La Famiglia: Demna’s Gucci begins

Gucci has never been a brand afraid of spectacle, and Demna’s highly anticipated debut at the helm of the Italian house has landed firmly at the centre of the cultural zeitgeist. Arriving as a surprise digital-first declaration of his intent was a lookbook titled La Famiglia shot by Catherine Opie. Why wait for the pomp of the runway? Instead, the designer placed narrative, immediacy, and strategic surprise at the heart of his Gucci vision.

The collection of 37 looks is framed around archetypal characters, each carrying a fragment of what Demna calls the “Gucciness of Gucci.” These are not anonymous models but figures imbued with personality: La Principessa, La Diva, Miss Aperitivo, La Contessa. Each portrait feels like a member of an imagined Gucci family, a cast that spans fiery temperaments, social media devotees, Milanese doyennes and glittering bombshells. The effect is less about a singular silhouette and more about multiplicity, a spectrum of identities reflecting Gucci’s reach.

Heritage runs through the collection like a red thread. Guccio Gucci’s origins as a luggage-maker are acknowledged in a monogrammed travel trunk, while the house’s most enduring signatures reappear with modern energy. The Bamboo 1947 bag is proportioned anew, the Horsebit loafer resurfaces with head-to-toe abandon, and the Flora motif is reborn in a darker, nocturnal palette. The GG monogram covers everything from lens to loafer, signalling an all-or-nothing approach.

Silhouettes oscillate between extremes. A feathered opera coat sits alongside transparent hosiery dresses. Glamour extends into menswear, where tuxedo codes are subverted into black-tie swimwear and sheer tailoring. Central to the spirit is what the house calls “dressing for pleasure,” an unapologetically sensual attitude that feels entirely in tune with Demna’s taste for provocation.

Strategically, this release is more than a stylistic statement. By fragmenting Gucci into a vast family of characters, Demna offers not a singular aesthetic but a framework that can speak to different consumer identities, each recognising themselves in the cast. The storytelling is as much about resetting the brand’s perception as it is about clothes.

Demna’s initial first act will be followed later this week in Milan by the release of a short film directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn, which will no doubt extend the narrative further and set the scene for Demna’s full runway reveal in February. For now, La Famiglia signals a Gucci era that is daring, extravagant and rooted in reinvention. The house’s future will not be built on continuity but on a willingness to reimagine its legacy.

gucci.com

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Chul's | Korean

Chul’s is the tasty new Korean eatery in Commercial Bay that should be on your radar

Stepping into Chul’s feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into a Korean home — exactly what founder Rex Chang intended. With nearly two decades in hospitality and a background in Japanese cuisine honed through formal training in Japan, Chang has long been a fixture of Auckland’s dining scene, helming Yume Izakaya for over 15 years before launching Kome Sake Bar in 2024. His latest venture, Chul’s, represents both a return to heritage and a fresh chapter.

Seafood soft tofu stew and veggie Korean rice roll

“When conceptualising the brand, I wanted a name that would be approachable, memorable, and culturally resonant,” says Chang. In Korea, “Chul-su and Young-hee” are symbolic, almost archetypal names, and from there, “Chul’s” was born — simple, familiar, and warm.

The menu is anchored by two quintessential Korean offerings: baekban, the everyday home-style set meal, and kimbap, the versatile comfort food that often accompanies picnics or gatherings. “Together, these dishes capture the essence of Chul’s — approachable, comforting, and authentically Korean,” Chang explains. The drinks list follows suit, weaving traditional Korean beverages with cocktails and a wine selection carefully chosen to complement the food.

Yukhoe Bibimbap, beef tartare rice bowl
Left: Seafood stew. Right: Chul’s takeaway Korean rice rolls

Design also plays its part. In collaboration with Studio Tatami, the interiors combine nostalgia with modern ease — a Korean neighbourhood eatery, reimagined for Auckland. “Our goal is for guests to experience culinary authenticity combined with cultural warmth,” says Chang. “Every dish should feel like it was prepared with the care of a mother’s hand.”

At its heart, Chul’s, according to Chang, is “a celebration of Korean soul food — simple, heartfelt, and rooted in tradition.” It’s a dining experience that extends beyond the plate, inviting guests to feel both comforted and connnected.

Opening Hours:
11am — 8pm, Monday — Wednesday
10am — 8pm, Thursday — Sunday

instagram/chulsnz

Chul's

Commercial Bay
Level 2 / 7 Queen St
Auckland Central

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Left to right: Tove, Nanushka, Emilia Wickstead, Burberry

All the best looks from London Fashion Week

The second stop on the fashion month agenda was London, with Laura Weir, recently appointed CEO of the British Fashion Council, giving the event a welcome renewal. Burberry stole the show, taking over Perks Field in Kensington Palace with a show for the ages, drawing on Britain’s unrivalled festival scene, while our very own Emilia Wickstead delivered a masterclass in daring romanticism. Below, we round up some of the best looks from London Fashion Week.

Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear
Nanushka

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Burberry

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Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear
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Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear
Tove

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Takapuna Surf Club

Planning a family outing? These are the best kid-friendly restaurants in town

While the likes of Prego have long been the go-to for those with kids in tow, there are actually a number of eateries around Auckland that offer the kinds of environments and menus that the whole family can enjoy. Here, we round up the ones to enjoy these school holidays.

Water Boy

Water Boy

Having just opened its doors in the heart of St Heliers (right across from the beach), Water Boy is already fast making a name for itself as an ideal spot to park up with the littles for a well-deserved beverage (for the adults) and a bite for the kids. With a dedicated kids’ menu and plenty of delicious options for the rest of us, not to mention its covetable location — a stone’s throw from the playground and beach, this is a spot worth adding to your regular rota.

Left: Farina. Right: Gemmi

Farina

Farina reopened its doors last year after a short closure and refresh, much to the delight of the eatery’s loyal legions — including mini gastronomes who look forward to the delightful fare on Farina’s Bambini menu. Here you’ll find perhaps one of the tastiest kid’s menus in town, with a host of pastas, pizzettas, and desserts sure to delight even the most discerning of mini diners.

Gemmi

Italian trattoria-inspired eatery, Gemmi, offers a kids-sized version of a few faithful go-tos, as well as a plain butter and cheese pasta which always goes down a treat with littles while parents enjoy a meal and glass of something delicious. This Commercial Bay-based spot offers a relaxed, convivial vibe coupled with quick service and mouthwatering food that is never over-complicated — all the makings of a kid-friendly joint, if you ask us.

Takapuna Surf Club

Takapuna Surf Club

New Zealand’s answer to the laid-back yet convivial surf clubs Australia is famed for, this new all-day spot has fast become a go-to for North Shore locals and visitors alike. And, with an epic, dedicated offering for the kids, a sweeping dining room, and a games space (not to mention it’s proximity to the park), this lively locale is a perfect place to swing by with the littles for a bite.

Azabu

With a menu dedicated to kids 12 years and under, this stalwart Japanese destination with locations in Ponsonby and Misson Bay is right on the money. Once the little ones have chosen between six pieces of sushi, a bento box, or something from the menu for ‘bigger kids’ like chicken karaage, they get a little pack full of coloured pencils, paper and chopstick joiners (which help teach kids how to use them properly). Did we mention they also throw in a scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce on the house?

Fishsmith

Fishsmith

There’s nothing quite like a parcel of fish & chips to capture a kid’s attention, and there is perhaps no one doing it better than Herne Bay’s Fishsmith. You can grab a kids fish & chips or hot dog & chips for just over a tenner, or go old school and fill a parcel for the family to rip into together — parking up out front to dig in, or heading to one of the nearby parks or beaches for dinner al fresco. Just don’t forget your coats.

Blue

Neighbourhood café by day, wine bar by night, Blue is centred on thoughtful, authentic hospitality, and fostering meaningful connections with the community. All of which makes it the perfect spot to head to with the kids come the weekend. Make for the room out the back, where you’ll find communal tables and kids toys galore (not to mention a more than welcoming atmosphere), making Blue the perfect spot to settle in for a beautiful cup of coffee and a free (!) fluffy for littles ones, best accompanied with something tasty from the cabinet.

Osteria Uno

Birkenhead locals will already be well-versed in the spoils of chic Italian eatery Osteria Uno, serving simple, seasonal fare where fresh, handcrafted pasta is the star of the show. But it’s perhaps lesser-know that they offer a delightful kids menu too, with three plain but tasty pastas conceived for little palettes, as well as a special kiddo’s dessert. There’s also one of the best wine lists in town on offer for thirsty parents — win, win.

Left: Osteria Uno. Right: First Mates, Last Laugh

First Mates, Last Laugh

Taking up one of the city’s most coveted positions, First Mates, Last Laugh is a delightful place to drink and dine, with a number of outdoor seating options, and plenty on offer for the kids (including direct access to Westhaven Promenade for scooter races). Nab one of the cosy booths under shade tents, or settle in on the front deck, and grab the littles a tasty bowl of French fries or a treat from the ice cream bar (or both), and settle in to watch the world go by.

Mother

Mother

Sweet buns, fluffies, some of the best scones in the city… need we say more? Newly opened Mother in Grey Lynn is as alluring for kids as it is for their charges, with plenty of offer for both. The fit-out is sleek yet kid-friendly, there’s plenty to look at (particularly with a glass-fronted pastry room), and there’s plenty of space out front, not to mention Mother’s easy, community vibe (and of course, exceptionally delicious baked good). If you can find a seat, this is the place to be.

Twofold

Retro-modern brewery and eatery Twofold opened its doors in Parnell last year, boasting a contemporary, all-day menu that offers something that both kids and their charges alike will enjoy. The kid’s menu is all between just $12—$14, and features the likes of Twofold fried chicken and hand cut chips, the classic fish & chips, and a very sweet mini platter that would send any hungry youngster’s tongue wagging — and each comes with a juice on the house. Bonus: there are a host of delicious drinks on offer too, with a focus on bespoke beer. Dads — take note.

Stone Oven

Devonport’s newly reimagined institution, Stone Oven, is a great spot to head to with the kids for a tasty brunch. The space has a real laid-back vibe to it, and there is plenty on the menu to satisfy both mini diners and their more discerning counterparts, running the gamut from pancakes with apple crumble to classic avo on toast. There’s even a ‘Kids Brekkie’ on offer, with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and a hash brown — sure to go down a treat. The berry smoothie is always a hit, too.

Left: Stone Oven. Right: Fed Deli

Fed Deli

This CBD stalwart is Auckland’s answer to the classic New York deli. Here, food is simple, flavourful and utterly indulgent, and guarantees to offer a satiating meal at every sitting. Any Aucklander worth their salt will have a go-to order here (more than likely the chicken salad sandwich with chicken skin crackling, iceberg, and dipping gravy), but it just so happens The Fed also caters incredibly well to mini discerning diners too. The ‘Lil Feds’ menu features a number of tasty delights, from a basket of fish and chips to a mini version of the famed chicken sammy and more.

Non Solo Pizza

Long lunching at Parnell’s NSP need not be reserved for the grown-ups, with this Italian institution’s ‘Bambini’ menu offering plenty to satisfy smaller appetites. Find a thoughtful selection of tasty pizzas, pasta and chicken cotoletta complete with shoestring fries and seasonal veg. For dessert, the Nutella pizza is a must-try. The best part? For only $25, kids can choose a secondi, dolce and a drink. Bellissimo.

Children's dining experience at The Grounds
The Grounds

The Grounds

Arguably the most family-friendly eatery in Auckland, the team here have committed to creating a space that has all the tools to keep the kids entertained. From colouring books and one of the city’s best playgrounds to a menu featuring handmade pasta, dumplings and warming toasties, a dining experience with the children at The Grounds is always a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Baduzzi

Get ’em started on the good stuff at a young age with Baduzzi’s kids menu. Featuring dishes like handmade buttered pasta with herbs and parmesan, delicious lamb meatballs braised in tomato sauce, and chicken schnitzel with marinara sauce and fried egg, just as much care goes into this menu as the main one, and it shows.

The Springs Tavern

The Springs Tavern

This sprawling neighbourhood gastropub recently opened its doors in Onehunga, much to the delight of locals, and is already proving the area’s most buzzing destination. The perfect spot for kids (with an outdoor sand pit, arcade games, an enclosed courtyard, and plenty to offer on the food front) its an ideal perch for a catch-up with friends knowing the kids will be well fed and suitably entertained. The little’s menu spans the usual suspects, from fish and chips to pizza, while the rest of us will find options for any taste and proclivity, from a Sunday roast with all of the trimmings to pub classics and more elevated salads and mains.

Prego

It’s hardly surprising that Prego would make this list. For decades this delicious stalwart has been rated one of the best places to go for a family-friendly affair. There, you’ll find a dedicated menu of child-friendly Italian classics, all served with a scoop of ice cream to keep bellies well and truly satisfied.

Amano

Famed for its pasta, this Britomart restaurant is perfect for an early dinner. The standard menu has some great options for kids such as the bran loaf at breakfast and the chargrilled chicken for lunch. However, these are far from the only options — the kitchen will endeavour to make anything from the menu work for younger diners. Whether that be with smaller portions, the addition of chicken or the removal of any ingredient, Amano is here to keep kids happy.

Auckland Fish Market

Auckland Fish Market

Every kid loves fish and chips, so why not take them to the ultimate seafood destination? At Auckland Fish Market you can order from a variety of different purveyors serving everything from sushi to lobster fried rice. Following your family feast, head on over to Silo Park for a stroll while the children have their fun on the playground.

Esarn Rocket

Esarn Rocket has quickly risen through the ranks as one of the tastiest Thai eateries in Auckland — beloved for their authentic take and unbelievably flavoursome dishes. But, it’s perhaps lesser-known that this Westmere hotspot is also a wonderful place to take the kids. The warm and friendly team is more than happy to cater to younger palates, whipping up chicken fried rice or noodles (sans spice) that go down an absolute treat — keeping the kids distracted while their charges tuck into a spicy curry and glass of something delicious.

Andiamo

Neighbourhood eatery Andiamo is all about looking after locals, so it’s no surprise they are pros when it comes to catering to children. Here, you’ll be pleased to find a selection of slightly-tweaked versions of its famous spaghetti, calamari, mac and cheese and meatballs ready to satisfy young palates. What more could you want?

Gochu

Gochu

When Gochu landed in Commercial Bay, it quickly carved out a reputation for serving some of the tastiest Korean fare in town. More contemporary than traditional, with cuisine described as ‘New Korean’, Gochu offers the perfect dining experience for both seasoned fans of Korean flavour and novices looking to whet their appetite. And the eatery also has an enticing kids offering which is the perfect way to introduce littles to inventive yet approachable new flavours.

Hallertau

Take the whanau out to Riverhead or Clevedon for a meal at Hallertau that caters to just about everyone, young and old. The kid’s menu comes with the likes of wood-fired pizza, delicious chicken burgers, pasta, panko crumbed fish, and a variety of sweet treats (including a build-your-own-sundae situation), with something sure to fill the hungriest of tummies.

The Blue Breeze pork shumai
The Blue Breeze Inn

The Blue Breeze Inn

They’re short on a kids’ menu, but not on flavour — something you’re never too young to get acquainted with in our books. The steamed pork and prawn dumplings are an excellent option to share with littles, as is the peking duck with pancakes. When paired with a side of the wok-charred broccoli, you’ve got yourself an easy, tasty and fuss-free dinner.

Sugar at Chelsea Bay

Satisfy the kids’ sweet cravings in the most epic way at Sugar at Chelsea Bay’s factory. Even the fussiest eaters won’t be able to resist French toast with fried brioche and maple, or the range of tempting cabinet treats. With an interactive zone, outdoor playground and plenty of space to run around and exert every bit of energy, there’s no need to fear the sugar high.

Man O’War

The perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Waiheke Island with the whole family, Man O’ War is a great place to park up with the kids for a casual bite. This idyllic spot is located on the Eastern side of the island and boasts a sprawling lawn right next to a beautiful beach. Whether you pack a picnic to enjoy with some glasses of Man O’ War’s exceptional wine (parents only, of course), or indulge in some delicious food at the restaurant, the setting of this vineyard is unparalleled and allows plenty of space for little ones to run around.

Ebisu

Ebisu

Boasting a special menu dedicated to their littlest diners, where all meals come with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, Ebisu is the perfect place to go for family night out. And while the kids are tucking into a teriyaki chicken or salmon bowl, a delicious bento or sushi roll, parents can be enjoying Ebisu’s famous Japanese fare in peace. Win-win, we think.

The Heke

Enjoy a raft of delicious food, wine and beers within The Heke’s sprawling gardens. This relaxed destination is super family friendly (and even dog friendly too, we’re told), where the chefs prepare everything over glowing coals and the craft distillery and brewery on-site will ensure that parents can enjoy a libation or two while their kids enjoy the activities on the lawn. Offering a mud kitchen, a sandpit, cornhole games, climbing structures and a (very fun) bouncy platform, as well as live music and a menu of classics for the whole family to enjoy, The Heke is well worth an afternoon visit.

The Dairy at Ayrburn

Ayrburn

Those heading South for the holidays would do well to make for Ayrburn — the spectacular dining destination on the outskirts of Arrowtown boasting a number of exceptional venues perfect for kids and their charges alike. The Dell is the destination’s social lawn and a more than perfect spot to park up with kids for the afternoon, soaking in the peaceful setting. The kids can grab a gelato from The Dairy nearby, a destination filled with whimsical sweet treats, or a casual bite from The Bakehouse, while parents can keep their glasses full at one of the other exceptional spots within the precinct.

Beabea’s

Beabea’s

Another Westmere gem, Beabea’s has firmly cemented itself as a weekend staple for local families. Whether it’s a hot pie after football, a buttery croissant and fluffy for the littlest ones, or a nostalgic pink bun that doubles as the ultimate treat, this charming spot strikes just the right balance. Add to that some of the best coffee in the city, and it’s easy to see why Beabea’s has become a beloved ritual for so many. If it’s not already on your radar, it should be.

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Soul Bar & Bistro is painting Viaduct Harbour red for Campari Month

From now until the end of September, Soul Bar & Bistro is painting the Viaduct red with a month-long celebration of Campari, the world’s most iconic aperitif. For four weeks straight, the waterfront favourite will be serving up a menu of bold, bittersweet cocktails and dishes designed to showcase Campari in all its vibrant glory.

Soul Bar & Bistro

Expect to find classics with a twist, from juicy, cloud-like Garibaldis to perfectly balanced Negronis, alongside more playful creations, like the Soulbird, a tiki-style escape tempered with Campari’s trademark bite, or the decadent Black Forest, which layers vodka, cacao, and raspberry jam into dessert-in-a-glass. For something floral and refined, the Bitter Rose brings a delicate blend of amaros and fruit, while even the sober-curious can join the party with non-alc sips like the Nogroni and Coral Kiss.

Left: SOULbird. Right: Classic negroni

Campari Month isn’t just about cocktails, either. On the food front, Soul is dishing up Negroni rigatoni (with or without prawns), plus a silky orange blossom panna cotta crowned with Campari jelly in the perfect bittersweet finale. Add to that a series of special events, from an intimate Campari Masterclasses (15th October) to a lavish Campari Long Lunch (18th October), and there are plenty of reasons to get involved.

And in true Soul style, there’s purpose behind the pleasure: for every Negroni ordered, $1 goes to Negroni Week in support of the Slow Food Movement. So raise a glass, savour the season, and let Campari Month carry you into spring.

When: Every day from now until Sunday, 19th October

soulbar.co.nz

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Turns out the benefits of folic acid extend beyond pregnancy — here’s why you might want to consider supplementing

Folic acid has long been framed as a ‘pregnancy vitamin,’ prescribed for its well-documented role in foetal development. But to pigeonhole it solely in that space is to miss the breadth of its benefits — ones that extend far beyond the maternity ward and into everyday wellbeing.

At its core, folic acid (the synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B9) is an unsung multitasker. It’s essential for DNA synthesis and cell repair, meaning it underpins everything from skin renewal to hair growth. For those concerned with ageing gracefully (aren’t we all?), it quietly supports cardiovascular health by helping regulate homocysteine levels — an amino acid linked to heart disease when elevated. It’s also been linked to improved brain function, with emerging research suggesting that adequate folate levels may help slow cognitive decline and support mental clarity as we age.

Energy is another area where folic acid has an influence. By aiding in the production of red blood cells, it supports oxygen transport throughout the body, staving off fatigue and boosting overall vitality. Athletes, frequent travellers, or anyone balancing high-demand schedules may notice the difference that optimal folate levels can make.

While leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains offer natural sources, supplementation provides an easy, consistent way to ensure the body’s needs are met — especially in times of stress.

The upshot is that folic acid isn’t just for expectant mothers. It’s an often-overlooked cornerstone of long-term health, one that bolsters the body’s most fundamental functions, making it a supplement worth considering for anyone invested in resilience, energy, and longevity.

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Satya Chai Lounge

Satya Chai Lounge has once again joined forces with Garage Project for the ultimate pop-up

Garage Project and Satya Chai Lounge are back at it, reviving one of Auckland’s favourite pop-ups for a limited run. Open now, the Karangahape Road lounge has been transformed into Hyderabad Hotel — a vibrant nod to the spirit of India’s southern food capital, where spice, music, and conviviality reign supreme.

Hyderabad Hotel

Expect all the cosy energy of Satya’s beloved K’ Road haunt, now paired with a full Garage Project bar pouring cult favourites and fresh additions like Zinger, a brewed alcoholic ginger beer designed to zing up the season. On the menu, street eats shine: smashed dahi puri, onion bhaji, papdi chaat, and curry fries, alongside more substantial offerings of Hyderabad fried chicken, biriyani, curries, and rotating street snacks.

True to Satya’s style, the flavours are unapologetically bold and perfect for sharing over craft brews or a chilled natural wine. With its mix of atmosphere, spice, and playfulness, Hyderabad Hotel once again promises to be a short-lived but much-loved fixture on K’ Road — best experienced before it disappears.

Hyderabad Hotel’s doors are officially open for an undisclosed period of time, so we suggest you make your way to the pop-up fairly quickly, before it’s too late. 

Opening hours:
Wednesday — Monday from 5.30pm
Closed Tuesday

satya.co.nz

Hyderabad Hotel

Satya Chai Lounge
271 Karangahape Road
Auckland

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SANTOS DE CARTIER WATCH in Steel

Cartier’s refined new Santos is a masterclass in petite perfection

Cartier’s iconic Santos de Cartier has been given a refined update. The new ‘petit’ model balances heritage and modernity in steel, gold, or two-tone — proof that timeless design knows no scale.

A little smaller, no less striking. Cartier’s latest release sees the beloved Santos de Cartier scaled down — a nod to the watch’s early dimensions and a reminder that elegance often lies in proportion. 

Santos de Cartier watch in Yellow gold

At 27mm wide and 34.5mm high, the new downscaled model brings a finely tuned sense of balance to the collection, while retaining the bold design language that has defined the Santos since 1904: square case, visible screws, and sharp Roman numerals. 

Santos de Cartier watch in yellow gold and steel from Partridge
Santos de Cartier watch in yellow gold from Partridge
Santos de Cartier watch in steel from Partridge

Created for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was the first modern wristwatch, designed for ease in the cockpit. Today, it’s more about precision of style. This petite evolution adds a sunray-effect dial and a high-autonomy quartz movement specifically adapted to its scaled-down case. It’s available in all-steel, two-tone yellow gold and steel, or solid yellow gold, with the same QuickSwitch system that makes straps refreshingly interchangeable — calfskin for the mixed-metal models, and alligator for the gold. 

Santos de Cartier watch in yellow gold and steel

Proof that less can indeed be more, this refined Santos keeps the spirit of flight intact, while feeling perfectly grounded in the now. A classic, recut — still square, still striking, just more subtle in its statement.

partridgejewellers.com/cartier

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Loungescape Sofa by Flexform from Studio Italia

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Loungescape Sofa by Flexform from Studio Italia

studioitalia.co.nz

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Meet Water Boy — the laid-back new beachfront local in the heart of St Heliers

The essence of a good pub goes well beyond what’s on the plates or poured into the glasses. It’s about how you feel when you step through the doors, and for partners Patrick Kean and Victoria Blake, the duo behind Remuera favourite The Corner, that feeling is everything. Their new venture, Water Boy, set right on the water in St Heliers, has been designed around that sense — imagined as a laid-back spot that locals and those coming from further afield can step into and instantly feel at ease.

Kean is no stranger to hospitality, not only thanks to the past decade he’s spent building The Corner, but the decades prior, watching his father’s flourishing career in the brewing industry; his grandfather’s before that, and the time he spent working in pubs and food and beverage sales thereafter. “The idea was to take everything we’ve learned so far, and create a modern seaside pub,” he tells me. “We wanted Water Boy to be relaxed, approachable, and full of energy — somewhere locals could treat as an extension of their living room.”

When it came to choosing a destination, St Heliers felt like a natural fit. This was not only down to the fact that both Kean and Blake’s families have lived in the neighbourhood for decades, but because the village feel and proximity to the water lent itself to the overall vibe the pair were seeking to cultivate. “It was an obvious choice, right on the beach, where people can stroll in after a swim or a walk with their dog, grab a drink, and feel at home,” says Kean.

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET BITES

The space plays perfectly into this ethos, designed by the experts at CTRL Space. The interiors lean light, bright, and breezy, opening out to the water and creating a place that’s distinctly beachside, but never precious. “The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, very much a locals’ pub by the sea,” says Kean. “You’ll see sports on the screens, groups of mates hanging out, families sharing pizzas, and neighbours dropping in after a beach walk with their dogs. We want it to feel easy, inclusive, and distinctly part of the community.” From what we’ve seen, it’s set to deliver on all fronts.

FRESH PACIFIC OYSTERS

Hospitality heavyweights Benny Lee and Jono Lewington have been brought on to round out the offering — Lee leading with a drinks list that balances easy tap beers with cocktails that “feel a little bit special without being fussy” according to Kean, and Lewington (formerly of Barulho) crafting a food menu that’s approachable but quality-driven. Think oysters, pizzas, pub staples, and seasonal plates with a coastal sensibility, with the likes of smoked beef brisket bites and kingfish tiradito amongst the standouts. “Food is at the heart of what we do,” Kean explains. “We wanted [the menu] to work whether you’re coming in for a bite with friends, celebrating with a group, or grabbing something easy with the family.”

Drawing on the breezy yet elevated nature of Sydney and Melbourne’s easy-going pub culture, Water Boy is as much about community as it is about great food and drink. With a local focus and universal appeal, it’s an extension of Kean and Blake’s hospitality philosophy: to create venues that feel personal, familiar, and easy to return to — again and again.

Opening Hours:
12pm — late, Monday — Sunday

waterboystheliers.co.nz

Water Boy

413 Tamaki Drive,
St Heliers,
Auckland

Gastronomy

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