Whether you lean towards accessories that are classic, adventurous or typically trend-driven, there is a raft of new sunglasses for men and women available to suit any style or taste. Because whatever you may think about the unusually rainy start to summer we’re having, a pair of reliable sunglasses is absolutely essential for any sleek, seasonal look — and will be your best friend when the sun does finally decide to show up.
In a bid to elevate summer hosting sessions, we called on Chef Hercules Noble to create a trio of summer cocktails guaranteed to impress any guest. After all, hosting should be a seamless process with an impressive end result, and Noble’s selection of tipples offer just this. Using Schweppes’ most beloved cans of fizz, the result is a raft of refreshing, modern classics perfect for sipping on all summer long.
According to Noble, the key to cocktail success is a little bit of preparation, such as extracting your own cucumber water for a refreshing Moscow Mule (as simple as blending and squeezing) or making your own sugar syrup for a Whisky Fizz (that can be adapted with your favourite fruits and spices). For Noble’s take on a frozen negroni, the Cherry Boulevardier, all you need is a blender to create a big batch at once — idyllic for summer hosting.
Once you’ve nailed the basics, which are surprisingly easy to do, you can get creative with your own takes on the recipes that follow. Noble has swapped the Mule’s traditional Ginger Ale for Schweppes Soda Water, making it a lower-carb take that retains its vibrant hue. Elements like egg white in the Whisky Fizz add to the theatrics (the hallmark of impressive cocktails), making them sure to impress but easy to put together in a moment, so guests never go thirsty.
One last step? Always be sure to chill your glasses. For Noble, this is as non-negotiable as a Negroni.
Please enjoy responsibly.
While we know that New Zealand has a reputation for being one of the most sought-after golfing destinations in the world, there is one new addition that proves it. Te Arai Links is a brand new golf course and accommodation tucked into a picturesque, coastal landscape about an hour north of Auckland. Designed as much for avid golfers as it is for those who love good hospitality, or anyone simply seeking an incredible setting to which they can escape, Te Arai is made up of two pure links courses (one designed by the world-renowned Coore & Crenshaw and the other by Tom Doak — responsible for the course at Tara Iti), as well as a selection of architectural accommodation designed by Studio John Irving, alongside an elevated restaurant and a casual eatery on the putting green.
Here, design has been put at the forefront, with every inch of Te Arai offering a masterclass in restrained luxury. This, of course, includes the furniture. Pieces that balance practicality with polish, like the Jackson Easy Chair and Porter Side Table by Devon, help to create the perfect nooks in which guests can sit back, relax and take in their breathtaking surroundings, or observe all the action on the green.
In fact, the use of Devon’s outdoor pieces makes perfect sense in the context of Te Arai’s overarching design approach. For nearly 50 years, this local brand has released collections that prove how practical materials and long-lasting design can actually be used to enhance the aesthetic of any space. Devon has mastered a delicate (and rare) balance in its pieces, creating pieces that will both withstand the New Zealand elements for years and look sleek and sophisticated in any kind of outdoor space. See inside Te Arai’s impressive accommodations below.
A site formerly known as Blake’s Providore has been given a new lease on life with an utterly tasty and totally cool reimagining. It is now Bunty’s, a burger restaurant and bar that is already delighting North Shore locals — and we have your first look.
Named after owner Blake Allnutt’s Grandma, who shared in his love of food, Bunty’s is set in the heart of Milford and is the kind of destination every neighbourhood needs. Serving simple but mouthwatering burgers alongside an array of small plates and a winelist brimming with beautiful local drops, it’s an easy restaurant that the owner and chef created to fill a void in the area’s dining scene.
Neighbouring Tokki (the delicious Korean restaurant that foodies can’t stop talking about) and Dear Friends, Bunty’s presence confirms that Milford’s Kitchener Road precinct is an up-and-coming culinary destination to keep on our radar. And, given that long summer beach days are now upon us, we’re excited for what’s to come.
Having grown up in Milford, Allnutt began his culinary career at age 15. It eventually took him to London, where he worked in large-scale catering companies and as a private chef for a decade. But eventually, the allure of New Zealand prompted his return, allowing us all the chance to enjoy his particular culinary flair from the heart of his hometown. “It’s a nice little community, and the food scene here is really evolving,” he tells me.
At Bunty’s, burgers are the hero of the menu. Using only the best local ingredients (100% Angus mince from nearby Well Hung butchery and soft potato buns from Bread & Butter), and homemade sauces, Allnutt makes the fast-food delicacy look and taste like something of an art form — all while keeping things surprisingly simple. “My ideal burger is simple — good meat, cheese, homemade sauces and a soft bun — the way it should be,” Allnutt explains.
However, the chef isn’t afraid to get a little more complex when it comes to the wine list, where diners will find Pét-Nats, chilled reds, and innovative, funky wines from small, southern labels. As Allnutt explains, he wanted to keep it fresh and support local vineyards in the process. Couple this with beers from Behemoth Brewing Company on tap, alongside a spritz menu to be introduced as the summer continues, and Bunty’s is quickly sounding like the place to be a Friday night with friends, rather than just a joint for grabbing a delicious burger to devour at home (although you can do that too).
With the fit-out mostly designed, managed and executed by Allnutt himself, it’s safe to say that the quick three-month journey to create this elevated diner has been a labour of love. But if what we have already seen is anything to go by, Allnutt’s effort has been more than worth it. And now that the stress of opening is out of the way, the team can finally get back to the kitchen and allow Bunty’s to grow into the welcoming neighbourhood spot it was designed to be.
Opening hours:
Wednesday — Saturday, 4pm until late.
Sunday, 3pm until late.
Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Enhance your interior and expand your outlook with these thought-provoking works of art. From mesmerising wall pieces to exquisite sculptures, you can revamp any area into a gallery showcasing tasteful and intriguing masterpieces.
← GO BACK
SEE ALL SLIDES |
![Landscape panel in memory of Daisy Le Cren [13] by Colin McCahon](https://www.thedenizen.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gallery_2.jpg)
![Landscape panel in memory of Daisy Le Cren [13] by Colin McCahon](https://www.thedenizen.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gallery_2-390x330.jpg)
1976
$48,000
Acrylic on card
310 x 360mm, framed
Available from Gow Langsford Gallery
1991
Mixed media on aluminium
640 x 495mm
Available from Tim Melville Gallery
2022
$7,250
Coloured pencil on lana paper
530 x 530 x 85mm, framed
Available from Sanderson Contemporary
2021
Inkjet print and acrylic on 308gsm Hahnemuehle photo rag cotton
610 x 610mm, framed
Available from KAUKAU
2022
$30,000
Cast acrylic, unique work MDF, timber, mirror pane, mirror, neon, electricity
850 x 850 x 170mm
Available from Lightworx Queenstown
2022
POA
Oil, and oil crayon on Belgium linen
1120 x 1020mm
Available from FHE Galleries
2022
$1,750
Embroidery on linen
460 x 400mm
Available from Sanderson Contemporary
2022
Acrylic on Belgian linen
695 x 535mm
Available from Gow Langsford Gallery
2021
POA
Hand-moulded polymethyl methacrylate
1220 x 1200 x 200mm
Available from FHE Galleries
2020
$2,000
Fired clay
350 x 270 x 120mm
Available from Sanderson Contemporary
2022
$6,500
Pink cast lead crystal and aluminium
900 x 480 x 100mm
Available from Gow Langsford Gallery
2022
$4,200
Resin, brass paint
700 x 700 x 45mm
Edition of 7
Available from {Suite} Gallery
Set on four hectares of luscious land and boasting uninterrupted sea and forest views, meet the new Waiheke Island accommodation that has captured everyone’s attention — Omana Luxury Villa. Promising an unforgettable escape, Omana is made up of four spacious villas and provides a truly boutique experience, where personalised, private hospitality meets sophisticated luxury with a sustainable twist, all in a setting that showcases the absolute best this Island has to offer.
Inside each of Omana’s four villas, guests will be able to enjoy a fit-out that has been meticulously considered and finished with a range of pieces from local design haven, Sarsfield Brooke. And while every villa boasts its own panoramic view, sprawling balcony and access to the private beach below, each has been designed as its own entity, meaning that no two stays here will feel quite the same.
In Villa Surrender, for instance, guests can luxuriate in a pared-back but sophisticated palette, where ornate details are given a modern edge. Time spent in the sun is made all the more enjoyable thanks to the addition of a generous Isola round outdoor sofa and Scoop server table (both by Bullfrog) on the deck. Elsewhere, in Villa Serenity, guests can enjoy a more contemporary, tonal aesthetic where, in the bedroom, the head-turning Molokai headboard (custom-made by Sarsfield Brooke) sits between two Ludmilla side tables by Opera Contemporary of Italy. In the sleek little dining nook, guests can take their morning coffee at the Infinity dining table and Sharon dining chairs by Midj of Italy, while simultaneously taking in the extraordinary view.
Ultimately, the fit-outs across all four villas offer a masterclass in elevated design (literally and figuratively), allowing each room to stand as its own beautiful sanctuary that feels a far cry from the busyness of Auckland — despite being only a ferry ride away. Given how impressed we were with the experience on offer here, we thought what better time than now to offer one lucky Denizen the chance to win a two-night stay at Omana Luxury Villa, to take it all in for themselves. To enter the competition, fill out our form here.
This competition is now closed.
As we move into the heat of summer, it’s essential to have a cold beverage in hand, no matter the time of day. Thankfully, Quarterpast enables us to do just that with its delectable array of at-home iced drink concentrates and Mixology Bases for elevated takes on everyday drinks. Allowing us to whip up a thirst-quenching beverage at any time, Quarterpast’s products are simple to use, making them the perfect pantry staple or for hosting BBQs, brunches, and dinners at home.
There’s nothing better than starting the morning with a refreshing iced coffee or tea, and Quarterpast’s offering is vast and varied, from Maple Iced Coffee to Sweet Chai and even Iced Black Tea with Peach. Even better, there’s a Decaf Iced Coffee for when you desire a delicious fix without the caffeine.
For those wanting to dabble in some at-home bartending, Quarterpast’s Mixology Bases are a fuss-free way to concoct premium cocktails. Harnessing the flavour of cold-brewed fruit, they remove the need to squeeze citrus or muddle fruit and herbs — perfect for those wanting to avoid unnecessary mess.
We’ve previously shown just how easy it is to whip up a Quarterpast cocktail with our Crisp Apple Gin Fizz and Tahitian Lime & Mint Jalapeño Mule recipes, and there are so many more tipples to discover with the varied range of Mixology Bases. From Grenadine and Simple Sugar to Mulled Berries (perfect for Mulled Wine on Christmas Eve or mixed with still water and served cold) and Passionfruit. All you need are fresh garnishes and a little help from your liquor cabinet. If you are abstaining from alcohol or sober driving, the Mixology Bases allow you to make delectable mocktails and sodas too — the latter a perfect alternative to your standard fizzy drink, and suitable for the whole family.
The ideal essentials for summer festivities at home, you can’t go wrong with the flavourful Quarterpast beverages for hosting or as a thoughtful gift for an entertaining-loving friend. Discover more, including recipe inspiration galore, by following Quarterpast on Instagram and Facebook.
A beautiful sofa really is the centrepiece of any good living room. Not only a place to converse with friends, curl up with a good book or totally relax after a long day, a sofa is also a piece that sets the tone of the space in which it sits. It is as much an aesthetic consideration as it is a practical one and so, when we come across an iteration that balances both ideas perfectly, we simply have to talk about it.
Kelly Hoppen’s Luna sofa, available locally (and exclusively) from Frobisher, is one such piece. Boasting a refined, architectural form that sees a subtly-undulating backrest meet an elongated, curved base and rounded, low-profile structure, this sofa offers comfort and contemporary style in equal measure. Upholstered in a neutral, textured fabric, the Luna may be understated in its design, but do not underestimate the impact it will have on your space. From its modern shape to its plush finish, this sofa will set the scene for a space that is design-led, minimal and perfectly curated — and is sure to be a talking point for anyone who comes to visit.
There’s nothing like poring over the carefully curated pages of exquisite art, fashion or design books. Created with extreme care, and designed to speak to the importance of their subjects via beautiful imagery and impactful covers, the ‘coffee-table’ genre brings forth the kinds of tomes that are a joy to collect and a privilege to keep pride of place in the heart of our living spaces. As such, they also happen to make excellent presents come Christmas time, particularly for those who are typically harder to buy for. Here, we round up some of the most notable new coffee table book releases, from an ode to the late, great Virgil Abloh, to an exploration of the humble egg.
Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh
The inimitable legacy of Virgil Abloh is being celebrated in print, with Louis Vuitton (where he was Men’s Artistic Director before his untimely death last year) releasing an exquisite new coffee table book with two collectable covers. A beautiful ode to a cultural icon, this book offers an intimate portrait of a man who broke the rules in the best way, and documents, via stunning imagery, the eight collections that Abloh created in his tenure for Louis Vuitton.
Pop Art Style
Part of Assouline’s Style series, this vibrant new book spotlights one of the most important artistic and aesthetic movements of our time — pop. Delving into its historical roots from Andy Warhol’s artworks, to Eero Aarnio’s furniture designs, to London in the swinging ’60s, before uncovering how it remains hugely significant today, this meticulously-detailed tome is essential reading for anyone obsessed with Pop Art and the colourful culture surrounding it.
Tiffany & Co. Vision and Virtuosity
Initially conceived as the catalogue to accompany Tiffany & Co.’s Vision and Virtuosity exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, this breathtaking book encapsulates all the romance, heritage and craft of the iconic American brand, from creative inspirations, to notable campaigns, to Blue Book jewellery collections, to the famous Yellow Tiffany Diamond, and so much more.
The Gourmand’s Egg
In this quirky but fascinating new book, born from a collaboration between Taschen and food magazine The Gourmand, the humble egg takes centre stage — and rightly so. Comprising a collection of stories, recipes and original still-life images by renowned photographers that speak to the egg’s inherent dichotomy as both classic household ingredient and universal symbol of life, this book is equal parts sumptuous and absurd, lurid and mouthwatering. Inside, works by the likes of Salvador Dalì, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Frida Kahlo sit alongside writing by celebrated Chef, Food Writer, and Critic Ruth Reichl who sums it all up with this: “In cooking as in almost everything else, it all starts with an egg.”
Formula 1: The Impossible Collection
Documenting the milestones that have elevated Formula One to the international spectacle it is today — drawing millions of fans from all around the world — this detailed new book uncovers the exceptional technical innovations, remarkable drivers and exciting races that have made history. It is a beautiful culmination of the passion that drives this highly-technical, glamorous and storied sport and will prove essential reading for any Formula One fanatic.
Cape to Bluff
In this thoughtful, inspiring book, world-renowned New Zealand photographer Simon Devitt invites us into 30 of our country’s most architecturally spectacular homes. Taking the reader on a journey from dreamy, seaside baches to dramatic houses in the deep south — and everything in between — this book offers an exclusive look inside private spaces designed by this country’s leading architects.
Dior by Sarah Moon
Exploring the three distinct phases that make up the story of iconic French fashion house Christian Dior, this epic book offers a visual history in three volumes — told in photographs taken by one of France’s most lauded fashion photographers, Sarah Moon. The first volume includes 33 black-and-white images of Dior’s original designs, meticulously staged and artistically shot. The second, offers 43 images that document a selection of garments designed under the brand’s creative directors between 1958 and 2015 (Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano and Raf Simons). And the third, is made up of 38 photographs taken since the start of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s successful (and ongoing) tenure.
Exuding an elevated yet welcoming vibe, Beni is the newest Japanese restaurant in Auckland that has caught our attention. Located on Auckland’s paved Fort Street in the building that most recently housed craft chocolatiers Miann, Beni was founded by Jonathan Yo of Malaysian eatery Sim’s Kitchen, a longstanding Onehunga favourite.
Beni’s modern offering is inspired by a culmination of Yo’s hospitality experience (he has been working in the Auckland scene since he was 16) and his recent travels to the ritzy Ginza district of Tokyo, famed for its upmarket dining establishments.
Here, Yo has created a place for everyone — Beni is just as suited to long business lunches as it is for romantic evenings or celebratory dinners. The menu hero is Wagyu beef (in the form of rib and eye fillet steaks). However, if you desire something more adventurous, you should order the Wagyu beef tataki. This dish is a refreshing salad of sorts, featuring thin slices of lightly seared beef with kiwifruit and a spicy miso sauce, combining the best of sweet, sour and savoury flavours.
As with all good food, Beni’s impeccably presented dishes are designed to be enjoyed with wine. Alongside well-known local names, we recommend the ‘Koshu’ from the heritage Japanese winery Château Mercian, a dry white drop that best complements sashimi or nigiri sushi.
Pleasing even the most discerning palate and located in the heart of Auckland city, Beni offers a beautiful lunchtime or evening dining experience. We highly recommend paying a visit and taking your time to fully indulge in Yo’s sophisticated take on contemporary Japanese fare.
Beni opening hours:
Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Get the latest and greatest happenings in Auckland delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday morning.
Kindly share a little more insight into who you are below and one of our team will be in touch soon.
