Inner-city garden bars are popping up the world over and now Aucklanders can get their botanical fix. At Pilkingtons, the new cafe, restaurant and bar at 41 Shortland St, diners can nestle into floral booths surrounded by ferns and white orchids, or relax in the sun-drenched courtyard among fruit trees, a grassy knoll and an edible garden.
Everything in the stunning fit-out by spatial designer Emily Priest of Cheshire Architects is bespoke, from the carved wooden bar to the tropical upholstery, ornate red ceiling and hand-blown glass light fittings. Taking up the sunny site in the financial precinct, we predict it'll become the go-to spot for corporate lunches and post-work drinks.
"We tried to be approachable and affordable for different people," says general manager Irina Frank.
The Union Hospitality Concepts eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and modern European bistro food reigns on the menu.
"We use modern techniques but nothing too fancy," says head chef Alex Strobach (formerly of O'Connell Street Bistro and the French Cafe). "We use seasonal local produce wherever possible."
• Open 7am-late, Monday-Friday, 12pm-late Saturday. Ph (09) 336 1857.
