YOUR GUIDE TO
EATING, DRINKING AND DINING ON THE SHORE
Takapuna Beach Café scores the pour! Now licensed and serving world-class New Zealand wine and beer
When James Bryant took the reins at Takapuna Beach Café, he thought he may like to introduce a wine list one day and realise the vision of the site’s predecessor operators, Hip Group. That was in 2019 and more than five years on, he’s pleased to share that the café is finally pouring wine and beer. “Over the years, customers have mentioned how great it would be to celebrate a special occasion with a champagne brunch or enjoy lunch with an ice cold beer on a sunny afternoon. “We’re so pleased to now be offering champagne, beer and wine to complement our food menu and truly maximise our beachfront location,” he says. Takapuna Beach Café, located by the boat ramp on the north end of Takapuna Beach, has operated for more than 15 years and has a sustained longevity in hospitality that’s becoming harder to come by. For James and the team, there presented an opportunity to evolve the café into a gathering hub throughout the day and offer more than a cup of coffee.
Much like the café’s approach to food, the focus on the wine and beer list is all about quality and supporting producers who are passionate about their craft. Much like the café’s approach to food, the focus on the wine and beer list is all about quality and supporting producers who are passionate about their craft. The beverage menu was curated by James and the Takapuna Beach Café team, which includes seasoned hospitality professionals with backgrounds in fine dining, bars and hotels. “We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local beer and wine and it was difficult to whittle down the selection. When it came to James Bryant
16
Issue 161 - March 2025 channelmag.co.nz