This That is a stylish new cafe-gallery created by entrepreneurial fashion students Cherry Kim and Zoe McNicholas. It has a surprising focus on tea, not coffee.
The friends wanted to create a slice of New York’s Soho or Greenwich Village in the inner city, and teamed up with tea retailer T2 to develop an extensive tea menu there are plans to introduce tea cocktails down the line along with wholesome salads, wraps and pastries.
“We thought about the people in the area, about art and about how to do something different and quirky, that incorporated the growing tea trend,” enthuses Cherry.
While finishing their degrees at nearby AUT University, the pair plan to work with artists and curate exhibitions that will change every six to eight weeks.
“The space is for young artists, students and emerging talent to have a place to exhibit their work and that is easily accessible to the public. There are not many places that give students that opportunity,” explains Zoe, who adds the pair have worked hard to create a non-intimidating space where creatives can network and collaborate over a cup of tea.
Situated next to the St James Theatre and opposite the Auckland City Library, the cafe-gallery features a specially commissioned mural by artist Erin Forsyth. The green leaves painted on a large brick wall are symbolic, says Zoe, "of nature trying to make its way through in a concrete jungle, and artists trying to emerge in a commercial environment".
• This That Cafe opens this Saturday. Opening hours 7am-7pm, 7 days a week. 57 Lorne St, Auckland CBD. See thisthatcafe.co.nz
