The end of the year is upon us, and what a year it has been. Naturally, our minds have started to wander to destinations far from here, places where we can escape and find the kind of rest and relaxation we have been craving for the last few months. But travel might not be on the cards for everyone, and so, in lieu of actually jumping on a plane to somewhere like Byron Bay, Tulum or St Tropez, we’ve found the next best thing in Assouline’s travel series.
A collection of coffee table books that has become one of the publisher’s most sought-after, Assouline’s travel series, each tome with a sleek, modern cover and aspirational pages, is the easiest way to satisfy wanderlust in a decidedly cost-savvy way. And to make these exquisite books even more appealing, they are currently on sale at Ligne Roset, alongside a raft of other Assouline titles.
From Friday the 24th of November until Monday the 27th of November, Ligne Rose is offering 15% off all Assouline books, including the travel series and others. But if you’re already in Christmas gifting mode and want to get a jump on the season, we have a special code to give you early access from now — simply enter ‘DENIZEN‘ at the checkout.
When Tane Tarlton, a 22-year-old from Auckland (and, as it happens, our Editor-in-chief’s brother-in-law), decided to embark on a mission to travel the length of New Zealand to raise $10,000 for Movember, he couldn’t have imagined the levels of love and support he would have encountered along the way. Relying on nothing more than his can-do attitude, his trusty electric scooter (laden with all the essentials, including camping equipment and an extra battery) and the kindness of strangers, Tane set off at the beginning of the month from Cape Rianga and made his way down the North Island, traversing backroads only, pulling over every few hours to charge his batteries and staying in the homes of welcoming Kiwis who opened their doors and lives to him.
Now, Tarlton is over halfway through his intrepid journey and has already surpassed his initial $10,000 goal. In fact, he has recently announced that he has raised his target to $20,000 as he sets off on his final week, travelling down the South Island towards Bluff.
With an ever-growing follower count keeping track of his progress on Instagram and TikTok, and the donations continuing to roll in on his Movember page, it’s clear that Tane’s message has hit home. In New Zealand, he says in one of his videos, three out of every four suicides are men. Historically, the culture in this country has not encouraged our men to talk about their feelings or give voice to their concerns or inner worlds and it has created a mental health crisis. It is something that Movember and its supporters have long strived to change, recognising the crucial ripple effects that mental health can have on individuals, families, communities and beyond (particularly if left unaddressed).
“Movember is a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart. As a young male in New Zealand, I’ve seen the effects of suicide and mental health, and I wanted to do my bit to make a positive change,” Tane tells us. “This e-scooter mission is my unique way of getting behind the charity to help raise awareness, inspire conversations and share a bit of love along the way. I’ve met so many kind and generous Kiwis on my travels who have welcomed me into their homes, offered me dinner, a bed for the night and a chance to charge up my scooter,” says Tane, pausing. “This journey really is proof there are so many incredible people out there willing to help if you can just find the courage to ask. It’s also a bit of fun and a good reminder there’s always an adventure waiting to happen.”
Tane’s journey is certainly inspirational. The help he has received from strangers up and down New Zealand serves as a reminder that our underlying Kiwi spirit of community, kindness and togetherness is still very much alive and well. And the support he has seen from generous donors proves how we all collectively care about these issues.
Follow along with Tane’s journey here, as he embarks on the South Island leg of his journey, and if you feel compelled, donate to his efforts here. If one thing is clear from Tane’s trip so far, it’s the immense difference that one person can truly make if they set their mind to it. While it can be so easy to feel like we don’t matter, or like the actions of just one of us could never make a significant difference, they do, and Tane Tarlton is proving it, one electric scooter charge at a time.
The weekend is here and while we’re wishing for nice weather, even if it doesn’t eventuate, there are still a number of tasty happenings to keep you entertained and satiated. From Friday-night sundowners to smoothie pop-ups, to an exciting new restaurant on Ponsonby Road and more, here, we round up six things to add to your dining agenda.
Bivacco Sundowner Sessions
1. Bid farewell to the week at Bivacco’s Sundowner Sessions
As summer settles in over the next month, make the most of Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions — running until the end of March next year. The perfect setting for summer satiation, with an ever-rotating lineup of DJs every Friday and Saturday, tasty food and seasonal drinks specials (including a series of summer punches) Bivacco’s delicious and convivial offering is best enjoyed at one of their long tables. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up. To read more about Bivacco’s Sundowner Sessions, see here.
Liquid Lightening
2. Start your week with a smoothie as Liquid Lightening’s health-boosting elixirs return to Annabel’s
So popular was Liquid Lightening’s last smoothie and juice pop-up at Annabel’s that the health-boosting elixirs are coming back to the Three-Lamps spot for a longer residency, starting from today. There, Ursula Griffen will be mixing up a range of Liquid Lightening favourites, from 7am until 1pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 8am until 1pm Saturday and Sunday. The perfect way to kick off your weekend in fine form, Liquid Lightening’s pop-up is guaranteed to be popular, so get in while you can.
Roses Dining Room Pop-Up
3. Pop into Roses Dining Room for tasty baked goods from a soon-to-be-open bakery
Tomorrow morning from 9am, Roses Dining Room on K’ Road will be playing host to a delicious pop-up for soon-to-be-open bakery, Beabea’s. Helmed by two bakers who met (and fell in love) while working at Daily Bread, Beabea’s will be the duo’s first bakery venture together, and promises classic kiwi baked goods executed with traditional European techniques and high-brow precision. Set to be open next month, head along to this one-day-only pop up for a sneak peek of what to expect.
Tobi
4. Try out Ponsonby Road’s newest restaurant, Tobi
You might know Albert Cho from his Instagram accounts (@eatlitfood & @albertcho), through which he has established himself as an outspoken personality in Auckland’s hospitality and food scene. Now, he works as the Operations Manager for David Lee’s Namu Group (the team behind such venues as The Candy Shop, Aigo, Poni and more) and is opening the doors to his very first venue, Tobi, today. Here, with Yutak Son as Executive Head Chef (previously of Sidart, Orphans Kitchen, Black Estate, Daily Bread and Waiheke’s Te Motu) Tobi’s food is a mix of refined European classics with nostalgic, Kiwi elements, each dish presented with unique and sophisticated twists. From steak frites to prawn cocktails, carpaccio, mackerel fettuccine and more, the menu boasts a range of tasty options to choose from and makes Tobi a place you should definitely have on your dining agenda. Read more about Tobi here.
Bar Magda Nightcap Menu
5. Go for a late-night bite & cocktail at Bar Magda
Replacing the traditional, early happy hour with a much later offering, Bar Magda has a menu for those seeking a satiating, late-night bite and a delicious drink (perhaps after a show or event, or an evening with friends). From 9:30pm until midnight, Thursday through Saturday, Bar Magda has introduced a delicious Nightcap Menu, where tasty bites and epic cocktail specials collide, inviting diners to keep the good times rolling in Bar Magda’s cosy, intimate dining room, tucked away off Cross Street near Karangahape Road. To read more about Bar Magda’s Nightcap Menu (and add it to your dining agenda), see here.
The Brit
6. Enjoy Sunday drinks at The Brit
Don’t miss out on supporting The Brit‘s month-long Movember campaign, where the stalwart pub and eatery is working towards an ambitious goal of raising $10k for the worthy charity. $1 from every single beer or wine purchase will be donated to the fund, with the option to easily make additional donations for patrons in the giving spirit. A pub at its core, The Brit is always a popular spot for Sunday drinksnd this month gives patrons multiple extra reasons to park up with an ice-cold pint and selection of elevated pub fare to do just that. At the end of the month, on November 30th, The Brit plans to host their ‘Big Shave’ event, during which, anyone who participated in Movember — whether they’ve managed Tom Selleck-status or a light smattering of fluff (à la Prince) — will receive a complimentary mo shave at the pub’s pop-up barber, accompanied by beer on The Brit. This should definitely be on your dining agenda.
Design industry insiders will know the trials and tribulations of working within a heritage-listed home. In these addresses, creativity is limited, with every decision required to adhere to a certain code. And while many designers will see this as a nuisance, for those with the right vision, restrictions can offer an abundance of opportunity; a brief where creative problem solving is required. Luckily then, it was Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his revered London design studio and property development company Banda, who were tasked with giving this historic townhouse on the cusp of Notting Hill a much-needed facelift. Choosing to see the numerous restrictions as a welcome challenge and creating, as a result, a home that offers contemporary living with old world charm, Mapelli Mozzi proved why his impeccable design prowess has become so widely sought after.
Designed during London’s lockdown for a family who wanted a home in which they could comfortably spend extended periods of time (if necessary) the renovation brief called for comfort as much as it did luxury and finesse. It is for this reason that the bedrooms became retreats, home offices became integrated and a dedicated space for entertainment was added as an essential amenity. But at the core of this reimagining was a desire for calm tactility and spaces that offered some much-needed privacy, where a family could happily coexist in a space that felt as sophisticated as it did practical.
Notting Hill Townhouse has all the makings of a Victorian classic, and still retains the unassuming stucco exterior that would lead you to believe the house had remained otherwise untouched. Located in Leinster Square, the circa-1850 Grade II-listed facade has been meticulously restored to its former glory, and at first glance, a similar treatment has been applied to the interiors. Even the original cornices were fastidiously restored (something that Mapelli Mozzi says he was particularly proud of). In fact, the beauty of this home is in the way that the refurbishment blends so seamlessly with the historic bones, so that it’s only after a double-take that the extent of its re-design becomes so wonderfully obvious.
Consider the kitchen, for instance, where grand slabs of marble form the cantilevered central island and shelving behind it, and intricate floorboards give the allure of a Parisian apartment. These details feel like they belong, but are ultra-modern in their presence — best exemplified by the gilded cabinetry that adds an of-the-moment appeal to the space, and speaks to the eclectic design language that has been used throughout the townhouse.
This idea is perhaps most clearly seen in the home’s colour palette, which is bold and unexpected without being out-of-place or grating. Walls finished in swathes of burnt crimson or steely blue meet those covered in delightfully whimsical wallpaper (in the nursery) or even amaretto-toned suede (in the home cinema). While in the dining space and micro-library (complete with a study-nook), vertical wooden dowelling and LED strip lights add a decidedly modern look, so that any necessary tech doesn’t appear out of place. Perhaps the reason this eclecticism works so well is due to the palette of creamy neutrals (light timber floorboards, white marble and warm walnut) that provides the home a chic foundation.
Synapse aged brass pendant by Apparatus Studio from ECC.
The master suite offers a taste of the London blues, where a dynamic layer of royal colouring is decidedly soothing, offering a sanctuary to which one could quite happily retreat. Bespoke furniture forms the main pieces in this room, with an upholstered wave headboard and bed base sitting cohesively alongside various antique furnishings (like an Italian nightstand) that speak more directly to the home’s 19th Century origins.
In the nursery, the design becomes more playful, with a fun Safari wallpaper to inspire dreams of adventure in young minds. Here, a glass atrium offers views out to the leafy London suburb, while a dedicated reading nook and cosy den provide the perfect place for the kids to spend alone time, lost in their imaginations.
Throughout the home, a cohesiveness between the old and the new has been achieved via a courageous approach to furnishings. Lighting, for example, sees a combination of wall sconces, chandeliers and table lamps that run the gamut of time-periods and styles (some uber-modern, some wonderfully ornate) — all of which make statements in their own ways. Similarly, the furniture used not only offers tactile, warm accents, but stands as an ode to the designers’ commitment to putting exceptional materials at the heart of this home — from curved, bouclé armchairs to shearling and velvet upholstery to rattan-backed chairs.
And lest we forget perhaps the most delightful addition for days spent indoors; the primary bathroom, complete with an undulating marble-slab-clad bathtub and brandished brass fixtures — a nod to the home’s history. It is here that the idea of an urban retreat is exemplified (large bathrooms being a particular luxury in London), where an opulent material has been exquisitely tempered with historic details to feel less ‘glamour’ and more ‘grandeur.’
In designing a home that is as beautiful as it is highly practical for the realities of family life, Mapelli Mozzi and his team at Banda have triumphed. Designed for living, the Notting Hill Townhouse is a stellar example of the kind of exceptional modern spaces that can be created within a historic shell, and is certainly somewhere we wouldn’t mind whiling away our days.
You might know Albert Cho from his Instagram accounts (@eatlitfood & @albertcho), through which he has established himself as an outspoken personality in Auckland’s hospitality and food scene. Or, you might know him from his recently released memoir,I Love My Stupid Life. But what you may not know is that Cho has, after years of consuming, discussing and tracking down food in all its forms, transitioned his passion into a bona fide career in hospitality (and he has certainly put in the hard yards to get there). Now, he works as the Operations Manager for David Lee’s Namu Group (the team behind such venues as The Candy Shop, Aigo, Poni and more) and is about the open the doors to his very first venue, Tobi, this Friday (the 17th of November) — a place that he has spent months meticulously bringing to life.
Left: Steak Frites
“When I first came into Namu, I had to start from square one,” Cho tells me, “I took day shifts at The Candy Shop, night shifts at Aigo, didn’t take days off,” he continues. “I was then trusted to run the opening of the new Aigo spot in Newmarket, and after that, David decided to pull me into his new project, a restaurant on Ponsonby Road in the site that once held Gymkhana and Bolliwood… he asked me if I wanted to be an owner and gave me the opportunity to invest,” Cho tells me. “Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in every aspect of Tobi, and I am so excited to be opening it soon.”
Tobi (a name that is an homage to one of Cho’s closest friends) is a deviation for David Lee and his group, whose stable has long been defined by exceptional, Asian-fusion establishments. But for Cho, the new restaurant offered a unique opportunity to branch out. “Despite the fact that Namu is a group run by Koreans, we (especially David and I) love European cuisine,” Cho says, “and while there was a question mark over whether opening such a restaurant would be ‘off-brand’ for us, to me, loving that type of food is a valid enough reason.”
Left: Prawn Cocktail. Right: Tobi Executive Head Chef, Yutak Son
So, Tobi was born. Here, the food is a mix of refined European classics with nostalgic, Kiwi elements, each dish presented with a unique and sophisticated twist. “That scene in Ratatouille where the food critic eats Remy’s Ratatouille and is transported back to one of the fondest memories of his childhood,” Cho says, “that’s what I believe good food does and I wanted this menu to do that too.” In his pursuit of excellence, Cho recruited Yutak Son as Tobi’s Executive Head Chef, who brought experience from the kitchens of Sidart, Orphans Kitchen, Black Estate, Daily Bread and Waiheke’s Te Motu. “What Yutak delivered that I couldn’t,” Cho tells me, describing the process of writing the menu, “was his ability to look at the food through a wider lens to ensure balance.” He continues, “He realised the importance of every dish having to work together harmoniously, and the result is pretty special.”
Left to right: Steak Frites, Prawn Cocktail & Venison Carpaccio
On the menu, expect a series of showstoppers like indulgent French Sturia Caviar on potato dauphine, delicate venison carpaccio, a fresh take on the prawn cocktail, a deboned and fried half-chicken with crispy skin over mouthwatering meat served with gravy and warm dinner rolls, and a simple but impactful mackerel fettuccini that balances rich flavour with fresh lemon and herbs. The Steak Frites are also destined to become a fast crowd-pleaser, where a juicy steak is served French bistro-style with salsa verde and a pile of shoestring fries. There is also a series of vegetarian dishes, like cappelletti with mushroom brodo, mushrooms and gochugaru, a slaw-style carrot salad and a delicious side of mac and cheese. For dessert, Tobi’s line-up includes what Cho has called the ‘7 Eleven Slurpee’ (a mix of strawberries and chocolate topped with shaved ice, moulded and flavoured) and sticky toffee pudding.
Left: Venison Carpaccio
There’s some serious grunt behind Tobi’s bar too. Bar Manager Ash Bartlett (ex-Clipper) alongside experienced bartender Tomos Hudgell (ex-Deadshot) have crafted some exceptional libations to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s decadent fare. All the classics will be available upon request, while on the actual menu, diners will find fun takes on tradition. A watermelon margarita is guaranteed to become a favourite as the weather gets warmer, and Cho tells me they’ve also been playing around with a clarified peach and milk concoction that will allegedly be called ‘Peaches & Cream.’ Peroni and Prosecco will be on tap, as well as a range of local beers from Sawmill and Garage Project, while the extensive wine list spans New Zealand favourites and delicious European drops and has been carefully curated by Lee, with Tobi’s Manager Jade Beguely.
Upstairs at Tobi
All of this is to be enjoyed in Tobi’s light, airy space, where high ceilings and generous windows are combined with what Cho describes as a ‘Nordic’ design inspiration. Here, white tiled walls and dark timber flooring collide with bold pops of Yves Klein blue, Tom Dixon wall lights, feature pendant lights handpainted by artist Seung Yul Oh and a tufted rug by Hanna Shim hanging on one of the walls. There is seating available inside, outside and upstairs, allowing around 120 diners to be accommodated and ultimately, it is a relaxed but elevated vibe, a place where Cho tells me he hopes that people will come to have fun. “Whether you’re going out to eat before a big night or as the last stop before wrapping up a busy day, dining at Tobi is meant to be an event and we want you to have a good time!” He continues, “I’m really not interested in Tobi becoming the ‘cool new spot’ in town,” Cho pauses, “I want it to be reliable and trustworthy, delivering delicious food and exceptional service every time.”
Right: 7 Eleven Slurpee
Hanging out the front of Tobi, a neon sign reads: ‘Good food, Cocktails & Wine, Fun People’ — a message that really sums up this restaurant in just about the best way. For someone like Cho, who has spent much of the last few years immersed in the food scene, figuring out what makes a good restaurant, and crucially, what makes a truly showstopping dish, Tobi is the culmination of his culinary knowledge to date. Marrying Cho’s flair for flavour with Namu’s hospitality know-how and slick operators, Tobi is shaping up as a future classic and is definitely a must-visit for the season ahead. Open from Friday.
Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 5pm until 10pm Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30am until 11pm Sunday, 11:30am until 10pm
Walk-ins only for groups under six. For groups over six, email here to book.
Exercise is an intensely personal endeavour. We all have our own goals, preferred style of movement and fitness levels, and the type of training we respond to varies greatly — but for most of us, building exercise into daily life is an essential part of any successful routine. Luckily, there are trainer and studio options available locally for just about any of the aforementioned requirements, from yoga to boxing and everything in between. These are the best gyms in Auckland that will help you become your best physical self.
Sala.
Best All-Rounder
Sala, Ponsonby Any regular attendees to Sala will know there’s an almost transcendent feeling that arises during the boutique fitness centre’s classes. With the studio’s recent renovations now complete, which includes the introduction of a 16-bed reformer pilates room, it feels like there’s nothing this space doesn’t cater too. Whether you’re a yoga devotee or a Pilates aficionado; building strength or sweating it out with cardio, you can be sure you’re in good hands with any one of Sala’s encouraging, knowledgeable teachers. One of our particular favourite classes is HIIT Pilates with Abby Simons, and Yogasana classes with Founder Sarah Lindsay herself.
Studio Box.
Best for Emptying the Tank
Studio Box, Newmarket and CBD Since it opened in 2019, Studio Box has been a firm favourite among fans of boxing’s myriad benefits, conducted in a group exercise setting. With its atmospheric surroundings (thanks to the blessedly dark mood lighting) and excellent playlists, we can think of no better place to get in the zone and pummel out our frustrations.
Cobalt Club, Eden Terrace Calling themselves a ‘group personal training facility’ Cobalt Club is a gym with a difference. We’ve heard on good authority that the community and supportive vibe here are truly second to none, and really, the results speak for themselves. Run as a series of dynamic, weights-based classes designed to sculpt, tone and lean down the body, Cobalt Club is facilitated by experts who will help their members hone their technique all while they increase your fitness exponentially. Its eight-week programmes have even developed something of a cult following for the way they change the lives of those who commit to them. If you want to make a dramatic change in the lead up to summer, this might be just the ticket.
Fitness All Together, various locations Utilising a potent combination of HIIT, group training and outdoor exercise, Fitness All Together (FAT) is guaranteed to push you to your own individual limit — in a way that still manages to be fun and friendly. Here, you will find a holistic approach to health, incorporating a good mindset and strong social connections, so at a FAT class, you’ll be cheering each other on even as you’re gasping for breath.
Playground Fitness, Newton Billing itself as “not your normal group workout experience”, Playground Fitness is all about pumping you (and your heart rate) up as soon as you step foot into the space. Classes range throughout the week from full-body cardio with ‘Sweat’ to ‘Lean & Mean’ for strength and conditioning, and you can refuel at the on-site cafe with a well-deserved coffee or smoothie afterwards.
Truhuscle, Auckland CBD On a mission to empower their members to transform not only their bodies but their minds too, Truhuscle is a new fitness movement that goes beyond classes alone. Started by a duo who began with online programmes before moving into a physical space and offering classes and one-on-one personal training, Truhuscle is here to change our approach to fitness, offering carefully curated programmes dedicated to functional training and helping their members see results. The founders have also run campaigns in schools to promote mental health and have done work raising money for Lifeline to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Willpower, Freemans Bay Personal coach Will Garrick harnesses his dedicated passion and unbridled enthusiasm for training and pours it into his own private gym, helping people from all walks of life with their fitness goals. At Willpower, you can expect an experience, not just a workout. What makes Will’s technique unique is that he is by appointment only, developing a system of appropriate methods for each individual he works with. This holistic approach ensures that the athlete, client, or patient is empowered with individualised strategies on and off the training floor.
Kelsey Baker of Core Collective.
Best for Long & Lean
Core Collective, City Works Depot Core Collective Pilates is our go-to for a pre-work or lunchtime class, largely thanks to instructors Kate Hanline, Shani Dickins, Kelsey Baker and Alicia Robb who always make sure our moves are on point. With their helpful and knowledgeable running commentary throughout the session, these expert instructors share key tips to maximise the results from each exercise which, in turn, provides a handy distraction from that all-too-integral burn.
Barrefigure, Grey Lynn Don’t be fooled by the small size of the weights used at Barrefigure — your muscles will be shaking soon enough. Founded by Marysa Theiler (a former professional ballet dancer), Barrefigure utilises a selection of high intensity yet low impact movements, incorporating ballet and dance principles for full-body toning, improved posture, strength and flexibility.
Studio Three, Grey Lynn Viv Gallagher’s Studio Three is the perfect melding of all modalities that contribute to a long and lean physique. Take your pick between reformer and mat pilates, barre, TRX and yoga classes, with an impressive roster of instructors that promise to work you hard (in the best kind of way).
Best for Yoga
Eastwest, Ponsonby Owners Sheryn Gieck and Amelia McCombie, along with 14 other passionate teachers, make sure the studio is a welcoming space for all. Offering classes for practitioners of all levels, Eastwest is a great place to start, expand or solidify your yoga journey. The studio is located at the Grey Lynn end of Ponsonby Road and offers hot classes alongside its signature vinyasa, align and yin classes.
Basecamp, Grey Lynn This Westmoreland St East studio is for those who like a well-rounded workout. It focuses on Baptiste Power Yoga, a holistic philosophy that professes to be grounded in three main elements: asana, the physical practice of yoga postures; meditation, the practice of focusing the mind; and inquiry, the practice of self-transformation.
Basecamp.
Studio Red, City Works Depot Designed by Cheshire Architects, Studio Red’s purpose-built City Works Depot space is both a yoga studio and a sanctuary. Founded by hot yoga enthusiast Vicky Cullinane, Studio Red caters for a range of levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned experts — and even the bathrooms and dressing rooms are beautifully appointed. A trained tea sommelier, Cullinane has also created a range of bespoke organic teas which can be enjoyed onsite to further cultivate that feeling of zen.
Sweat Yoga, Newmarket If you are a fan of Bikram yoga, look no further than Sweat. Offering the challenging (but rewarding) Hatha style of Bikram as well as power Vinyasa yoga, the team at Sweat Yoga will, through their own unique teaching styles, help you achieve functional strength, cardiovascular fitness and a calm, focused mind. They also offer hot Pilates classes, for those seeking that extra level of challenge.
Best for Fitness Fanatics
CrossFit AKL, Auckland CBD Run by a group of professional Crossfit athletes and global competition winners, the team at CrossFit AKL are so passionate about their fitness that attendees can’t help but feel the infectious energy spurring them on to reach their goals. First-time CrossFitters can book in for an induction to get familiarised with the techniques and equipment, so no need to feel intimidated regardless of your level.
Xi Labs, Parnell Founded by fitness trainer Xi Cao, this chic boutique studio is located in the heart of Parnell, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. At Xi Labs, clients are treated to a world of limitless possibilities, where health and wellness are placed front and centre. The studio offers a range of training options, from the timeless art of Pilates to the cutting-edge technology of EMS, all expertly led by Xi and a team of experienced trainers, alongside the all-important recovery sessions utilising air-pressure compression technology.. With state-of-the-art equipment and a focus on technology-driven methods, clients are guaranteed to receive the most effective workout experience.
Xi Labs.
Best In-Home Trainers
Stella Mitchinson — Pilates With a personalised, mobile service, certified Pilates instructor Stella Mitchinson brings her bespoke technique, individualised advice, vibrant personality and can-do attitude to homes and workspaces, transforming the bodies and minds of Aucklanders one session at a time. She became certified through an internationally recognised contemporary school of Pilates called Polestar Pilates, and her sessions are unique and specific to what each client needs. She also offers individually tailored, sessions in her own private gym space where she will have you using the latest and greatest Pilates equipment to get you in the best shape of your life.
Rebecca Goldwater — Exercise and Nutrition Specialist With over 20 years in the PT-biz, Rebecca Goldwater is adept at helping her clients make exercise a priority. She offers sessions in her own home or yours, and at Loft45 gym — plus online consultations. Utilising a combination of techniques including nutrition, stretching and core activation; resistance, cardiovascular endurance, and mindfulness, she creates tailored workouts for clients in all stages of life, including pregnancy. With her well-rounded approach, Goldwater will ensure you have a strong body and a fit mind to boot.
Best on a Bike
Westward Cycle, Eden Terrace Embrace the elation of a sweaty cycle session at Westward Cycle. A fully-immersive experience that centres on pumping beats and an infectious mood, expect much more than just your run-of-the-mill pedal. Weighted arm movements are incorporated to build upper body strength, and dynamic choreography makes sure you’ll be connected to the energy of the group while you challenge your body.
Westward Cycle.
Best for Combat Sports
City Kickboxing, Mt Eden Founded by UFC legend Eugene Bareman and champion boxer Doug Viney, City Kickboxing is the place to go to for its well-rounded offering of mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and more. Boasting nearly 420-square-metres of space, including a full-sized professional boxing ring, cage and a 116-square-metre mat area, there’s plenty of room to pursue your fighting form, whether novice or pro, in a group class or one-on-one.
Tukaha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Auckland Central Tukaha is a full-time martial arts academy with morning, lunchtime, afternoon and evening classes dedicated to superior instruction and training for men and women. Led by third-degree black belt Pedro Fernandes, the centre’s trainers can guide you comprehensively whether your goal is fitness, self-defence or honing existing martial arts skills.
Every year, Nespresso delights us with a new collection of coffee capsules, designed especially to mark the holidays. And this year, the brand’s highly-anticipated Festive Collection comprises six exclusive coffees that promise to ignite our senses and keep us perfectly satiated over the Christmas period.
The heroes of this year’s collection include six new limited-edition coffee blends for Vertuo and Original, each one offering a unique take on the flavours that are so reminiscent of this time. The Caramel & Almond, for instance, embraces Nespresso’s smooth blend of Latin America and African Arabicas to offer notes of vanilla biscuit and malty cereal, wrapped up in a warning caramel flavour, while the Seasonal Delight Spices is a soulful coffee (inspired by mulled wine) where delightfully spicy notes meet festive citrus, designed to warm with every sip. The Festive Black coffee is a woody and spicy number, where a blend of Arabicas from Honduras, Uganda and beyond create an aromatic experience of roasted wood, sweet spices and ripe, jammy fruits.
To make the most of this exceptional collection, you can’t get much better than Nespresso’s innovative Vertuo Creatista machine in stainless steel. Made for brewing barista-style coffee at home, this machine harnesses unique barcode technology to scan each Nespresso capsule and adjust the extraction settings to make the perfect Vertuo coffee every time. Whether you take your coffee short and black, long and black, cold, milky, frothy or anything in between, the Vertuo Creatista will deliver a professional-level coffee with consistency, also boasting an automatic steam wand that creates perfectly textured milk.
Nespresso Café Sangria (recipe below)
By way of demonstrating the delicious potential of Nespresso’s new festive range, particularly when executed with the brand’s Vertuo Creatista machine, we have included a showstopping recipe below for Nespresso’s Café Sangria, a refreshing tipple that is perfect for enjoying over our warm, holiday season. Enjoy!
Recipe
Nespresso Café Sangria
Ingredients:
• 1 x Seasonal Delight Spices capsule (80ml extraction) • 80 ml of Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) • 80 ml of Ginger Ale • 2 x Strawberries • ½ of an Orange • 20 ml Sugar Syrup • Ice
“I always wanted to open a place that locals love and want… a place like a friend,” Josh Kim tells me. The barista/chef and I are talking about his new opening, a cool coffee spot in Mount Eden called Holiday, with Kim explaining that, after spending 15 years in the local hospitality scene he wanted to offer a laid-back, relaxed (but delicious) drop-in where locals and those coming from further afield could find perfectly-brewed coffee, tasty bites and great company.
Inside, Holiday offers a sleek and pared-back but comfortable space, festooned in tactile timber and finished in a simple, monochromatic palette. Designed by Studio WeAreYoung, Holiday’s uncomplicated but contemporary interiors feel warm and timeless, the perfect place to park up for a morning brew.
On the menu, Kim explains that he wanted to keep things simple. “From my years of experience, the best-selling and most loved menus are not the trendy ones,” he says, “but the ones that are simple and delicious.” As such, Holiday offers mostly baguettes, sandwiches and scones, food that is accessible and easy to enjoy without much fuss.
Coffee nerds will be pleased to hear that the legendary Woo Hyung Lee (of Camper Coffee) is back in the game at Holiday, where Kim tells me they will be roasting their own specialty coffee alongside serving filter coffee with beans from Norway’s Tim Wendelboe and Korea’s Fritz.
Ultimately, Kim wants to offer his customers a place where they can connect with friends, drink delicious coffee and chill out. A simple concept, done really well.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am — 3pm Sunday, closed
In seeking to open something that would reimagine the classic bar experience, Luke Jones andDave Lincoln of Honest Rum, in collaboration with Italian expat Dan Pinto of popular pop-up Passa Passa have created Norma Taps — a captivating new pop-up that is opening in City Works Depot tomorrow and will run for the next 12 months. There, from lunch to dinner, diners will find mouthwatering bites, satiating seasonal drinks (all served on tap), live music and more, enjoyed in Norma Taps‘ relaxed but sophisticated and very welcoming space.
The menu is an exciting culinary journey brought to life by Pinto, who wanted to offer a vibrant celebration of authentic Italian dining, infusing every dish with his expertise and passion. Highlights include the burrata with roast cherry tomatoes, the Basque salami and pickles and of course, Pinto’s signature pizzettas. Those seeking the famous pizzettas will find a version with garlic, rosemary and butter, one with nduja and taleggio, and one boasting courgette, pesto and pecorino. These crispy, flavourful bites will transport patrons to the bustling Italian streets and are made to share, encouraging lively and convivial conversations.
Right: Passa Passa Pizza Fritta’s
Another major component of Norma Taps is its beverage offering, comprising a curated range of exceptional drinks, including crafted cocktails, premium spirits, craft beers, fine wines and enticing non-alcoholic options. Meticulously designed by the team at Honest, this drinks list was brought together to reimagine the classic bar experience and create a place where sustainability and quality could go hand in hand. Here, every drink is served on tap, with Honest’s Luke Jones explaining, “our decision to operate everything from tap was to explore a pioneering concept that could potentially reshape the landscape of hospitality.” He continues, “It’s an innovative approach that carries significant implications for sustainability, notably in our commitment to eliminating single-use bottles for spirits and cocktails. It also ensures a consistent product experience through batch production of all cocktails, enhancing quality and maintaining the same great taste every time.” For anyone seeking to bring a taste of Norma Taps home with them, there is also a refillery service on offer here, where guests will find takeaway versions of the pop-up’s cocktails, Honest’s spirit range and a variety of beers and wines, too.
Inside, Norma Taps offers a laid-back atmosphere, where rich mahogany tones, cream steel walls and plush touches of green velvet and leather craft an inviting yet sophisticated ambience. Inspired by Japanese listening rooms, a backdrop of vinyl records only adds to the vibe here, where midcentury charm collides with industrial brutalism to provide the perfect setting for any kind of meal, day or night.
Left: Passa Passa Pizza Fritta
So gather your crew and head to somewhere different this weekend. Norma Taps is open from tomorrow (Thursday the 9th of November) and will be running for a whole year. Marrying delicious food with great drinks, good music and exactly the kind of vibe we want as we head into the summer season, Norma Taps is set to be a popular new spot.
Norma Taps
City Works Depot
Shed 3
90 Wellesley Street
Auckland
Face-framing and feature-enhancing, a pair of well-groomed eyebrows can go a long way. But with many tough obstacles to avoid (over-plucking especially), the road to well-groomed brows isn’t an easy one to navigate. As such, we recommend you put down the tweezers and put your brows in the hands of a professional.
We’ve scoured the beauty bars and spas of Auckland in search of the specialists that really go the extra mile — these six are the best in the business.
For those looking for a distinctly luxurious affair, we recommend booking in an appointment with a specialist at East Day Spa, STAT. Not only has its staff garnered wide acclaim for their ability to create flawlessly defined brows, but their soft, gentle approach makes every visit here feel like a tranquil spa escape — even if it does involve getting hairs ruthlessly plucked from your face. NB: The henna brows here are a real crowd favourite.
Not merely masters of the lash, (although they are fantastic in this domain of beauty) those at Lash Noir are also adept at crafting the ultimate brow arch. The beauty maestros here are at your disposal no matter what the request, be that shaping, tattooing, tinting or simple touch-ups, and the variety of eyebrow products available ensure that you can extend the treatment long after you’ve left the City Works Depot premises.
With their deft handiwork and exquisite range of products, the beauty therapists at Endota (formally Forme spa) do an exceptional job every time. And while the brow gurus here offer shaping and tinting, their skills actually extend much further, and so, to truly take full advantage of their talents, we suggest you indulge in one of their packages (like the Waking Woman: Brazilian, Brow Shape & Lash Tint).
Get expert brow treatment at any of Spring Spa’s luxurious locations. Here, thanks to highly-trained practitioners, you can rest assured that your brows will come out exactly as you like them, whether via waxing, tinting or Spring Spa’s full-service Brow Henna Package, which includes a brow shampoo consultation, measure and preparation, threading/shaping, brow henna application, and then a brow henna moisturising oil.
The mantra at every Off & On location has long been ‘believable brows’ which means that their practitioners always start by assessing their clients’ faces, in order to understand what kind of shape is needed to enhance individual features. Offering a range of brow treatments including shaping, tinting and lamination, Off & On is a reliable, easy place where you can trust the brow experts to get it right every single time.
Far more than just a locals spot, Society, located in Grey Lynn, lures in brow-conscious aesthetes from all corners of Auckland. The professionals here are incredibly accomplished at all aspects of the process, but we have it on good authority that they’re particularly skilled at tinting.
Therapist Annie Bargiacchi’s beautiful home salon space in Avondale is always a welcoming place to go and have a treatment, and we’ve got it on good authority that Bargiacchi is extremely adept at brow lamination. If you’ve been wanting to try this treatment out, she’s the one to see. Read more about it here.
It’s housed in a small spot in Ellerslie, but this beauty haven has a presence that belies its size. Run by two effervescent young sisters, Courteney and Candy, what really makes treatments at The Beauty Chambers is the fun and friendly ambience — a visit here feels more like dropping in on an old friend than it does ticking off a life-admin task. If you’re in need of some direction, the girls are especially proficient at feather-touch brows.
Founder of Richmond Road’s new beauty spot Honeyroom, Gigi Kingi, is a beauty industry veteran who has garnered quite a reputation for her ability to tackle a brow. Here, you can find all the classic brow treatments, from waxing to shaping, tinting and laminating, alongside expert brow tattooing (if you’re seeking something a little more permanent).
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