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.
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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.
