There’s been a real move in recent times towards simple food done well. The time for overly complex, fancy fare has been and gone, and well-executed sandwiches, tasty pies, and baked goods that remind us of our childhoods are in hot demand. This is an ethos that local hospitality veterans Diva Giles and Logan Birch (the duo behind Beau) are relishing wholeheartedly in their new venture, Beau Deli, which occupies the space directly adjacent to their much-loved neighbourhood wine bar and eatery — a classic deli serving simple, hearty food with excellent flavours.
The deli’s address holds special meaning for Giles, and it’s clear that this is a project particularly close to her heart, “I grew up going to the deli here in this very spot. It was called Lord Ponsonby’s and was a friendly, tasty meeting place in our neighbourhood,” she tells me, “We want to give that vibe back to our community.” When I ask for specifics on Beau Deli and what can be expected, Giles assures me that it’s “just your friendly, neighbourhood deli.” But based on what we’ve seen, we’d say it’s that and more.
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Beau Deli’s fit-out is warm and welcoming, with a laid-back vibe and unfussy details. From its stainless counter to its polished concrete floors and its weathered tile walls — the deli provides the perfect place to perch throughout the day, or stop by for grab-and-go fare or to pick up a few pantry provisions for a nighttime meal or casual get-together.
There’s window seating indoors and small, street-side tables that can be shifted around to adjust to numbers and what guests are in for. “We are in a Ponsonby tuturu hospo space with history, and Logan and I wanted to honour that,” says Giles, adding that Eva Jenkin guided the duo through bringing the storied site to life in a way that lets the history shine through. “Eva designed the space, so it has this beautiful simplicity and an almost utilitarian feel, with delightful little touches of character and warmth.”
As for the fare, good food and quality ingredients collide to create a fantastically simple offering bursting with flavour. Designed to be grab-and-go, you’ll find freshly-made salads, sandwiches, and delicious breakfast and lunch options (including a selection of Daily Bread pastries).
On the day we stop by, the cabinet is jam-packed with reubens, cubans, focaccia sandwiches, and tasty salads, with a number of epic sweet treats (including a delightful array of freshly-baked cookies) filling the counter. Giles is eyeing up a meatball focaccia sandwich and a tahini and chocolate cookie for lunch as she tells us that the offering will change weekly (or even daily) based on what’s fresh and seasonal.
As you’d expect (given the name) Beau Deli also boasts a growing selection of pantry staples, made up of ingredients, elements, condiments, and treats that the pair love and want to share with their community. And given Giles’ connection to her heritage, there will be an emphasis on Māori producers, as well as smaller, lesser-known brands (amongst much-loved staples like Oritz anchovies), “We’re eager to support other Māori and local producers, taking every chance we can to showcase small businesses creating delicious kai and inu,” she tells me.
On the drinks side of things, the selection is simple and satiating, with Allpress coffee taking centre stage, expertly made by the clever team behind the counter (my go-to order, an oat flat white, was honestly the best I’ve had in a long time — perfectly hot, nice and strong, and deliciously creamy).
Having only opened its doors last week, Beau Deli has many more things in the works — but the focus will remain wholly on creating a space that feels like home, keeping things “casual, local, and easy.” A welcome addition to Auckland’s dining scene indeed.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, 7am until 3pm
instagram.com/beaudelicatessen/
