498 New North Road,
Kingsland
Auckland,


(09) 529 9178

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4 out of 5 stars

I’ve just found my new favourite summertime pub. Just launched in a spacious former garage in Kingsland, The Neighbourhood is Auckland’s third Mac’s Brewbar. A more suburban location gives it a slightly more relaxed feel than the Nuffield St Brewbar in Newmarket or Britomart’s Northern Steamship Company. It’s also a more sophisticated offering than the sports, big screen TV and Tui focus of The Kingslander just down the road.

The Neighbourhood has been busy across recent weeks, and after three visits I’m still waiting to score one of the relax-at-all-costs spots under the market umbrellas in the open area out the front. In polished concrete, and with loads of comfy cushions, it’s a thoroughly modern update of the classic Kiwi garden bar. Inside the Kiwiana with a twist décor of the other Brewbars is maintained with upside down retro lampshades, a surprised-looking stag’s head mounted on the wall, and comfy old sofas that may well have been nicked from your aunty’s place down the line. On tap is the widest array of Mac’s beers including the surprising Mac’s Sundance summer ale. If you really get a taste for it, all the beers are available by the jug.

Back inside, a major design feature is a huge picture window looking out onto Eden Park’s outer oval. You can’t see the main field, but you should be able to catch the action for any more cricket matches this summer. Later at night there’s plenty of other action with DJs every week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Foodwise, The Neighbourhood keeps up the Mac’s Brewbar tradition with tasty shared platters. The McCashin’s Platter ($45) – named after ex-All Black Terry McCashin who established Mac’s way back in 1981 – is a handy choice for three or four people. But if you’re catching up with a mate back from London after five years, don’t be too surprised if the mix of salt and pepper squid, chicken croquettes, and vege frittata is only enough for two. Don’t be surprised if your mate is also amazed at how different Kingsland and Kiwi pubs are after a five-year absence overseas.