Since opening its doors in 2022, Knead on Benson has been quietly solidifying itself as one of the City’s most consistent and delicious daytime eateries. Adored by locals and those who make the pilgrimage from other parts of Auckland to seek out perfect pastries, sandwiches, pies and cakes from the ever-evolving cabinet, or (for those lucky enough to secure a coveted streetside table) a sit-down brunch that is about as tasty as they come, Knead on Benson is everything a great cafe should be.

Now, its founders have taken over the space directly next door, converting the ex-dairy into a European-style deli stocking pantry provisions and serving scoops of house-made gelato and sorbet supplied by sister eatery Takapuna Beach Cafe. Called ‘Knead Next Door,’ the space also doubles as a working kitchen for the pastry team, so always promises a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, adding to the ever-convivial vibe at the neighbourhood cafe.

“Expanding Knead on Benson and taking over the space next door was a matter of necessity to accommodate our growing business,” director James Bryant tells me. “But it was also an opportunity to add to the Knead experience. Taking over a longstanding former dairy, we wanted kids and neighbours to continue to be able to pop in for ice cream or to grab the paper and a bottle of milk,” Bryant continues.

After seeing an increase in demand for their bread, the team at Knead on Benson spotted an opportunity to expand their offering with the addition of elevated pantry products that pair perfectly with the loaves available. “We wanted to introduce a retail space selling top quality accompaniments for our bread (currently sourdough, five-grain loaf and croissant loaf) to offer our customers everything they’d find at a traditional European deli, where everything they might need for a tasty lunch or light dinner is available in one place,” says Bryant.

Indeed, there is an increasing desire for fine foods and quality pantry goods as we continue to see our culinary culture inspired by European metropolises. At the deli, you’ll find a curated selection of charcuterie, fine meats and cheeses, locally-made and imported oils, salts, vinegars, mustards, sauces and spreads, tinned and smoked fish, Knead’s house-made products including the much-loved granola and homemade jam, and more. “Everything that’s sold in the cabinet at Knead on Benson, from croissants to cakes, is made from scratch in the new Knead Next Door space,” confirms Bryant.

And leaning further into the Italian inspiration, the team have also added a gelato and sorbet offering, serving irresistible, homemade scoops made in-house at the stalwart seaside eatery, Takapuna Beach Cafe (which is run by Knead on Benson’s owners). When it comes to the gelato, you’ll find the usual favourites — from salted caramel to chocolate hazelnut, vanilla bean and honeycomb, passionfruit yogurt and more. And as for the sorbet — mango, strawberry, lemon and espresso all feature.

From its thoughtful offering to its flavoursome scoops and lively location, Knead Next Door is the perfect place to pop into for weekend supplies and a delicious sweet treat.

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday, 6:30am until 4pm
Friday to Sunday, 6:30am until 5pm

Open public holidays.

kneadonbenson.co.nz