.
Ultimately, Zhou’s vision for The Nightcar is a place that represents his cultural roots while still tapping into a universal appeal. “The term ‘third culture’ is usually used to explain someone being raised in a culture that is not their own,” Zhou says, “but I like to think that today, it means international and inclusive.” As such, The Nightcar, pulls influence from everywhere, seen in its interesting food, its unique fit-out and the way its lounge-bar vibes are enhanced by a roster of music that marries afrobeats with hip hop, Latin, elements of reggae and modern Chinese.
Open from tonight, The Nightcar is a luxurious lounge and late-night spot that offers the perfect place to perch for your favourite tipple and a tasty bite.
Opening hours Sunday & Monday — closed Tuesday & Wednesday — 5pm until 11pm Thursday — 5pm until 1am Friday & Saturday — 5pm until 3am
I preface this by saying that I am married, so my take on romantic dinner dates may not be as subjective nor as sensitive to the nuances of ‘stranger dating’ to make it particularly helpful. I do, however, take great interest in matters of the heart, particularly when I am dining and enjoy noting which couples on the surrounding tables are engaging in initiation dances of extreme awkwardness. So, taking this into account, along with my experience of dining with other couples, some of whom may be on second dates, I can suggest that date dining comes with its perils. There is always a very high chance of a comical misstep. As with all dining, in my opinion, ambience is paramount — never go for a setting that screams romance or is overly intimate. While dimmed lights, soft music, and cosy corners can be ideal to set the stage, be cautious not to choose a place so quiet that the sound of your silverware becomes a public performance.
The cuisine should be adventurous but not too wild. You’re not trying to impress your date with your fearless palate for exotic dishes that may lead to unexpected gastrointestinal issues. And there are a lot of ‘dietary issues’ in today’s dating landscape. Opt for a menu that strikes the right balance between tantalising and approachable.
Choosing the right wine is also a tricky tightrope. Do they even drink wine? What if they like white and you only drink red? This is the first test of your knowledge and finesse; mispronouncing a French Bordeaux can quickly turn into an embarrassing linguistic disaster. Service is where things can get interesting. A waiter who hovers like an overprotective parent can induce anxiety, but one who forgets your table exists can be utterly annoying.
Lastly, the element of surprise. Choose a place for your next romantic dinner date that has something else to look at other than each other, just in case things go south, or get surly quickly. Diverting your attention to other diners can offer a quick redirection of the conversation especially if it enters into the geopolitical arena.
The failsafe approach here is to avoid weird and eccentric, which will no doubt reflect upon you and your personality. Instead, opt for classics that never falter and those that bring a bit of energy to the evening will always win.
Serving up inventive Japanese-Italian fare in the heart of Ponsonby, Itameshi is the tasty new fusion restaurant well worthy of your attention. The name Itameshi means Italian food in Japanese, and here, you’ll find a host of impressive dishes that combine the two cuisines beautifully, marrying the hearty, wholesome flavours of Italian fare with the fresh, lightness of Japanese dishes to create a new take entirely — and one that we can’t get enough of.
Lobster Bisque Pasta
With a calm, spacious fit-out by hospitality design studio, Millé, Itameshi (located on Williamson Ave) has all the makings of a chic Italian trattoria. Here, you’ll find deep wooden fittings, green-hued accents and hardy concrete flooring, with Japanese art scattered throughout adding a touch of playfulness and vibrancy to the space.
Perch at the marble-topped bar, or take to one of the leather-lined banquette seats throughout and select a cocktail before taking your time to peruse the concise, incredibly creative menu. If you’re visiting for brunch, you’ll find the likes of matcha green tea hotcakes (a dish made for Instagram), where a cluster of pillowy soft pancakes is topped with strawberry mascarpone, fresh fruit, and maple butter. Or if it’s savoury flavours that you’re craving, look no further than the unagi scramble sandwich, or the miso carbonara — sure to become an instant icon.
Matcha tiramisu
If it’s drinks and dinner that draws you in (cocktails are available from 10am, meaning drinks and brunch is also entirely acceptable), you’ll do well to start on a selection of snack plates to share. Our order? Spicy Karaage chicken with caviar, the Sicilian sashimi with orange sauce, onion, caper, parsley and shiso olive oil, and the delectable soy beef carpaccio with parmesan cheese, puff rice, soy sauce reduction land cress and spring onion oil .
Moving on to mains, while the brown butter ribeye and parmesan pork katsu are sublime, it’s the pasta dishes that truly bring the melding of these two disparate cuisines to life. The tomato beef cheek ragu with Japanese curry and spiced cheese is a flavour sensation that feels entirely new, while the Mentaiko house-made pasta with caviar and dashi butter sauce is perfection; the lobster bisque iteration with butter prawn, masago, and chive is a failsafe crowdpleaser. And you’re missing a trick if you don’t finish on the matcha tiramisu.
Sicilian sashimi
The drinks list is exceptionally considered, too, with coffee, matcha, and smoothies available alongside quenching cocktails (the sake martini is a must) and a curated wine list.
Bringing an entirely new style of fare to Auckland’s dining scene, it’s no surprise that Itameshi’s verdant booths are filling up fast. Be sure to get in quick.
While we’ve all just had a wonderful summer break, the effects of sun, saltwater, sand, sunscreen, makeup and other happy hallmarks of holidays well-spent can wreak havoc on the skin. This means that now is the perfect time to book in with the experts at East Day Spa to ensure that your skin is looking ship shape for the year ahead.
At this inner city sanctuary of calm, the East Day Spa team offers a raft of treatments designed to address any and all concerns, where each practitioner can tailor their approach according to what one’s skin might need. From deeply rehydrating products to rigorous gua sha techniques to micro-needling and more, there is something here to suit everyone.
All that said, East Day Spa’s newest treatment, the Codage Paris Deep Pore Cleansing Facial, is one that we find hard to pass up. Here, the spa’s expert facialists will lather your skin in luxurious serums from Codage Paris before harnessing magnetic pulse therapy by using the celebrity-endorsed Facify wand to smooth your lines and help activate lymphatic drainage. After this, a warming compression treatment and a blissful scalp massage will be applied to leave you feeling revitalised and entirely renewed.
So, if you’re looking for a facial that will give your skin a fresh start for the year ahead, one that will rid your pores of imperfections while simultaneously giving it a boost of hydration, this is the treatment for you. Book now and give your skin some of the post-holiday care it’s been craving.
While the summer break may now seem like a distant memory, the weather is on the up and up — reminding us that there’s plenty more time to enjoy everyone’s favourite season. And as we all settle back into daily life, familiar habits slowly return, including one of our favourite rituals… after-work drinks.
With the sun shining brightly and the hum of sunny optimism that a new year brings in the air, there’s never been a better time to indulge in Friday drinks with your colleagues. And when it comes to choosing the perfect spot, these are the establishments we’d never look past — from rooftop bars to quaint neighbourhood locales and everything in between, here, we round up the best of the best. Salute!
Although one of our favourite inner-city haunts for a delicious dinner, Alma is also the perfect place for an after-work drink, too. This Britomart spot offers a burgeoning wine list and reliable cocktails (including a 0% alcohol list for sober friends), and a number of outdoor spots that are the ideal possie to watch the world go by.
With a relaxed vibe and delightful menu, Akarana Eatery is the perfect place to park up and take in the views across the picturesque Okahu Bay — drink in hand. Better still, from Thursday-Sunday between 3-5pm, oysters are $3 each, perfect for pairing with a crisp glass of bubbles.
Otto hour recently launched at Andiamo, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a Friday afternoon. Between 4-5pm daily, revellers can enjoy an elevated selection of drinks priced at a modest $8 (Otto means eight in Italian). We encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding the Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita.
Those lucky enough to nab a seat at this Ponsonby Road wine bar have something to celebrate. With a menu that focuses mostly on wine, and just enough on the ever-changing aperitivo menu to accompany it, here you’ll find the ideal place to mark the end of the week (while escaping the inner city crowds).
It’s no secret that Bar Magda is a favourite amongst Team Denizen, and a more than perfect spot for after-work drinks. With an extensive, ever-changing wine list and some of the very best cocktails in town, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot to celebrate the week that was. We’ll see you there.
For those who work in the Inner West, Bar Martin has you covered. A perpetually popular, bustling neighbourhood bar with a larger-than-life wine menu, and a few favourite beers, this humble spot has put Mount Albert on the map.
Ponsonby’s Beau is always busy after the work day ends. Part-restaurant and part-wine bar, the courtyard makes a gorgeous place to send off the week. With an extensive wine menu and utterly delicious food to match, it’s just another of the inner-city’s great offerings when it comes to after-work drinks.
Between 4-6pm Friday-Saturday, make the most of Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions — running until the end of March. The perfect setting for summer satiation, with an ever-rotating lineup of DJs, tasty food, and seasonal drinks specials (including a series of summer punches) Bivacco’s delicious and convivial offering is best enjoyed at one of their long tables. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up.
A crown jewel on Auckland’s waterfront is Park Hyatt’s Captain’s Bar. Offering a number of fine rums, and extensive cocktails to be enjoyed on the terrace with views to rival the City’s best, this is an under-the-radar spot for an end-of-week wind-down.
Boasting a sprawling, sun-soaked terrace (the largest in Central Auckland, in fact), rotating DJs, a stunning fit-out, and a meticulously crafted food and drink menu (no wonder too, with hospitality maestro Fraser Kirby at the helm), Darling on Drake is the hottest new opening in Auckland and is the perfect place to be for some post-work sundowners.
Is there anything East Street Hall can’t do? After-work drinks are best spent with cocktails and snacks-to-share in the courtyard, making the most of this venue’s rotating roster of resident DJs.
Given that watering holes in Parnell can be more of a challenge to find than those in the City, we were so glad when Faraday’s Bar opened its doors. Serving Champagne and caviar alongside exceptional wines and a delicious menu of satiating bites, this intimate, beautifully-appointed bar is as accommodating as it is opulent, and is the perfect place in which to mark the end of the week.
For those who work near Three Lamps, one of the City’s favourite after-work drinks spots is right on your doorstep. We’re talking about Hotel Ponsonby of course. When that post-work sunset hits the courtyard on a Friday afternoon, there’s nothing better than having a Coconut Margarita in one hand and a bowl of crisp fries in the other… this is work drinks done right.
When the weather heats up, there’s only one thing for it come Friday afternoon… a frozen margarita, of course. Luckily for us, at Inca, the frozen margs are a modest $10 all day, every day — and they also happen to be among some of the best in town.
Fondly dubbed ‘Culprit’s mischievous younger brother’, this locale offers a hole-in-the-wall take on drinks. Yet the scale is what makes the venue so palpable (alongside the famed cocktails), and the location is truly the cherry on top.
Karangahape Road’s Madame George is a regular on our roster. Perfectly located for those who might want to turn after-work drinks into something bigger, this delicious spot serves modern Peruvian cuisine and an exceptional cocktail menu. If you’re craving one of its infamous pisco sours, or something a little lighter, Madame George is something to look forward to at the end of a busy week.
Make for MASU between 5-6pm between Monday and Thursday and indulge in the stalwart’s $70 happy hour menu. Hero dishes include fresh sashimi platters, smoked fish tempura roll, scampi miso soup, and the infamous teriyaki king salmon. Or, if it’s a casual bite and drink you’re seeking, relax at the bar with a glass of Asahi and the Greatest Hits snack menu, available for a modest $25.
NSP’s aperitivo hour has us regularly spending late afternoons in its famed courtyard, enjoying a delicious drink and a selection of complimentary finger foods to tease our appetites. For those a little closer to town, Bar Non Solo is an extension of NSP’s offering, a Britomart mainstay that puts a sophisticated spin on after-work drinks. Here again you’ll be able to make the most of the legendary aperitivo hour, enjoyed with live DJs in a lively inner-city spot.
If you’re looking to change up your after-work drinks and try something new, look no further than Luke Jones andDave Lincoln of Honest Rum’s collaboration with Dan Pinto of Passa Passa — Norma Taps. Here, you’ll find mouthwatering bites, satiating seasonal drinks (all served on tap), live music and more, in a relaxed but sophisticated and very welcoming space.
Commercial Bay’s magnifique French destination Origine serves consistently delicious French fare with spectacular views to match, but it’s perhaps a lesser-known fact that they also have one of the best drinks lists in town. The eatery’s master mixologists have crafted an exceptional cocktail menu that sits alongside the most impressive French wine selection in the city. Round up your colleagues, select your satiation, and soak up the stunning vista. Santé!
Open from early morning until late into the night, this intimate, cosy spot is suitable for any situation — after-work drinks included. Sitting pretty in the heart of Britomart, you’ll do well to nab one of the outside tables and take in the bustling energy of the square, drink in hand. And if you’re setting up for a night on the town, be sure to order their take on an espresso martini with licor 43, reposado tequila, spiced syrup, it’s sublime.
Whether you’re seeking a cosy, after-work drink or a convivial catch up with friends, Palmer’s inviting interior gives way to a sweeping terrace that provides the perfect al fresco spot to revel in a beautiful afternoon. And even as the sun goes down, a roaring fire takes centre-stage outdoors, offering night-long warmth for those who choose to indulge in another round.
The only thing better than a rooftop bar is a rooftop bar as the sun goes down. Here, on the edge of Viaduct Harbour, Rooftop at QT is simply the most beautiful place for after-work drinks. Open seven days a week, it’s conveniently close enough to the office to warrant dropping in, but far enough away to feel like the ideal space to wind down.
Adored by many for its live music offerings, this Viaduct Harbour mainstay is the perfect blend of sea views, beer, wine & cocktails, live entertainment and a mouthwatering locally inspired menu — everything we crave when it comes to the end of the day.
For those seeking an afternoon escape, paradise is found at Somm this summer, with a delicious happy hour running from 3-5pm daily. Know off work a little early to sip, savour and soak in the sunshine with a number of $7 drinks to choose from. A considered selection of local wines is available, spanning all of the usual varietals (they are the experts, after all), alongside ice-cold Little Creatures larger, and the infamous Somm Spritz.
Viaduct Harbour stalwart, Soul, is perfect for a convivial drink with colleagues and friends alike. After all, its waterfront location offers incomparable views which, when paired with the atmosphere of a busy venue, makes for the beginnings of a very fun night.
We’ve all spent an afternoon or two situated outside SPQR’s ivory-adored Ponsonby outpost, and now, the institution has added to our list of reasons to visit with their $15 cocktail offering (available between 4-6pm, timed perfectly for an arvo tipple or two). Park up at one of the coveted street-side tables and celebrate the week that was in style.
Perfectly positioned to celebrate the spectacular beauty of Auckland’s landscape from above, Sunset is a place to which city-dwellers can escape after a long day in the office for a relaxing beverage or two. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting — all the makings of a perfect sundowner spot.
The Britomart precinct has a new lease on life with the return of people to the city post-holidays, and The Brit Pub & Eatery is a fitting place to unwind over an after-work beer (or whatever you fancy, the bar staff aren’t fussy). The cocktail jugs are perfect for sharing, and it’s a nice place to watch the day turn into night.
Britomart bar and eatery The Chamberlain is just the ticket for a post-work drink with colleagues, with a social vibe and its central city address. Here, you’ll find an impressive number of ever-rotating tap beers to choose from (15, at last count), and a delectable selection of bar snacks made for sharing.
Housed in the most convenient of locations, this Commercial Bay outpost draws us in for after-work drinks thanks to its cosy atmosphere, satiating drinks and delicious menu by renowned Chef Matt Lambert.
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