From indie rockers to soulful singer-songwriters, there’s a new crop of artists making waves in the music scene, and these are the fresh faces with catchy tunes worth adding to your go-to playlists this season.
Audrey Nuna A rising R&B star, Audrey Nuna has been touted as one the most exciting new voices in the genre, with a sound that combines clever lyricism with exciting, original beats and songs that feel like uber-cool anthems for her generation. Not afraid to push creative boundaries, this burgeoning talent is one to add to the playlist.
Grace Carter Candid lyrics and beautiful, memorable melodies collide in Grace Carter’s unique style of soul-searching pop-R&B music, in which the young British singer courageously mines her inner world to create songs with some serious feeling.
Budjerah With a powerful, cinematic voice honed by gospel singing, young Australian artist Budjerah and his slick, R&B-pop songs have quickly found a captive audience. Having already collaborated with PNAU on a track, and with his debut album having been produced by Matt Corby, this rising star is just getting started.
Flowerkid Fans of Frank Ocean and Phoebe Bridgers will undoubtedly be drawn to Flowerkid’s intoxicating yet vulnerable beats. Exploring hard-hitting topics drawn from personal experiences, Flowerkid hopes to help others through the healing power of music.
Lucy Blue Dublin-based indie-pop singer Lucy Blue’s songs are a mix of soulful vocals and catchy melodies that will have you humming along in no time. Blue’s biggest musical influences include Prince, Joni Mitchell, and Gwen Stefani.
The idea of the ‘covert bar’ — one tucked away from street view or requiring a password for entry, is usually seen in much larger cities. But lately, Auckland seems to be embracing the notion with the city’s newest cocktail bar, ACS, a spot that you ordinarily wouldn’t know about unless someone told you. And, having discovered this hidden Ponsonby gem for ourselves, we thought it only fair to offer you a first look behind its secret door, ahead of its official opening tomorrow.
From the same team behind Viaduct Harbour’s Parasol & Swing, ACS is a sleek new cocktail lounge that has taken up residence above The Broken Lantern on Ponsonby Road. The experience, once inside the hidden venue (with the help of a secret password given by the bar staff downstairs) is sumptuous and effortlessly cool. In fact, the interiors here were conceived by the talents at The Art Dept. — a group who played a role in the gorgeous interiors found in the likes of Hotel Ponsonby and Lillian, among numerous others around the City.
Inside ACS, opulent, rust velvet curtains, a gold-leafed bar and vintage orb chandeliers collide with gritty graffiti, raw brick and concrete. Eclectic but not over the top, the vibe here is like a 70s-boudoir-meets-80s-vintage-hip-hop-cocktail-bar. Here, artist Hayley Brown and designer Hannah Rayneau have steadfastly transformed the once-empty space into a layered, languid lounge, using soft lighting, low pool tables and perfectly-curated playlists to create the ideal vibe for relaxing with a drink or two from the bar’s intricate cocktail menu.
Behind the bar you’ll find some exceptional talent, with cocktail maestros recruited from overseas to deliver some much-needed excitement to our burgeoning specialty cocktail scene, alongside those who have been in the game here for years. ACS’ bar is helmed by Conor Morahan,who has brought histalents over from Parasol & Swing, along with PJ Renaud (also ex-Parasol & Swing), who was just crowned Auckland’s Best Bartender at the Lewisham Hospitality Awards. The venue manager is Lisa Kempen (of Caretaker fame). On the menu, expect inspired tipples, like the Only Fans Famous, with Mezcal, tequila, red capsicum, orange, Aperol and citrus soda, or the Earthly Desires, with Lapsang Souchong Armagnac, sandalwood, amaro, aperitif wine, lime and lemon oil. Much like its decor, ACS’s cocktails are modernised twists on classics, designed to taste great and be playful in their ingredients and presentation.
From the kitchen, owner Jason Rosen tells us to expect an extension of delights similar to those found at the bar below, such as gourmet toasties, pickled vegetables, cheeses and charcuterie — all divine offerings sure to satiate any late-night craving.
ACS also leans heavily into its potential for private events and intimate gatherings. There is a private pool room (with high-quality tables, sans essential coin slot), with luxury Barton McGill supplied cues and balls to match, alongside a boutique cinema space for those seeking somewhere inspired (and unique) to host.
And so, as ACS opens its doors to those in the know (or those who remember to ask the staff downstairs for the password), it also opens the door to a new kind of social affair — one that, if you ask Rosen, Aucklanders have been crying out for.
With the holidays mere weeks away — just over six, to be precise — the thought of an extended vacation has never been more on our mind. And considering that most of our favourite salons tend to shut up shop over the break (and beauty appointments are already being booked out), we thought that now was as good a time as any to remind you to lock in your essential, pre-holiday appointments to ensure that end-of-year glow.
After all, six weeks is still enough time adopt a new fitness routine, achieve your brightest shade of beachy blonde, get in that very last laser session or give yourself one final detox before summer truly takes hold. With that in mind, we’ve created a quick and easy shortlist to take the stress out of last-minute bookings.
Hairdressers
Colleen: This K’Road salon is a firm favourite in the Denizen office, beloved for its talented team and the impressive products its stylists use. If you miss out on an appointment, at least pick up a mask and some conditioning treatments from here, to ensure your summer hair stays healthy.
M11 Studio: The results coming out of Newmarket’s M11 Studio are genuinely second to one. After all, a salon doesn’t garner the kind of reputation that this salon enjoys from nowhere. Our advice? Should you find an available booking, we recommend snapping it up without hesitation.
D&M: Here’s where you need to head if you’re looking to lighten your locks ahead of summer. We have it on good authority that stylist Shannon is the best blonde colourist in Auckland.
Spring Spa: With a raft of divine facials that cater to your every need, Spring Spa is a tried-and-true destination to prep your skin for warmer days ahead.
The Spa at Park Hyatt: When craving serenity and solitude, a facial that includes a staycation is a must — giving us the little extra downtime we need at this time of year.
The Facialist: For facials grounded in simplicity to enhance your natural beauty, The Facialist offers a raft of yoga-inspired treatments that will have your skin glowing for summer.
Sothys Bespoke Facial from Sofitel Spa: A considered, individualised philosophy underpins this luxurious one-hour and fifteen-minute experience and allows you to get the most effective treatment in the shortest amount of time.
Massages
East Day Spa: Provider of some of Auckland’s most divine massages, we think the stresses of this time of year offer a pretty good reason to book the new ‘The Sleep Specialist’ — designed to help you completely relax and unwind.
Tonic Room: I’ve long been an advocate for Tonic Room’s ‘Balancing Intuitive Massage’, which combines 60-minutes of mind-melting massage with the energetic healing prowess of 30-minutes of reiki.
Skinography: Although Kate’s buccal massages are perhaps her most iconic treatment, the body massages from this Jervois Road salon aren’t to be passed up either. Treat yourself to a ritual membership if you’re seeking this kind of relaxation all summer long.
Makeup Bookings
Beauty By Alexandra: As winner of the 2021 Denizen Everyday Heroes for Auckland’s favourite freelance makeup artist, there are few people we would trust more than Alexandra Stanworth to make us look luminous every time.
Rae Sacha: An extraordinarily-talented makeup artist who has a knack for bringing out the beauty in her clients every time (and creating flawless skin), Rae Sacha is worth booking in advance for any events you have coming up.
Phoebe Watt: Marrying an editorial slant with a decidedly natural approach, Phoebe Watt is the MUA you want on hand for any festive affairs.
Grayson Coutts: Having worked with local and international celebrities, on countless photoshoots and for many a private client, Coutts’ eye and attention to detail make him a glamourous go-to, indeed.
Xi Labs.
Personal Training Sessions
Xi Labs: Parnell’s newest boutique studio prides itself on intimate, if not one-on-one, sessions that embrace technological advancements to offer you a regime with lasting results.
Core Collective: Beloved by Denizen, both for its proximity to our office and because of the fact that it has some of the best pilates instructors in Auckland, sessions at Core Collective are a surefire way to slip into your healthiest summer self.
445 Run Club: A concept built on running, community connection and really early starts (if the name wasn’t a giveaway), this Friday morning exercise collective is one way to kickstart your weekend.
Manicures
INCO Studio: Purveyors of some of Auckland’s most intricate nail art, INCO is an essential destination for festive designs and fun talons.
Dune Nails: If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Tabitha van der Westhuizen’s books, you’ll already know the importance of making appointments in advance. We recommend keeping an eye on her Instagram for any cancellations — one appointment with her and your nails will never be the same.
East Day Spa: Beloved for its massages, East Day Spa’s subtle, nourishing manicures are also worthy of your attention. The ‘Warm Milk and Sandalwood Manicure’ considers more than just the nail, offering a much-needed relaxing hand massage, too.
Pedicures
The Art of Nails: Conveniently found in Commercial Bay, alongside all of your other essential postcodes, this is our one-stop-shop for any mani-pedi needs, and no one does summer-friendly feet quite like them.
Society: This Grey Lynn neighbourhood salon often flies under the radar but answers all our summer beauty needs. The ‘Yumi Callus Peel’ is a particular favourite to get any feet beach-, pool- or yacht-ready.
Hana.
Detox Rituals
Little Bird Organics Juice Cleanse: Ahead of the silly season, where we tend to well and truly indulge, so prepping the body for what’s to come can stand you in good stead. Little Bird’s iconic juice cleanse ritual will act as a pre-season cleanser to clear your gut and skin and give you a boost of energy.
Hana Sauna Ritual: Sweating out the sins of the year is one way to prepare for all that is to come, and there’s nothing more relaxing, or effective than a moment of reprieve in an infrared sauna (perhaps with a side of invigorating contrast therapy).
My Beauty Room’s Sheila Perez Method: A sworn-by treatment among those in the know, this treatment is just like a lymphatic drainage massage, and focuses on sculpting and shaping the body via detoxing techniques — perfect for feeling snatched ahead of any occasion, or simply, to feel better in a bikini.
Hair Removal/Waxing
Off & On: Praised for its efficiency and calibre, Off & On is a collection of salons dedicated to body hair and brow services. Here, laser hair removal is made easy-peasy, so should you find yourself in need of a pre-summer touch-up, we recommend paying your closest location a visit.
Loft Skin + Beauty: It’s increasingly challenging to find a salon that offers really good, high-quality waxing services (for those that haven’t gone down the laser route). As such, we appreciate Mount Eden’s Loft Skin + Beauty’s simple, nearly painless approach to hair removal.
Spring Spa: At Spring Spa’s Ponsonby and St Helier locations, alongside their Wellington salon (should you find yourself down that way), hair removal comprises both body waxing and facial threading for those patches that push the bounds of ‘peach fuzz’.
Injectables
Clinic 1: Since recently discovering Clinic 1, we’ve been singing the praises of this incredibly talented team to anyone who’ll listen. Both Renjini and Tessa are efficient and highly knowledgeable about their craft.
Dr Sarah Hart: Beloved for her mastery and precision, there are only a handful of people we would trust entirely with our face — and Dr Sarah Hart is one.
Prescription Skin Care: Here, a medical approach informs beauty, using the latest in technology and new techniques to offer an injectable service that can always be relied upon when required.
Off the back of a successful tour through Asia and Dubai, Louis Vuitton’s roaming exhibition ‘See LV’ has recently landed in Sydney and is already delighting visitors with its interactive spaces and innovative digital experiences. Taking up residence in Circular Quay on the edge of the City’s iconic harbour, this impressive exhibition is giving us the chance to get up close and personal with a number of iconic archival objects from the brand’s heritage collections alongside a curation of recent creations as well, offering insight into how Louis Vuitton has remained at the forefront of fashion since the late 19th Century. So if you’ve been thinking about a trip to Sydney before the end of the year, be sure to put this experience on your list.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with a digitally-rendered portrait of a young Louis Vuitton, created (using artificial intelligence) by Turkish artist Refik Anadol. This leads into a room filled with a selection of men’s and womenswear that weaves through the work of some of the Maison’s most renowned designers (including Virgil Abloh, Nicolas Ghesquière, Kim Jones and Marc Jacobs). Contemporary pieces stand alongside breathtaking archival ones, painting a clear picture of the ways in which Louis Vuitton has been influencing the wider fashion landscape since its early inception.
Another major component of the exhibition is a wall filled with Louis Vuitton’s most iconic bags — bags are, after all, a cornerstone of the house. Designs that have been part of the Maison’s story since the late 1890s sit alongside renowned contemporary designs, as well as a number of pieces made in collaboration with Atelier Fornasetti, Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama. Displayed in their distinctive style groups (from Keepall to Speedy, Noé and more) and kept in chronological order, these bags trace Louis Vuitton’s history from a beautiful flat trunk designed in 1906 to a Petite Boîte Chapeau designed for Fall-Winter 2021.
In the Evolution Gallery, visitors are treated to a series of visually-arresting displays that speak to Louis Vuitton’s involvement in the evolution of transport, from the steamer ship to the skateboard. Here, visitors will find a curation of some of the Maison’s most recognisable and revolutionary creations — from a lounge chair from the Objets Nomades collection to a transformable raincoat-tent from Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton 2054 collection to a skateboard in Monogram Graffiti designed in collaboration with Stephen Sprouse. Each carrying its own story around how it influenced changing lifestyles and travelling habits.
Finally, what would a Louis Vuitton exhibition be without some kind of ode to the monogram that has made it so globally recognisable? The culmination of the See LV journey is an interactive space dedicated to the symbols of Louis Vuitton — a code that, since its creation in 1896, has transcended time, trends and design to remain at the heart of this Maison, even as it is perpetually reinvented by the brand’s creative directors.
The very last stop in this pop-up exhibition is a Louis Vuitton library space, in which the latest literary launches and publications by Éditions Louis Vuitton (over 100) are available for any interested visitors to peruse.
On now and running until the 11th of December, See LV is an extraordinary expression of one of the world’s most influential fashion houses — a fitting ode to an icon. And while entry is technically free, you must reserve your visiting time in advance, with tickets able to be organised via the Louis Vuitton website, here.
Commissioned by interior designer and homeowner Lauren Tarrant and designed by the maestros at Conrad Architects, this house in Melbourne’s Toorak wraps the needs of a family home into an exquisite shell that makes a compelling case for stone. From a stoic facade in acid-etched marble to an undulating central staircase, statement-making kitchen and elevated terrace, this residence has a bold, unwavering presence and capitalises on the interplay between proportion, texture and light to become a bastion of contemporary design.
Capitol Complex Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.
Much of the architecture was, as the team at Conrad explains, dictated by topography. With council limitations and sloping land, the architects had to accommodate a two-storey fall across the site by realising the home over four levels and creating the structure as a series of minimalist stone blocks. As such, the home carries its own, unique rhythm. There is an anticipation that starts at the entranceway and builds upon stepping from the front door to the upper ground floor, before coming to a crescendo at the revelation of the terrace and infinity pool with elevated views over the Melbourne skyline.
Utrecht armchairs by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from Matisse, West Modular Sofa and Sullivan Smoked Glass Coffee Table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
Exquisite Artedomus stone forms the backbone of the aesthetic throughout. Grigio Orsola comprises the exterior, while Vagli White marble from Italy has been used in much of the interior, alongside rare Dedalus stone for specific details like basins (and in the wine cellar). Even the dining table — a Wyrie table from Artedomus’ New Volumes range — has been custom-made from beautiful grey-toned Seleris stone to perfectly complement the kitchen by which it stands. And while typically, stone can carry the risk of making a space feel cold, indifferent and uninviting, here the iterations have been so expertly deployed that the effect is anything but. In fact, the undulating veins that run through the kitchen marble, for instance, lend dynamism and depth. Similarly, marble touches in the living room and bedrooms deliver warmth and offer an interesting focal point in the otherwise pared-back spaces.
Left: Husk chair by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse, Tube chandelier pendant light by Michael Anastassiades from ECC.
Light plays a major role in bringing this residence to life. From the way the home’s sculpted staircase distributes light to every level thanks to the skylight under which it sits, to the swivelling glass doors (framed in bronze-coloured metal) that open out to the terrace, there is a crucial connection that has been established between the Grange Residence and its natural environment, and a softening effect when the latter is welcomed inside.
UTRECHT ARMCHAIR BY GERRIT THOMAS RIETVELD FOR CASSINA FROM MATISSE. ONDA BEDSIDE TABLE BY POLIFORM FROM STUDIO ITALIA.
This idea is exemplified in the unusual decision to position all the home’s bedrooms on the lower levels, where each space opens out to the surrounding gardens. These are the kinds of private sanctuaries you could happily retire to at the end of a long, strenuous day, and stand as extensions of the calm, private ambience that has been cultivated throughout.
Tulu chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina from Matisse.
BITTA DINING CHAIR BY RODOLFO DORDONI FOR KETTAL FROM STUDIO ITALIA.
Of course, the pièce-de-résistance in the Grange Residence is its sweeping outdoor terrace and infinity pool. Offering panoramic views across Melbourne’s city skyline, the pool area gives a sense of the grandeur of this house while emphasising its private luxury. Here, not only can moments of sun-drenched peace be found, but its connection to the living and kitchen areas via glass doors, means that on a beautiful day, sparkling reflections from the pool will dance across interior surfaces and bring those spaces to life.
From the uniquely stoic facade to the sophisticated interior, this home is a spectacular example of the magic that happens when materials, proportions and light are not only considered but are brought into harmonious balance.
When we think about Auckland’s hospitality greats, David Lee is one that remains at the forefront of any culinary conversation. Given his decade of service to the City’s foodies, with an impressive tenure as owner of The Candy Shop, Pōni and Gochu (to name a few), Lee’s name has become synonymous with greatness, and for very good reason.
Bibimnaengmyeon.
Now, Lee is returning to the purpose with which he entered Auckland’s dining scene in the first place — a desire to put Korean cuisine on the mainstream map in Auckland — joining forces with Tom Hong and Jaeho Cho (both from The Candy Shop) to open a delicious new noodle spot on Ponsonby Road, with Kevin Choi as head chef. Called, Aigo, this exceptionally delicious new destination is an intimate and relaxed space, where diners can expect immensely good Korean food that borders on ‘fusion’ without falling into the well-trodden trope. Instead, it is a unique and exciting take and officially opens its doors next Tuesday.
Tuna on crispy rice cakes.
Translating to the Korean common phrase for ‘oh my’, the name Aigo is the first indication of just how damn delicious the food is here. Comprising a succinct (yet totally epic) menu, we’ve already earmarked dishes we expect to be immediate favourites. On the lighter side, dishes like tuna on crispy rice cakes (an inspired plate that surely has to be shared) will satisfy, or for something more indulgent, the soondae with caviar (a Korean blood sausage, sans blood, deep-fried and topped with caviar) or the yangnyeom chicken (Lee’s take on Korean fried chicken, because he just does it so so well) will hit the perfect spot.
Scampi prawn balls and hand pulled noodles.
For those seeking something more substantial still, or a meal they can savour on their own, don’t go past the cacio e pepe tteokbokki, a hybrid dish of chewy rice cake noodles alongside a decadently cheesy sauce infused with truffle paste. Although if authenticity is what you’re craving, look no further than the bibim naengmyeon. There’s nothing nothing fusion about this dish — just utterly tasty, traditional Korean food. It is a dish of cold buckwheat noodles, typically enjoyed while having BBQ, emulated with a skewer of pork.
Ultimately, although it’s hard to call, we think that Aigo is shaping up to be the crown jewel of Lee’s career thus far; a nod to his humble beginnings, an ode to his beloved cuisine, and a look forward to the future of Auckland’s dining scene. As he tells us, he feels “Auckland is ready for a place like Aigo.” And we happen to agree.
Immediately evocative of a European heritage home, parquet flooring is a considered detail that instantly elevates any space. Despite a level of ambivalence around its origins (it is thought to have originated in Florence but with known commercial production in France in the late 17th Century), parquet flooring has been a prevalent design detail throughout history, showing up in a number of culturally important and architecturally significant buildings all over the world.
Locally Artedomus has an extensive range of exceptional French and German Oak that can be installed in a classic parquet pattern, and its expert team certainly know a thing or two about fine flooring. “Confident interior design begins at the bottom, with the choice of your floor,” the brand’s Co-Owner Richard Brasell confirms. “Parquetry, whether chevron, herringbone or Versailles panels, simply screams quality and craftsmanship.”
Marceau Residence by Hélène Van Marcke featuring Chevron parquet and Calacatta marble in the kitchen.
Villa Naarden by Eginstill featuring Chevron parquet and an Azzurro marble kitchen island.
Potts Point Residence by Tamsin Johnson featuring Versailles panels flooring and Calacatta Viola marble stairs.
From the moment you step into Roses Dining Room, it is clear that experience, atmosphere and connection sit at the heart of Karl and Ophelia Bayly’s dining philosophy. The duo have amassed a following on Instagram as Cooked Plates, for the innovative, flavourful food they create for private functions or pop-up dinners, designed to shine a light not only on seasonal ingredients but also, on the important way that food can bring us together and keep us connected. Roses is the pair’s first permanent site — a reflection of their delicious concept in bricks-and-mortar — and it is set to put them firmly on the culinary map.
Driving this recent evolution is, as Ophelia explains, a desire to do things differently. At Roses, they want to offer the kind of experience you might expect to find more from a long dinner party with friends as opposed to a traditional restaurant. “We’re fed by a belief that a good meal is only as good as the wine drunk with it and the people it’s eaten with,” she tells me.
From this simple idea, Roses emerged. Tucked down the eastern end of K’Road, surrounded by some very good company, Roses is the kind of unassuming spot one might easily walk past and not think anything of it. Formerly a tattoo studio and before that, an independent art gallery, the space itself is no more than three metres wide — but standing inside, you can immediately feel the energy of what it has held before, an ode to this area’s eclectic history. “It’s the kind of space that has had nine lives,” Ophelia tells us, and we can’t help but hope that this most recent evolution is its last for a while.
When Roses officially opens later this month, it will be predominantly as a dining room designed to host both chefs- and bakers-in-residence, where Auckland gourmands can expect a deliciously curated roster of talent like Krista On Hing (formerly of Gemmayze Street, and founder of Bonanza — you can discover more here), Ben Wallace (also ex-Gemmayze Street, now in the kitchens at the unspeakably popular Ooh-Fa), and Ashleigh Barrowman from Roses’ neighbouring Everyday Wine, joined by Karl himself in the kitchen for a collaborative affair. And while the dining room is an exceedingly intimate space — with a capacity for 26 guests, max it is also versatile. As much a space to showcase culinary talent and host ticketed events, Roses can also be hired for private, catered events (with or without the Bayly’s prowess in the kitchen) and specific pop-ups. It is also the perfect site for Cooked Plates to continue in their culinary endeavours. “It’s like a dinner party at a friend’s — but you don’t have to clean up,” Karl mentions, before running out the door to a guest shift at Candela down the road.
Ultimately Roses gives small-but-mighty, hidden-gem, European vibes. To dine here is to feel like you are a part of something truly special, which really, you are. The food is perfect. The interior is subtle, soothing and easily changeable. And the chairs are mismatched because, as Ophelia reflects, “I’ve never been to a good dinner party where the chairs are all the same.”
The apparent distinction with this new opening is that, despite its obviously delicious offering, Roses is adamantly not a restaurant. It won’t be open every day, and its offering is almost the antithesis of our current dining culture. “The fundamental difference is that we didn’t want to be a restaurant,” Ophelia tells me. “We love it, but we didn’t want to die for it.” Instead, it’s an experience that’s not always about the Baylys or their vision. In fact, there is no menu. Should guests seek the duo’s talents for a private affair, Karl will devise a menu of the moment, all stemming from seasonal, local inspiration.
In many ways, it feels like a revolutionary, bold concept, but perhaps it is merely symptomatic of how the last few years have changed the pace of dining. We all still want to go out for delicious food, but we crave intimacy, connection, and a little bit of friendly, candlelight romance, even if we are sharing the table with a stranger. And at this address, we’ve found it.
Given that there is nothing in Auckland quite like Roses, we’re surprised no one had pioneered the concept here sooner. As Ophelia tells me, “we just wanted to come up with something that makes sense.” It certainly makes sense to us, and once you have your first experience here, we’re sure it will make sense to you too.
When done right, dressing in neon hues adds playfulness and vibrancy to an outfit and imbues feelings of happiness — the weekend is right around the corner, after all. Whether you prefer a head-to-toe highlighter look (think blazing dresses and sanguine suiting) or vivid pops of colour through intentional accessorising, here’s how to flawlessly execute the dopamine dressing trend in luminous green, fuchsia pink and daring orange.
From Left: Versace Spring 23, Prada Fall 22, Valentino Fall22, Victoria Beckham Resort 23.
From left: Alexander McQueen Fall 22, Louis Vuitton Resort 23, Victoria Beckham Resort 23, Christian Dior Cruise 23.
From left: LouLou Studio Emsalo sweater from Workshop, Loewe Hammock Bag from Faradays, Silk and wool skirt from Prada, Embellished bodysuit from Burberry.
Having amassed a dedicated following for their stable of craft beers, Brothers Beer and Juke Joint BBQ has taken over the famed Piha Surf Lifesaving Club, offering us the perfect reason for a jaunt to the western beaches this weekend. And with the season shaping up to be simply stunning, come summertime, we can’t think of many other places we would rather be.
Set on the top floor of the building (a lifesaving club so iconic that TV shows have been written about it), the space is precisely what we’ve come to expect from this brand, something that feels warm and inviting but always with a tantalising twist that keeps us coming back for more. Boasting a retro-inspired fit-out that reflects Piha’s history, the interiors see 70s-style sofas mix with the club’s memorabilia, while roof-suspended boats serve as a reminder of the beautiful, beach-front surrounds.
But as sentimental as the space is, what really excites us is the offering from the kitchen and bar, which certainly lives up to its spectacular setting. Eight signature craft beer taps sit alongside a curation of local wines and classic cocktails, heroing Brother’s Beer’s lauded offering. In the kitchen, Juke Joint emulates its indulgent, meat-centric fare from its outpost across the City, which sees traditional low and slow barbecue take centre stage. Yet it is the addition of two Piha-only offerings we’re most excited to try; Brothers Beer-battered fish and chips — because what else would one want by the beach? — and a hearty Wagyu beef and cheeseburger on a brioche bun, the epitome of post-surf sustenance.
After all, surfing is the most likely reason for one to find themselves at Piha. And with this delicious new drop-in located right in the middle of South Beach, with views across the black sand and out over the wild West Coast seas, it is the most idyllic vantage point to check out the waves as much as to watch the sun go down over the sea. A laid-backsummer destination, in the best kind of way.
Current opening hours: Friday, 4pm until 10pm. Saturday — Sunday, 12pm until 10pm. (Over the later summer season, Brothers Beer Piha will open seven days).
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