Whether you’re heading away or staying put, this long weekend calls for a considered listening edit. Kylie Minogue’s latest release from her new documentary offers a polished dose of nostalgia, while Cigarettes After Sex’s Twizzler brings a hazy, after-dark energy perfect for slower evenings. For something more conversational, If Books Could Kill delivers sharp cultural commentary with just enough humour to balance things out. Press play and let the weekend unfold.
New Albums
More Pulp
Jarvis Cocker returns with the first Pulp album in decades, and somehow it arrives without the usual reunion-tour embarrassment attached. Wry, intelligent and beautifully world-weary throughout, More examines ageing, desire and modern absurdity with lyrical sophistication few contemporary bands can still convincingly deliver today.
Song to start with: Spike Island
Never Enough Turnstile
The Baltimore band continue pushing hardcore into more melodic and emotionally expansive territory without losing any momentum or edge. Restless, euphoric and unexpectedly moving throughout, Never Enough proves guitar music still possesses genuine life when handled by artists more interested in evolution than cynical nostalgia or tired revivalism entirely.
Song to start with: Never Enough
Look for Your Mind! The Lemon Twigs
The D’Addario brothers return with another impeccably crafted collection of lush harmonies, psychedelic textures and seventies-inspired songwriting. Beneath the immaculate musicianship sits something surprisingly contemporary though, balancing melancholy, wit and emotional intelligence in ways that feel timeless rather than merely retro or self-consciously nostalgic.
Song to start with: I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You
New songs
Light up Kylie Minogue
Twizzler Cigarettes After Sex
End of an Era Niall Horan
Second Chance Lukas Graham
Hit the Wall Gracie Abrams
I’ll Be there – Charleon Remix Jess glynne, Charleon
Classics to revisit
Sade Love Deluxe
Silky, restrained and impossibly elegant, Love Deluxe remains sophisticated late-night listening with emotional intelligence still entirely intact.
Song to start with: No Ordinary Love
Massive Attack Mezzanine
Dark, hypnotic and permanently influential, Mezzanine transformed trip-hop into something colder, moodier and strangely timeless almost overnight.
Song to start with: Teardrop
Talking Heads Remain in Light
Art rock, funk and nervous intellectual collapse collide brilliantly across one of the most influential records ever made.
Song to start with: Once in a Lifetime
Intriguing Podcasts
The Rest Is Entertainment
Marina Hyde and Richard Osman dissect celebrity culture, media scandals and the entertainment industry with intelligence, wit and remarkable observational precision. Smart, sharply funny listening for anyone fascinated by the machinery behind fame and the increasingly absurd economics shaping modern public attention and cultural influence.
If Books Could Kill
Michael Hobbes and Peter Shamshiri hilariously dismantle bestselling self-help manifestos, airport business books and wildly influential cultural nonsense with forensic precision. Equal parts intellectual criticism and comic relief, the podcast offers satisfying listening for anyone increasingly suspicious of modern thought leadership and performative expertise everywhere.
Shell Games
Journalist Evan Ratliff explores artificial intelligence, digital identity and the blurred distinction between human and machine interaction through investigative storytelling. Clever, unsettling and unexpectedly funny, the podcast examines the technological anxieties quietly reshaping modern life without collapsing into panic or Silicon Valley worship entirely.
A Bit of Optimism
Simon Sinek’s conversational podcast explores leadership, creativity, relationships and modern working life through thoughtful interviews with cultural figures, entrepreneurs and thinkers. Less corporate jargon and more reflective curiosity, the series balances practical insight with genuine warmth, making it compelling listening during chaotic and distracted times globally.
Each winter, SkyCity’s DELISH campaign returns with the kind of dining programme that shifts Auckland’s attention firmly towards the table, and this year’s edition feels particularly considered, drawing together a series of chef-led menus and nostalgic dishes that place memory, comfort and familiarity at the centre of the experience rather than spectacle alone.
left to right: Lesley Chandra, Megan Cruickshank, Jun Bae, Patrick Ikinofo, Tommy Hope, Jack Stott
Running from 26th May until 31st July across SkyCity’s signature restaurants, DELISH 2026 revolves around the idea that the most memorable dishes are rarely the most elaborate, but rather the plates that become embedded within personal histories, revisited repeatedly and remembered long after the meal itself has finished. It is this sentiment that shapes A Chef’s Story: Plates That Shape The Table, where chefs across Depot, MASU, Metita, Fed Deli and The Grill revisit the kinds of dishes that defined their own relationship with food, reworking them through the lens of their respective kitchens.
The Grill’s Childhood Bites: steak & cheese pie, fish & chips, Bunnings snag
Fed Deli’s Potato Croquettes: smoked cheddar, mozzarella and onion croquets with chipotle mayo and house gravy
At Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar, Jack Stott turns to grilled kahawai with braised leeks, pickled daikon and miso coconut sauce, while Fed Deli’s Megan Cruickshank revisits the comfort of the classic deli counter through smoked cheddar, mozzarella and onion croquettes served with chipotle mayo and house gravy, alongside her take on the corned beef sandwich. Over at The Grill, Lesley Chandra reimagines classic childhood staples, from steak and cheese pie to fish and chips and the unmistakable Bunnings sausage, approached with the refinement expected of the restaurant without losing the humour or familiarity that makes the dishes so recognisable.
Elsewhere, MASU by Nic Watt’s Jun Bae presents an elegant unagi no kamameshi featuring tare-marinated eel, NZ yuzu and Mt Cook salmon ikura, while Metita chef Tommy Hope closes the experience with Pudini Niu, a coconut rice pudding layered with mango and kalamansi sorbet that feels distinctly rooted within Pasifika flavour traditions.
Metita’s slow-braised lamb shanks
The Grill’s Mt Cook salmon with mandarin granita
Alongside the individual dishes, DELISH also introduces a series of seasonal set menus designed to showcase each restaurant more expansively, from MASU’s Shomi Menu, which moves through chirashi nori tacos, robata grilled beef fillet and king salmon, to The Grill’s winter menu of Mt Cook salmon with mandarin granita and slow-cooked beef cheek with black garlic. At Metita, a three-course sharing menu centred around Pacific flavours, spanning natural oysters, oka, braised lamb shanks and steamed snapper, offers one of the strongest reasons yet to settle in for a long midweek dinner.
MASU Shomi Menu — $108pp, available daily from 5pm The Grill Seasonal Menu — $85pp, available daily from 5pm Metita Seasonal Sharing Menu — available Tuesday–Thursday, 5–6pm
Nic Watt
Beyond the set menus, DELISH also sees the return of MASU’s popular Counter Dining Series across four Thursdays in June, where guests are seated directly at the robata counter for an immersive five-course dinner hosted by Nic Watt himself. Long considered one of the campaign’s standout experiences, the evening brings together fire, precision and theatre in a way that feels uniquely suited to MASU’s open kitchen energy. The Counter Dining Series runs 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th June, priced at $138pp.
Masu’s Ramen
For those looking for something slightly more casual, MASU’s new midweek ramen lunches arrive just in time for the colder months, with a line-up that includes sesame miso ramen with wagyu shabushabu beef, char siu pork belly ramen and a spicy ramen topped with crab soup dumplings, available Wednesday to Friday from midday. Across the precinct, espresso martinis also take on a starring role this season, with every venue offering an $18 classic alongside signature interpretations unique to each restaurant, from Depot’s Ferrero Rocher-inspired version to SkyBar’s tiramisu espresso martini.
Metita’s Espresso Martini
The Grill’s Espresso Martini
DELISH runs from 26th May until 31st July across SkyCity’s dining precinct.
The Enn table and Ozzy chair for Flexform approach dining with a kind of understated precision that feels increasingly rare, where every detail has been considered not for visual excess, but for the atmosphere it creates within a room. Defined by the Enn’s sculptural truncated-cone base wrapped in supple cowhide and softened by a circular timber top free from harsh edges, the table carries an architectural presence that still feels remarkably warm and inviting within residential settings.
The integrated revolving centrepiece, positioned seamlessly at the centre, introduces a quiet practicality that encourages shared dining and slower, more conversational gatherings, while reinforcing the table’s underlying philosophy of connection, harmony and circularity, concepts drawn from the Japanese word “enn” itself. Alongside it, the Ozzy chair’s graceful curvature and generous upholstery soften the composition further, bringing comfort and tactility without compromising the overall restraint of the space. Rather than dominating a room, the collection settles into it with calm confidence, expressing Antonio Citterio’s enduring preference for proportion, materiality and timeless Italian elegance over unnecessary ornamentation.
There is no shortage of cafés on Karangahape Road, but very few arrive with a sense of visual clarity strong enough to stop people mid-scroll before anyone has even properly explained the coffee. That already seems to be the case with HARDcore, the quietly striking new opening at 510 Karangahape Road, where brushed steel tables, oversized paper lanterns and an almost gallery-like sparseness give the space a mood more commonly associated with Melbourne or Seoul than central Auckland.
Part café, part concept store, HARDcore folds together specialty coffee, pastries and a tightly considered retail offering of niche New Zealand design pieces, allowing the space to operate less like a traditional grab-and-go café and more like somewhere people settle into slowly. Sculptural metallic furniture sits against polished concrete floors and soft white walls, while abstract artworks and oversized communal tables reinforce the feeling that every element inside has been chosen with intention rather than excess.
The opening continues a broader shift along K’ Road, where hospitality spaces increasingly blur into retail, design and culture, although HARDcore approaches it with a quieter restraint than most. There is no visual overload, no overt attempt to manufacture coolness. Instead, the café relies on atmosphere, proportion and materiality, with the enormous lantern lighting and brushed steel surfaces giving the room a calm, almost cinematic quality throughout the day.
Opening hours: Mon – Friday, 7 am – 3 pm Saturday – Sunday, 8 am – 3 pm
Classic silhouettes are returning in suede this season, softening structure with quiet, tactile authority. The mood is tonal, the palette runs from caramel to chocolate, and the shapes are familiar: a top handle, a tote, a heritage hobo. See the Paparazzo bag in camel, or the Large Diorly bag in quilted nappa suede, both arguments for trading hardware and shine for something you actually want to touch.
Long before the printed word became a thing of speed, convenience and algorithmic disposability, books held a different kind of authority. They were objects of knowledge, devotion and social power, made to be preserved, protected and passed down, their pages carrying the weight of language and of collective belief.
Mickey Smith
Untitled Vol. III, Hereford, 2024
Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag
1200 x 800 mm, edition 1 of 10 — from Sanderson
This June, Sanderson presents Sacrosanct, the latest evolution of Mickey Smith’s award-winning photographic practice, extending her decades-long inquiry into the physical and social significance of literary texts and archives. Having previously turned her lens towards bound periodicals in public stacks, Smith now enters more rarefied territory, focusing on centuries-old religious manuscripts that carry an anthropological weight alongside something quieter, more enigmatic and meditative.
Mickey Smith Untitled Vol. XIII, Nostitz, 2026 Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 800 mm x 1200 mm, Edition 1 of 10 from Sanderson
Mickey Smith Untitled Vol. X, Strahov, 2026 Archival pigment print on Ilford Fine Art Canvas Galicia 1200 x 800 mm, edition 1 of 10 from Sanderson
Photographed in The Chained Library of Hereford Cathedral in the United Kingdom and the Strahov Library in Prague, the works document ancient volumes with forensic intimacy, revealing the material character of texts that have survived as spiritual artefacts and as historical evidence. Smith’s strict ‘as found’ methodology remains central to the project. Nothing is touched, staged or artificially manipulated; instead, the books are captured exactly as they exist in situ, their bindings, surfaces and surroundings allowed to speak with their own delicate eloquence.
Mickey Smith Untitled Vol. XII, Strahov, 2026 Archival pigment print on Ilford Fine Art Canvas Galicia, 1600 x 1095 mm, edition 1 of 3 from Sanderson
Mickey Smith Untitled Vol. II, Hereford, 2024 Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 1600 x 1095 mm, edition 1 of 3 from Sanderson
Mickey Smith Untitled Vol. I, Hereford, 2024 Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 1340 x 885 mm, edition 1 of 3 from Sanderson
The result is a body of work that considers what these manuscripts contain and what they continue to powerfully signify.
Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sisal with Resene FX Paint Effects tinted to Resene Double Sisal over the top. Single Stem in Truffle in Epoxy Glass & Metallic by Sally Bulling from Parnell Gallery
Art Direction — Amber Armitage Photography — Melanie Jenkins
Texture has moved beyond plasterwork and into the paint finish itself. Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sisal creates calm, grounding base coats, that can be layered with Resene FX Paint Effects, and tinted with Resene Double Sisal to achieve a subtle tone that shifts gently with the light. The result is nuanced and atmospheric, introducing a hand-worked quality without heaviness. Subtle movement across the surface gives the walls dimension, allowing colour to feel enveloping rather than flat.
Ambience by Tim Jones from Parnell Gallery, Ruche bed, Amedee armchair and Brass Bell lamp all from Ligne Roset, 9 Low table by Cassina, Ekero Rack by Porada from Matisse, Tessera rug from Designer Rugs, La Belle Endormie bed cover by Oeuvres Sensibles from Tessuti
This layered approach reflects a broader seasonal shift toward warmth and tactility. By working within one colour family and building depth through technique, Resene’s finishes create interest without visual noise. Add a floor painted in Resene Walk-On or Resene Bianca which anchors the space with quiet durability, while a ceiling in Resene Half Sisal lifts and softens the overall composition.
Main vase by Astier De Villatte from Tessuti, In The Sun table lamp from Tessuti
The effect is a study in how texture can add warmth yet still be quietly restrained. Instead of relying on overt pattern, the design draws its character from surface and light. As interiors transition into autumn, these tonal, textural applications demonstrate how paint alone can transform a room into something richer, warmer and resolutely a place to feel at home.
With each new year comes an inundation of claims about the ultimate wellness panacea, including some which veer off into the wackier side of health hacks. But it would appear that a simple therapy has been under our noses, or rather our feet, all along.
The Japanese have been extolling the virtues of forest bathing for years, but it’s only now that the movement is gaining momentum in the Western world. Hailing from the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, which literally translates to ‘forest bathing’, this practice is based on the premise that nature has a profound effect on our overall wellbeing, and offers us numerous rewards, both mentally and physically.
But this is no jog in the bush, and neither is it a focused hike. Instead, the idea is to disconnect, by leaving all technological devices at home, and replace the map with a horizon-opening wander, aimlessly allowing your body to naturally guide you through the forest as you take in every sight, smell and sound that you can sense. Eventually you may be able to so fully immerse yourself in nature that you become capable of noticing even the different shades and tones of the flourishing greenery. Certainly, you’ll become attuned to the songs of birds overhead, and you may start to savour the earthy, pure scents of damp soil, while feeling the soft grass between your toes, or stopping to admire the roughness of the tree bark as you calmly navigate the surrounds.
This isn’t just hippy-dippy nonsense: phytoncides, the chemicals released by trees and plants, have been proven to have powerful immune-boosting properties. Studies show that regular exposure to nature can reduce blood pressure, aid sleep and improve concentration and memory. There’s also a big mindfulness aspect, a bit like a meditation on foot, which implicates forest bathing in the reduction of depression and anxiety.
In Japan itself, much effort has gone into researching the benefits of Shinrin Yoku and, faced with clear evidence of the profound benefits, the Japanese government has incorporated the practice into the country’s health programmes. Now, the concept is gaining traction around the world. In the States, it’s possible to sign up to the national Forest Bathing Club and even become a certified Forest Therapy Guide. In 2019, the Woodland Trust — the United Kingdom’s largest woodland conservation charity — promoted the idea that forest bathing should be one of many non-medical therapies that doctors can recommend to enhance their patients’ wellbeing.
Requiring nothing more than a mass of trees, and a spare hour or so, forest bathing is the wellness hack that we’ll be calmly cultivating long after the fads have come and gone.
And, if you can’t find the time to regularly make it outdoors, grounding mats (or earthing mats as they’re often referred to) are gaining momentum, enhancing sleep and reducing aches, pains and inflammation by grounding you directly into the earth via your home’s power source.
Captivating the world with his timeless creations, Antonio Citterio is an iconic figure in the realm of furniture and interior design. From his work with Terry Dwan between 1987 and 1996 that saw him conceive awe-inspiring buildings in Europe and Japan, to his partnership with Patricia Viel that grew into the now lauded, cross-disciplinary international design studio, APV Architects, to the collaborations he has undertaken over the years with the likes of B&B Italia, Flos, Flexform, Knoll and more, Citterio is a multi hyphenate with a keen eye for detail, an innovative approach and an unparalleled vision. Here, in honour of the designer’s lifelong dedication to creating groundbreaking, industry-defining pieces, we have rounded up some of his most renowned designs — pieces that showcase why the name Antonio Citterio will be cemented in the wider design vernacular for years to come.
Antonio Citterio
Born in the Italian town of Meda in 1950, Antonio Citterio’s journey to success began when he established his own design studio in 1972 while still a student. After graduating from the renowned Politecnico di Milano in 1975, he embarked on a remarkable career that has shaped the way we perceive and interact with furniture to this day and has seen Citterio dubbed the ‘Gentleman of Design.’
It is an apt nickname considering the legacy of timeless refinement and elegance that Citterio has cultivated throughout his storied career. Clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic define the designer’s approach, where he focuses on tempering functionality with a distinctly human touch. His vast portfolio spans (in addition to furniture and architecture) lighting, kitchens, glassware, home products and bathroom fixtures, and the brands with which he has collaborated are just as far-reaching.
“This Belvedere Spot Single F2 outdoor light exemplifies Citterio’s ability to marry high functionality with elegant form.”
B&B Italia, for instance, has been working with Citterio since the 70s, when both entities found solidarity in their shared ideals of creativity, experimentation, timeless modern design and unsurpassed quality. In fact, these are qualities that Citterio applies to all of his work, with notable projects including B&B Italia’s flagship store in Milan and the luxurious Bulgari Hotels in Bali and Milan (alongside specific pieces like the Mart chair and the Groundpiece sofa, which we speak to on the following pages).
Ultimately, Citterio’s meticulous approach and his international body of work have shaped the canon of Italian design like no one else. Here, we invite you to immerse yourself in the sleek world of this lauded designer, and to understand the true importance of his work.
Embodying the perfect balance of form and function, this remarkable chair has captivated design enthusiasts since it was first unveiled in 2003. From its unique shape and exquisite craftsmanship to the fact that it is available in two sizes, the Mart chair will effortlessly adapt to any space, making a bold statement with its sculptural, aesthetic presence. Made via an innovative production process, rooted in meticulous experimentation, this chair has been crafted from thermoformed leather and cold foaming of polyurethane — a combination that creates a harmonious blend of elasticity and comfort, and a luxurious lounging experience. With its exceptional attention to detail and timeless design, this chair stands as a testament to Citterio’s mastery of contemporary craftsmanship and is destined to elevate any interior.
Part of a wider family of exterior lighting devices that Antonio Citterio created to redefine the boundaries of illumination, this Belvedere Spot Single F2 outdoor light exemplifies Citterio’s ability to marry high functionality with elegant form. Versatile and sturdy, the design features adjustable projectors with double rotation capabilities along vertical and horizontal axes, and offers unparalleled flexibility. Offering options for various heights and lighting sources and remarkable technical features such as a remote power box and factory-sealed components, this light is as durable and practical as it is beguiling to look at — a testament to the innovative mind of its designer.
The allure of Antonio Citterio’s Amoenus Soft swivel sofa for Maxalto lies in its supreme elegance and comfort. Promising a luxurious lounging experience like no other, the generous, curved profile and deep seat, padded with down, lends itself to moments of rest and relaxation. The curved back adds a refined edge, while the chair’s ability to swivel provides a sense of freedom and versatility. Crafted with careful attention to detail, this armchair is a symbol of refined taste and an invitation to unwind in style.
Set to elevate any living space, the iconic Groundpiece sofa by Antonio Citterio for Flexform is a true masterpiece of Italian design and craftsmanship. Renowned for its unparalleled comfort and timeless shape, this modern classic has garnered widespread acclaim (for good reason). The Groundpiece’s versatility knows no bounds, thanks to a modular system that allows for personalised configurations. Its most distinctive feature is its removable arms, available in upholstery or as a steel bookcase, and showcases a consideration by Citterio that went beyond function alone. From the sumptuous cushions, filled with a poly-dacron core wrapped in down, to the removable upholstery cover, this sofa is as visually striking as it is utterly practical, where unrivalled comfort meets refined design — Citterio’s signature approach.
The Kelvin Edge Base table lamp is a striking creation that serves a purely practical purpose but carried with an air of sophistication. Available in sleek aluminium paint or a chrome finish and with a photoengraved diffuser and edge lighting technology that emanates a gentle yet powerful direct light, the Kelvin Edge lamp is the perfect addition to any side table or desk. Featuring an optical switch sensor for easy dimming as well as a colour temperature adjustment, this exquisite piece seamlessly combines aesthetics and innovation.
Offering a modern rendition of the classical canopy bed, Antonio Citterio’s Alcova bed for Maxalto is a striking design. Exuding opulence and sophistication, with bed sides and headboard available in leather or fabric, this bed creates a focal point that commands attention. The platform on which it rests offers functionality, providing ample space for a service element with an open compartment at the foot of the bed. Promising to transform any bedroom into a sanctuary of refined luxury, this bed encourages us to rethink the aesthetic of even our most functional pieces.
In designing this chair, Antonio Citterio paid homage to Knoll’s design heritage. Crafted with a strong emphasis on sustainability, this beautifully-constructed piece showcases the beauty of natural timber. Its majestic, solid wood frame exudes timeless elegance, while its seat, made from an intricate cotton cord weave and its curved back add an artisanal touch. For enhanced comfort, the Klismos chair is available with optional leather cushions in sleek black or natural brown. Embodying the perfect harmony of quality, aesthetics and sustainability, this chair will be an exquisite addition to any living or dining space.
Masterfully designed by Antonio Citterio, the Convivium kitchen for Arclinea transcends the boundaries of tradition. Here, the design is centred around an open, agile space that transforms daily routines into cherished rituals. In fact, the clever way in which Citterio conveived this space promises to take the user on a sensory journey, as well as being a thoroughly practical design. This visionary kitchen unfolds from a large built-in wooden table which is surrounded by canopy shelves that lend warmth and functionality. Designed to seamlessly blend with the living room, Convivium encapsulates the essence of shared moments, evoking the inherent function of the kitchen where cooking is a catalyst for connection and conviviality. Boasting innovative solutions catering to modern needs, including hidden units behind New Pocket System doors, Convivium is a haven of harmonious design perfect for the heart of any home.
The Thomas armchair has remained an icon of design since its inception in 2000. Its allure lies in its inherent sophistication, drawing the admiration of discerning connoisseurs the world over. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Thomas features a sumptuous padded seat, a refined, curved wooden base and a semi-circular seat back, available in exquisite Canaletto walnut or ash (stained in various shades) or in a glossy lacquer finish. Versatile and showcasing the importance of considered craftsmanship, the Thomas armchair is a testament to Antionio Citterio’s commitment to creating luxurious and timeless furnishings.
Crafted with an aluminium exoskeleton and an organic-shaped shell, the Ecosoft sofa by Antonio Citterio exudes casual elegance and an aesthetic reminiscent of the 1960s era. Plush cushions rest upon its fluid silhouette, inviting anyone seeking a place to unwind and relax. Part of the wider Ecosoft collection, which offers eight versatile modules that allow for customisable configurations, this sofa has been designed to effortlessly adapt to any living space.
Grey Lynn has never been short on good coffee spots, but few new openings arrive with the kind of easy confidence that makes a place feel settled from the outset, as though it has always belonged there. La Buvette, the new café and future wine bar from the team behind Bare Wine, has now opened at 104 Richmond Road, bringing with it the same thoughtful approach that turned the original Ponsonby venture into a favourite among those who prefer their hospitality relaxed, personal and quietly considered.
Bare Wine began as a small online wine business between friends Bertrand and Romain before evolving into a wine shop and bar on Brown Street in Ponsonby, where over the past four years it built a loyal following around natural and biodynamic wines, good conversation and an atmosphere that never felt overly formal. That chapter will officially come to an end in mid-July, with La Buvette set to become the new home for Bare Wine once its on-licence is approved, although the foundations of the space already feel closely aligned with what made the original so appealing in the first place.
Named after the French term for a small neighbourhood spot where people gather for a drink, something to eat and a sense of community, La Buvette has been designed with exactly that spirit in mind. The space currently operates as a café from Wednesday through Saturday, serving single-origin coffee from Eighthirty alongside fresh French pastries from Copain, with the offering intentionally simple while the concept settles into the rhythm of the neighbourhood.
There is a warmth to the space that feels genuine rather than overly styled, reflecting the personalities behind it as much as the hospitality itself. The Bare team, which has grown considerably since the business first began, speaks openly about wanting the café to feel like an extension of their own living rooms, somewhere locals can drop in for a quick morning coffee, linger over a pastry, or eventually return for a glass of wine once the licence comes through. Outside work, the team spends much of their time surfing, climbing, mountain biking and running, and that sense of ease carries naturally into the atmosphere they are creating here.
Once La Buvette begins pouring wine, the focus will shift towards the same growers and producers Bare Wine has championed over the years, with a fun and thoughtful selection of natural and biodynamic bottles expected to sit alongside the daytime café offering. For now, though, there is something refreshing about the fact that the space has opened in a more understated form, allowing it to evolve gradually and organically rather than arriving overdesigned or overcomplicated from day one.
At its core, La Buvette feels less concerned with being the city’s next big opening and more interested in becoming a genuine local fixture, the kind of place people return to out of habit as much as intention. In a neighbourhood like Grey Lynn, that approach tends to matter most.
Opening hours:Wednesday – Saturday, 7 am – 2:30 pm
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