[As published in November/December BayBuzz magazine.]
Like all of you, we here at BayBuzz are READY for summer. And what better way to enjoy it than to relax at the end of a day with something refreshing.
Here, we share our picks for delighting in the region’s world-class hospitality, sipping on something delicious while soaking up summery vibes and splendid views.
G&T Hastings Distillers in the Hastings CBD
How refreshing, a cold G&T on a hot late afternoon. But here’s a twist on that idea… step out of the heat of the bright early evening and into the cool, sophisticated atmosphere of this chic testing room and bar on Heretaunga Street’s 200 Block. The G&T made with Albertine gin is our pick. Unless you’re a negroni fan, or prefer a martini, or you’d rather a gin mule; you get the idea.
Champagne at Madame Social in Ahuriri
Throughout the tough winter of 2024, this new spot on Custom Quay has been pumping. The buzz of the new might ease up a little, and it might get easier to score a walk-up table over time, but the view isn’t going to change, and neither is the loveliness of sipping on Mumm at one of the outdoor tables, a gentle sea breeze cooling you off as you gaze over the shimmery water, fishing boats coming and going. If you’re after something non-alcoholic, there’s a solid mocktails list here too.
Hugo Spritz at Casa in Ahuriri
This Italian restaurant in what was the Speights Ale House on West Quay is the perfect spot for dinner or lunch, but it’s also open for snacks and drinks in the afternoon if you’re after something a little more casual. My suggestion here is the Hugo Spritz – a classic summery combination of prosecco and elderflower, and a nice alternative to the more popular Aperol Spritz. (They do a pretty lush one of those at Casa, too!)
Cocktail at Teresa Bar in Napier CBD
From December, the team can set up tables out in the rear laneway on Friday and Saturday evenings, so Teresa Bar is an even better urban spot for a cocktail. The theatricality of the drinks, the delicious Italian bites to accompany them, and now the lighting installation in the previously underutilised alley all combine to give you an impressive evening in the city.
Chilled red at Matisse in the Napier CBD
Nadia and the team change the wine list here so often that it’s hard to publish a favourite to recommend, so instead, check out the blackboard for even more special specials, and go for a chilled red on a warm afternoon or evening. There are also a couple of really tasty alcohol-free wines on the permanent list too – even a rosé!
Tap beer at Brave in the Hastings CBD
Pop in and see Rosie and co. behind the bar and discover what’s new on tap. Then it’s out into the sunny courtyard to devour a burger, soak up the warmth and run into every Hastings-dweller you’ve ever met, and even some Napierites who’ve made the pilgrimage over to this ever-popular urban brewery. If you’re barefoot and beach-bound, pop in and get your beery supplies for the weekend.
NZPA at Giant in Havelock North
A beer or two at Giant is all about the catch-up, isn’t it? The classic idea of a local pub, with a modern twist. It’s where tall stories are told over tall pints, and where you can always be assured of a quality meal or snack from the fine folks of Good Company Catering. The NZ Pale Ale is our seasonal suggestion for an afternoon gathering, but how good are all the Giant beers when served in a big glass jug on a hot day?
Tasting at Clearview Estate
One classic local version of afternoon drinks is a cellar-door wine tasting, which makes its way to a glass of something special in the winery garden. At Clearview, you can smell the sea as you approach the winery, the familiar red shed an icon of the Hawke’s Bay wine scene. While we think of chardonnay when we think of Clearview, a tasting is the perfect way to remind ourselves of all the other fantastic wines they offer – including summer-friendly aromatics like pinot gris and Gewürztraminer, and the less common semillon. If reading this is reminding you to head to Clearview for summer lunch sometime soon, be sure to book!
Chardonnay at Jarks Cityside in Hastings
This Stortford Lodge stalwart celebrated a decade in business earlier this year and seems to go from strength to strength, even in tough times. Hastings’ favourite local is the spot for after-work drinks at that end of town, and often features live music and entertainment. Our favourite on the wine list – Tony Bish’s classic Fat & Sassy Chardonnay, out on the deck in the afternoon sun.
Holy Hop Green IPA at GodsOwn Brewery in Maraekakaho
Keen on a weekend roadie to the countryside? Our recommendation is Godzone Brewery in Maraekakaho. Here’s a chance to sip on something super local right amidst the hops. The vibe is super friendly, welcoming to families, relaxed and joyful, with a retro caravan bar and a safari tent to set the scene. Woodfired pizzas and a range of beverages for all ages and preferences complete the recipe for the ultimate rural afternoon in the sun.
Bach Life at Three Wise Birds Garden Bar in Hastings
Is there any more quintessentially Hawke’s Bay scene than a family-and-friends crew parked up across a couple of snack-laden picnic tables, with the apple trees in the background, the kids playing on the lawn? A crisp, dry Granny Smith cider is just the thing to complete the picture-perfect sunny situation.
Your pick from the fridge selection at Vinci’s in the Napier CBD
While we all know and love it for the pizza (and more recently, the focaccia), Vinci’s is also a top spot for a beverage, perfect for accompanying a slice or two. There’s always two or three interesting, usually natural wines on glass pour, plus the bottled cocktails and the refreshing Karma soft drinks range. But really, can you go past perching at a footpath table in the sun, watching the world go by, a slice of Five Cheese in one hand, a can of Gisborne Gold in the other?
Have a great summer, everyone. Imbibe responsibly, thank the drivers, and support local as much as you can. Cheers!
