Wander through London or Sydney when the clock strikes five on any given day, and you’ll be swept along with crowds of revellers spilling out onto pavements clutching frothy pints. Glasses clink, laughter floats along the breeze, and new friendships are forged as elbows bump against brick walls. A well-crafted gastro pub becomes the heart of how we gather and celebrate.

Auckland’s dining scene isn’t short on innovation, but the soul of true pub culture has long been absent from our city’s culinary tale. We’ve missed out on the post-work bonding and Sunday pints that shape the spirit of the aforementioned cities. Now, with Grey Lynn Firehouse poised to ignite the corner of Williamson and Pollen, that story is about to change.

Occupying — you guessed it — the former Grey Lynn fire station, this heritage building is the perfect space to open a top-quality pub, full of history and the kind of antique touches that echo the UK’s dark wood drinking dens that hold as much intrigue as they do pints of beer.

Hospitality duo Luke Jones and Dave Lincoln, the pair behind City Works’ Norma Taps, Honest, and Roundhouse Drinks Dept. bring not only their rich experience operating hospitality ventures in Auckland, but also lives steeped in classic pub culture. “Dave’s first job was pulling pints at The Horse & Trap, which his dad owned, and I spent 17 years living in the UK, where proper pub culture is woven into everyday life,” Jones tells The Denizen. “Grey Lynn Firehouse feels like the natural evolution of everything we’ve learned and loved along the way.”

The building has been painstakingly restored in collaboration with New Zealand and Japan-based Studio Tatami to produce a space that speaks to the firehouse’s past, the enticing warmth of British pubs, and a modern day Auckland watering hole. Warm minimalism helps to elevate the building’s architectural character, while two glowing fireplaces, twin bars, and a lively rooftop deck beckon guests to stick around long after sunset.

Ten rotating taps will pour everything from local lagers, craft brews and, of course, creamy pints of Guinness — it is a pub after all. Cocktails from the duo’s venture Roundhouse will be poured on tap, and a number of wines will be available to order by the glass and bottle. Meanwhile, the kitchen sees chef Kererū Wilson, formerly of Depot and Cazador, bringing his pedigree on the pans to a menu that reimagines classic pub fare. Think crispy chicken parm and perfect fish and chips, alongside steak au poivre, mussel escabeche and heirloom tomato salads.

What sets it apart, though, is its unique amount of outdoor space. In addition to the suntrap roof terrace, the entire ‘island’ that the firehouse inhabits is licensed, which means drinkers can spill out onto the pavement like they do across London. The verdict is in — this is set to be Auckland’s coolest new post-work hot spot. And, if this and Water Boy are anything to go by, we might finally be in the midst of our long-awaited pub renaissance.

Opening hours:
11.30 am – late, Tuesday — Sunday

instagram.com/greylynnfirehouse