Britomart,
Auckland Central
Auckland,


(09) 309 5529

add to my map

5 out of 5 stars

Please don’t read this review, or if you do, forget what you’ve read immediately. I’m just concerned that smith. (yes, that is all lower case, and don’t forget the full stop), will get too popular, too quickly. Come along with a small group of friends and you’re going to almost fill this compact space.

smith. is in the space formerly known as Aveia in the city’s burgeoning Britomart Quarter. Aveia’s décor was modern and cosmopolitan, all polished concrete and spotlights. smith.’s lush and cosy ambience couldn’t be more different. And on a night when blokes in Swanndri bush shirts and gumboots are wandering down Queen St drinking warm Waikato Draught, (heading to watch the rugby at the Viaduct apparently), it’s a classy escape from Auckland’s wet and windy weather.

Inside smith. it’s like you’ve entered your rich uncle’s place. Oriental rugs cover the floor, there’s a surprised looking stag’s head on the wood-panelled wall, and velvet chaise lounges and armchairs surround dainty coffee tables. Actually make that cocktail tables, because your uncle has obviously gone to the rugby, and a cool crowd has moved in equipped with a menu of very good cocktails. The headquarters for 42 Below are just through the door and they’ve obviously had some input with the drinks list. Expect lots of fresh flavours like lychee, passionfruit and cinnamon teamed with 42 Below vodka, South gin, and Seven Tiki rum. Faced also with a well-priced winelist ($7.50 to $12.50), we finally settle on a Violet Martini and a Cinnamon Rose. Can I reinforce ‘fresh’ and add ‘innovative’ please?

smith. also does food, again with a slightly tongue in cheek retro spin. Befitting smith.’s 1130am opening time, dainty sandwiches with curried egg and watercress are on offer. There are also other old school delights like smoked salmon pinwheels, lamingtons, and ham, cheese and pineapple toasties. If you’re an indecisive type, just settle on high tea with an assortment including cream- and jam-laden scones. For an additional $14 add a glass of Daniel Le Brun bubbles, or upgrade to Bollinger for $26.

It all sounds like a recipe for pretentiousness, but smith. actually couldn’t be more down to earth. The friendly bar staff really know their stuff, and the soundtrack of jangly indie beats is kept at conversation-friendly levels.

Let’s hope your rich uncle doesn’t find out what’s happening, and please don’t tell too many people, OK?