When was the last time you went to Takapuna? I guarantee it will have changed out of sight since you last went. The North Shore beachfront precinct of Takapuna has undergone a massive revitalisation in the past couple of years and Takapuna Beach invited me to go check out the new look of the shops, cafes, and businesses on and around Hurstmere Road, as showcased on their fab new website www.takapunabeach.co.nz. So, here are my personal highlights in pictures of my top picks in Takapuna.
GREY + WILD
I started off doing what I love: looking around the retail precinct at some inspiring shops that are perfect for retail therapy. First up, I checked out my favourite children’s wear boutique, Grey + Wild. Grey and Wild at 8 Hurstmere Road www.greyandwild.com and you can find them at @greyandwild on Instagram and twitter.
RUBY
Loving the clean lines and white painted bricks inside the new RUBY store just opened in Takapuna at 8 Hurstmere Road. They’ve left the bare brick walls and original flooring, and softened them with feminine blush pink floor-length velvet curtains and a round ottoman seat, and fitted custom brass racks showcasing their stylish accessories. The Takapuna store opens with their Spring 2016 collection, ‘No Drama’. Managing Director, Christine Sharma said, “We are thrilled to be a part of the refreshed Takapuna community and look forward to seeing the area thrive”.
Frenchie + Co.
Now I’m off for some pampering, to have my brows shaped and tinted and a wash and blow-dry at the gorgeous salon Frenchie + Co. I had my hair blow-dried and brows tinted by Danielle Huxtable, at the fabulous Frenchie + Co Takapuna. What I wore today: jacket Trelise Cooper, bustier Zambesi, shoes Chaos & Harmony, leggings Max, scarf Loobie’s Story, jewellery Zoe & Morgan.
Frenchie & Co at 159 Hurstmere Road Phone: 489 9058 https://frenchieandco.co.nz/ Instagram- @Frenchiebeautymerchants Facebook- @FrenchieAndCo
Spencer on Byron Hotel
This is pretty tough to take.. the next part of my @takapunabeachnz adventure is checking in to Spencer On Byron Takapuna to a suite with a panoramic harbour view of Rangitoto, and Auckland city. Brows by Danielle Huxtable and blow dry by Frenchie + Co.
…and here is that breath-taking view I was telling you about.
Managed to find a red wine to match my Tom Ford nailpolish 🙂 enjoying the complimentary drink in the bar at Spencer on Byron. www.spencerhotel.co.nz @spenceronbyron
LE DESIR
A top highlight of my visit in Takapuna was undoubtably dinner at Le Desir, a newcomer to Takapuna, at 178 Hurstmere Road (near Frenchie & co). Our host for the evening was Le Desir owner, Sam, who has over thirty years experience in the local restaurant industry, recently at Esplanade Devonport and many other locations as well as currently running a wedding catering business, before setting up recently in the dining strip on Takapuna Beach just along from Bruce Mason Theatre. The front part of Le Desir has a French Bistro feel to it with pale wood tables and modern chairs, and a bar area you can sit and drink at. Sam says the younger clientele sit there, and at the back, it has more of a fine dining feel, with crisp white tablecloths and elegant furnishings. It would be a fabulous place to book a table for a birthday or a family or friends party or even a work dinner. Another highlight was the thoughtful wine list to complement the stunning meals. Phone: 486 4168 www.ledesir.co.nz @ledesir_takapuna @ledesirtakapunanz
Below: Incredible French bistro dinner at new Takapuna restaurant, Le Desir. They make everything on the premises, and I highly recommend the starter of pate (below), the pork belly, the eye fillet, and the Crepes Suzette to finish.
Petit Fours made by Le Desir.
OTHER TOP PICKS
Fortieth and Hurstmere at 40 Hurstmere Road www.fortiethandhurstmere.co.nz @fortieth&hurstmere
Tosca and Salome at 2 The Strand www.toscaandsalome.co.nz @ToscaandSalome
The Department Store at 10 Northcroft Street www.thedepartmentofnews.com @TheDepartmentStoreNZ
Lululemon Athletica Takapuna at 29/9 Hurstmere Road www.lululemon.co.nz @lululemonathleticsAusNZ
Ideas for a Sunday morning in Takapuna
Takapuna Markets, 535 Lake Road, Takapuna in carpark by Berkley cinemas
8.30am – 9.45am Community Yoga – free www.goldenyogi.co.nz 46 Hurstmere Road – just along from Fortieth and Hurstmere (above Starbucks – entrance in laneway).
Coffee and cake at Zomer café at 21 Hurstmere Road (just around corner from Tosca & Salome) www.zomer.co.nz @zomer_
www.takapunabeach.co.nz @takapunabeachnz facebook.com/ILoveTakapuna
Megan Robinson
17th July 2016
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