Isla Malitte-Davey,
Britomart People.

I am. I grew up on the North Shore.

I live in Grafton, so catch a bus or I walk.

I’m the duty manager at Seven, at the top of the Seafarers building.

I was working part-time in hospitality when I was in high school, and then when I was studying and I decided that wasn’t what I wanted to do. I realised I was quite good at hospitality, and I enjoyed it so I’ve been here for three years, starting as a waitress and moving my way up.

I’m a make-up artist. And it’s quite competitive and a little bit superficial for me. I enjoy a more relaxed environment, talking to people here rather than if I’m painting their face on. A lot of weddings. Always the mother of the bride. Always.

No, they were always happy! It was just a little bit difficult sometimes.

One hundred percent the Popcorn Shrimp. It’s been on the menu from the beginning and it’s a staple. Everyone enjoys it and it’s flawless. All of the dumplings are good too. I like the tofu and spinach one, or the crayfish and crab with truffle oil. Fred Wong is our executive chef. He’s the exec chef of Ebisu as well.

Definitely. I just don’t think I’d get very far. 

I spend a lot of time here. Even when I’m not working. I think it’s definitely a hidden spot. We still have people arriving who had no idea that we existed and they come up and see the view and are like, ‘Whoa!’ And we have really cool late-night parties on Friday and Saturdays. Great DJs. Hip-hop and Rn’B. Some old school, some new. With a bit of pop thrown in there.

I work in hospitality – you can’t ask me that! I drink! I drink for fun. That sounds quite sad. No. I grew up riding horses so that’s always my escape, and my parents live up north and I go ride up there with my little brother.

My party trick is I can fit my friend’s fist in my mouth. Like, the whole fist.

I could probably do it if I wanted to. I don’t know, it’s an excitement thing. My friend’ll be like ‘Go!’… just thinking about this… people in Britomart don’t need to know I can put a fist in my mouth!

I’m a big fan of Mexico. I like their Sangria. And Amano.

Yeah, we meet outside on our breaks and hang out and chat. The hospitality area around here always has each other’s backs. So you could go to a bar and collect a bottle of tequila if your bar has run out. Everyone is really willing to help and it’s an amazing community to be a part of. You feel like you’re part of a club. 

Not any more. It’s now Tommy’s Champagne Parlour. It’s open on Friday and Saturdays after 6.

I actually think Seven is very privileged to have a bar manager who is incredibly creative. Some of the things that he thinks about putting in a cocktails, you wouldn’t expect. We’ve got a tamarind whiskey sour. I’m not really a bourbon drinker, but it’s so good.

Shoes. I’m a shoe person. And I think it’s because no matter how fat I get, my feet don’t change size so I can always fit my shoes! Or a good Martini. Or food. I like to eat and I think food’s an experience, so I think it’s worth spending money on. 

I really want a World scent. Every time I walk past, I get a waft of some incredible smell. The whole street smells incredible because of World. 

Probably a gin cocktail. Like, Aviation Gin. Or if I were to pick one from the menu, it would be the Winter Blossom: Tanqueray, St Germain, Cocchi Rosa, Fresh Lemon, Cinnamon & Ginger Syrup and Rhubarb Bitters. It’s very refreshing.