429 New North Road,
Kingsland
Auckland,


(09) 845 3071

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3 out of 5

My first impression of the Bond Street Lounge & Bar in Kingsland, Auckland, was that it seemed pretty quiet for a Friday night.

The outside area had about a dozen people hanging around, but inside, it was dead—other than three sets of middle-of-the-road couples having a quiet drink.

The interior is inviting enough; dark wood tables and chairs, neutral toned walls with enclaves housing vases of fresh flowers.

Up at the bar, the friendly barman struck up a rugby conversation and, pointing to the unobtrusive plasma screens behind us, suggested he was in for a big night. The game was showing you see, but the noise was muted—a good compromise for all.

The barman was happy to recommend a good chardonnay for $8 and was even good enough to give me a wee sampler. I was impressed with the decent glass ware; nothing beats a fine stemmed, large wine glass—and the generous 250ml measures were also appreciated.

We settled on one of the red seats inside the window and watched as the placed packed out.

Given the close proximity to Eden Park, the crowd was mostly all twenty/thirty something male rugby supporters, ready to drink and finally celebrate a Blues win.

The thing I most liked about Bond Street Lounge & Bar was the great outdoor area.

Protected with a trellis from the loud main street—and with heaters providing a warm atmosphere as the night got cool—it’s a real focal point for the punters and gives the impression that you’re drinking on a friend’s deck, rather than at a busy intersection.

I guess that’s the appeal of Bond Street Lounge & Bar—match day or otherwise.