Starks is named after Freda Starks, the famous (and somewhat infamous) Kiwi dancer who liked to…read moreperform for Second World War troops wearing little more than a lick of gold body paint. She was also outed as lesbian while testifying in a scandalizing court case. Who better to name a bar after? Starks has a lovely, art deco feel, and serves a nice selection of local and European beer and wine. They also do a decent coffee and offer simple bar snacks. It's a pleasant place to drop in any time, but it really comes alive during show times at the Civic Theatre. Pop a cork and toast to Freda.

Very good coffee here - and good, quick service. I dropped in for a quick brew one Saturday…read moreafternoon before heading to a performance at the Civic Theatre. I expected it to be packed, as it's relatively small, but it was fine. Plenty of tables outside also. I'd come back here.

FUN FACT: This adorable wine bar used to be the local butchery…read more Now it's owned by a charismatic local who doesn't mind a yarn and if you're lucky will even play you a tune on the piano! Man of many talents. We came here recently for Book Club and sat on their long table outside. It was chilly but they have heaters and wind down awnings so it was bearable. Considering it was only a Tuesday, it was pretty busy. Obviously Grey Lynn locals don't mind a drink and to be honest, I don't blame them. If I had a cool wine bar down the road I'd be doing exactly the same. The wine list here isn't huge but it does features some interesting options, including a number of European reds. We settled on an Italian red that was full bodied and only $9 - absolute steal! They also have a short menu featuring easy to share crowd pleasers. Think sliders, cheese & charcuterie platters and the like. All in all a great spot for an after-work drink tipple - fun & friendly atmosphere without the rowdy drunks.

For whatever reason, this place has chosen to occupy the premises of what was once a local…read moreinstitution, rename themselves and run an entirely different sort of business, but confusingly and inexplicably allow for the previous business' signage to remain stationed above the store front. So it is with Frieda Margolis and their quizzical "West Lynn Organic Meats" sign. Luckily for Frieda, they do a good job, and once you've been there for a drink once, you'll likely want to return. Great selection of craft beers from Wellington and a charming little eats menu. Four stars.

Excellent food in this classic Auckland restaurant…read more Vegetable spaghettini was delicious with charred asparagus, brocollini and olives. Creamy portobello fettuccine mmm. Delicious raspberry and vanilla creamer brûlée. Rich decadent sour cherry chocolate dessert. Great people watching, classy friendly service and a good wine list.

Lovely for the most part, we had a reservation but arrived at 6pm Friday to largely empty…read morerestaurant. I must say the Diamond Clam entree was "Off the charts" incredible! This is a must have dish! We also were fans of the Saltimbocca and Carpaccio that came with prosciutto. The pizza was decent but not a "have again". The most curious of dishes was the Linguine with Scampi. The scampi served in shell and halved were deliciously sweet. Unfortunately the scampi pasta appeared to be prepared earlier and just warmed for serving. The linguini was crispy, hard, dry.

The Floating Pavillion is an event space which literally floats just off the Hobson West Marina in…read morethe Viaduct - you walk along the waterfront towards Te Wero Island/the Wynyard Crossing and the pavillion is the floating grey building on the left. It's aimed at the business launch/wedding/ball crowd, so it's well kitted out to deal with a crowd of around 300. There's two levels so space for sit down dinners on the ground floor, as well as a large dance floor up top. For our inaugural UoA Architecture/Planning ball we hired out the Floating Pavillion, and can report the night went off without a hitch - food wasn't amazing, but the space was perfectly sized and well kitted out for the occasion.

This place right here it the place to have all your events, from your wedding to your engagement…read moreparty, a meeting or even a birthday party. Everything you need is there, all you have to do is call the business, arrange a tour then let them know exactly what you want. After that you can either send them pictures of your ideas or just leave it to them and their creativity. It is a great place for any events as it is located on the waterfront, guaranteeing great views and amazing pictures to upload on to instagram hash tagging aboutthatlife!

In my book not much beats a good ol' fashioned pub and the overflow onto the street of suit & ties…read morewhen we went to The Bluestone Room, would suggest the 9-5ers in town agree. The Bluestone Room is tucked down on Durham Lane (not to be confused with Durham St) and is housed in an old historical building. Look down once you're inside the door and you'll see Auckland's very first well! The Bluestone Room's got all the usual pub-ey drinks and food - Monteiths on tap, mainstream wine and the usual pub grub on the menu. The after-work atmosphere is lively but we came to The Bluestone Room for one reason and one reason only - Quiz Night. We booked a table and I'd definitely recommend you do to. Quiz night here is popular. As for the quiz itself, I'm told it's the same one they do in every pub - the 'Believe It Or Not' quiz. Personally, I thought it was pretty tricky. My two tips are to have a range of ages and different nationalities. People take quiz night here preeeetty seriously but I kind of like that - nothing like a bit of healthy competition. How did we fare? Well, not great but we didn't lose. I'll be back next with my Mum!

This pub was a great find and close to our hotel. We went 2 nights because the food was just…read morestellar. First night I had the chicken remoulade which was just delicious and beautifully prepared. The second night we both had the nightly special, steak with mushroom sauce, chips and salad. Delicious and very reasonably priced. If we were staying longer we'd definitely go again. Good job mates!!

One of the best creative spaces in town with over 20 different business working out of one floor in…read morethe heart of the CBD. Matt Knight to helps run the loft is the man to contact if you are looking at getting into a shared office.

If you are a small business, or a team of one and you're looking for somewhere to work, even for a…read moreshort time, check out Loft503. Had a meeting there the other day and it's a cool place! This is a great shared work space in the restored Archilles House, next to Sals Pizza - so you get an awesome work space plus great lunch options! The deal is that you can rent a desk for a set length of time, giving you and your startup business the opportunity to have office space without the risk and outlay of renting your own whole office. Includes handy and flash facilities like kitchen and meeting rooms. Plus you get to work in an environment with other like minded people!

We stopped here for a late lunch. With time zones all messed up on our first day here, we wanted to…read moresplit something and keep it light. We chose the Caesar salad with chicken. It came with a hard boiled egg, bacon, grilled chicken, Romain lettuce, garlic bread and a yummy dressing. It was so good and really hit the spot for healthy and hearty. When we arrived, we were handed 2 menus and instructed to sit anywhere we chose. Lots of seating, both in and outdoor. The outdoor patio had a cover which helped those patrons as it was drizzling on and off most of the day. I had a nice sauv Blanc. We got a pitcher of water. Everything was well done and absolutely delicious. Plus, we got to watch some Sunday night American football as we had lunch.

Great lunch burger and beer special. Location was perfect to enjoy a delicious burger, fries, and…read morebeer.