Drawn to the building’s history and charm, and seeing “so much unrealised potential,” Donna Hutchins and business partner Shaun Margan jumped at the opportunity to take over a striking heritage building in the heart of Henderson, transforming it into The Alderman — a charming neighbourhood café surrounded by native bush.
Hutchins and Margan both come to the new venture with 25 years’ experience in the industry, and, in seeking something new, were instantly inspired by the building The Alderman now occupies and it’s striking surrounds. “Our building was built in 1873, and was the first hotel in Henderson, so it has always been entrenched in the hospitality culture of the west,” says Hutchins, “As the current custodians of The Falls Hotel building, we want to keep the hospitality legacy going.” And so far, so good, with The Alderman already becoming a fixture in the local dining scene, with locals embracing the newcomer wholeheartedly. “The weekend vibe has been all about local families and dogs so far!” says Hutchins, “We have a lovely north-facing outlook to Falls Park, where the kids can explore nature too, and locals have been using the beautiful walkway and bike path to get to the eatery.”
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Drawing inspiration from laid-back, relaxed daytime eateries in Melbourne and Sydney, the pair have kept the space simple — letting the building’s historic interiors and surrounds become the focal point, and leaning into the light and airy space. “The space gets all-day sun (when it’s shining), and the building is nestled next to a patch of native bush, giving it a lush, green outlook,” Hutchins tells me, saying that the pair called on friends for support in realising their vision, “Our friend Ryan Strawbridge from Our Projects was amazing, bringing our loose plans, drawn on a paper napkin, to life.”
The menu offers an approachable take on modern classics, from granola with warm vanilla custard and poached fruit to chilli scramble on sourdough on the breakfast menu, to chicken schnitzel with savoy and fennel slaw and 12-hour lamb shoulder flatbread on offer come lunch. The Alderman Big Breakfast and a tasty avocado cornbread feature on a concise menu that’s available to order all day. Hutchins’ favourites? The wagyu steak on sourdough with peppercorn sauce, and the Dusty Apron English muffin with pork and fennel sausage with Al Brown’s kasundi relish.
As for the drinks, you’ll find expertly prepared eighthirty coffee, alongside craft beers and a concise wine list — something the pair have plans to expand on as the weather warms and they begin to make the most of their covered outside area.
Ultimately, in The Alderman, Hutchins and Margan have created a laid-back spot where locals and those coming from further afield can enjoy a long lunch with friends or family, leaving feeling satisfied and relaxed.
Opening hours:
Tuesday — Sunday, 8am — 3pm
Closed Monday
The Alderman
22 Alderman Drive
Henderson
Auckland
