Five of the best: Sunny afternoon session spots

The suntrap of Chapel Bar in Ponsonby. Photo / Doug Sherring

Finally, we’ve had a taste of summer sun after what has felt like a freezing winter. We can’t wait to get back into the rhythm of relaxed Sunday sessions — defined by soaking up the warm rays, refreshing cocktail or mocktail in hand, chilled music and surrounded by good mates. Here are our five favourite spots.

1: Chapel Bar & Bistro

147 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

It would be rude to talk about the age-old Auckland tradition of a Sunday session without giving Chapel a shout-out. Perched at the top of Anglesea St, this corner bar is perfectly positioned for catching the afternoon sun as it sets over popular Ponsonby Rd. On a sparkling day it will be heaving by 4pm so get in early if you want a table out the front and be ready to get cosy as the patrons pack in.

2: The Tasting Shed

609 SH16, Kumeu

First things first, you have to eat a meal at The Tasting Shed. The service is award-winning and the seasonal menu is carefully prepared. After dining, though, find a spot on the lavender-fringed lawns outside. There are tall tables with stools and beanbags scattered around when the weather is good. We hope they bring back the Heineken Sundowners this summer - with courtesy shuttles to the Kumeu spot for beats, beers and a good barbie.

3: La Zeppa

33 Drake St, Freemans Bay

The massive deck out the back of this industrial warehouse overlooks Victoria Park and also takes in the looming Sky Tower. We like showing off this place to out-of-towners. There's snug, wooden bench seating - great for a small group - and there are sometimes members' specials if you ask nicely. When the sun sets, the pretty paper-lantern chains keep the space lit and atmospheric, perfect for wooing.

4: Swashbucklers

23B Westhaven Dr, Westhaven

You might have noticed Swashbucklers as you cruise along the Northern Motorway, past Westhaven Marina. It's worth making your way to this harbourside location and saddling up for a cold one out the back of the in-house Boatshed Bar. The big deck boasts views of the Harbour Bridge and gives credit to the title "City of Sails". The interior is strangely endearing, with its lack of cool and slightly tacky nautical theme.

5: De Post

466 Mount Eden Rd, Mt Eden

This Belgian Beer cafe in the heart of Mt Eden has a paved, sundrenched courtyard, well-loved by locals who hide behind the high hedge and sample the impressive beer list.

If you can't decide on a drop, they have tasting trays for $29 and, a bonus, they do two-for-one burgers all day Sunday.