Some establishments carry their reputation with them. The dim, intimate space that housed Deadshot earned its place among Ponsonby’s most loved drinking dens, and now it begins a new chapter as Matchbox, under co-owners Kamal Haggerty and Alejandro Vasquez. With three decades of hospitality behind him, Haggerty describes the venture simply as their time to do it their way, people forward and first, and that philosophy shapes everything from the service to the seating.

Step inside and the speakeasy atmosphere remains happily intact, all low light and close quarters, though the pair have put their own mark on it, and the room now feels unmistakably Matchbox. Outside, recycled banquettes offer a comfortable perch for those who prefer their evenings open-air. The intention is for the whole room to feel like one conversation rather than huddled masses, closer in spirit to a home bar than a venue, where everyone is welcome and the service does the impressing.

The food, overseen by Vasquez, whose kitchen will run late into the night, will not disappoint either. Matchbox makes no claim to being a Mexican restaurant, but who doesn’t love a taco? These come off the plancha and are built from whole cuts only, nothing braised, nothing deep-fried, with fresh fillets of fish and rich beef brisket landing on warm tortillas. Cheesy croquettes make a strong case for ordering something on the side, and the drinks list keeps things equally direct, built around agave, seasonal ingredients and house ferments, all in service of a good time.

Haggerty puts it plainly: they love what they do and want to share the joy. On the strength of the room, the tacos and the welcome, sharing it should not prove difficult.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 4 pm – late

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