The opening of The Hotel Britomart in October 2020 is accompanied by a cascade of new eateries and retail openings. Here’s what you’ll find when each set of doors open.
Open 2 September – Cafe Hanoi
Britomart’s beloved modern Vietnamese eatery moves into an expansive new space with a private dining floor, extended bar and dramatic open kitchen. The menu, led by head chef Nathan Houpapa, explores the fragrant, spicy nuances of French-influenced Vietnamese cuisine, with street-food origins parlayed into sophisticated dishes with layers of flavour and texture.
Open 1 October – The Hotel Britomart Lobby Bar
Designed by Cheshire Architects to be an elegantly restful space rich in textures (like the 4m high cracked-earth wall and bluestone rock tables), The Hotel Britomart’s lobby bar is the perfect spot for a drink after a day in the city, a place to meet guests at the hotel or a late-night date.
Open 1 October – kingi
With a name that harkens to Auckland’s reputation for outstanding seafood (kingi is a colloquial term for kingfish), this all-day restaurant in the base of the historic Masonic Building will serve up inventive-yet-approachable, sustainably sourced fare. Led by Tom Hishon and Josh Helm of the successful Orphan’s Kitchen, it will “create the vibe of something bustling, and a place that locals want to be at, as well as tourists”, according to Josh.
Open 7 October – Daily Bread
If you’ve ever tasted the caramelised complexity of the crust of Daily Bread’s incredible sourdough loaves, you’ll understand why people drive from all over Auckland to get hold of one. Now, the popular bakery and deli – also led by Tom Hishon and Josh Helm – will have a city outlet on Customs St in Britomart, at the entrance to the new laneway that winds through to Galway St.
Open mid-October – Karen Walker Concept
Long-time Britomart favourite Karen Walker will move from her popular space in The Pavilions into an extended concept flagship on the corner of Gore and Galway Sts, featuring the eclectic mix of international labels, books, homewares and design items that catch Karen’s roving eye – as well as her own Karen Walker, Runaway, Karen Walker Eyewear and Karen Walker Jewellery collections.
Open mid-late October – Huffer Concept
This retail space is so under wraps that even we don’t know what to expect yet. But what we do know is that the boys at Huffer never fail to deliver a surprise, so when the doors open to their new space on the corner of Gore and Customs St, we’re expecting a big vibe.
Open late October – Mr Morris
Celebrated restaurateur Michael Meredith returns to the Auckland dining scene with his first restaurant since the closure of his iconic eponymous fine-dining space Merediths two years ago. Critics and foodies alike have been awaiting this new space – which will celebrate New Zealand and Pacific cuisine – with high anticipation.
