A love letter to K' Road

Article by Tash Vranjes, Studio Manager/Creative Artworker at HeyYou

Up until a year ago, when I joined HeyYou, I had spent the best part of my career working in a Grey Lynn/Ponsonby bubble. When a change in job came with a change of location, I started to wonder where I would get lunch and - more importantly - who would do the best oat milk flat white in my new work neighbourhood.

Thankfully, HeyYou is located just off K’Road, and I have been spoiled for choice. No matter which direction you turn, you’re going to find what you need. Or, more likely, discover something you didnt know you needed, but all of a sudden you can’t imagine not having.

Supporting small businesses (especially inner city ones) is so important right now, so there’s no better time for the low-down on one of Auckland’s most famous roads.

I get to the office via Beresford Square, and tucked in behind the City Rail Link construction site is a literal hole in the wall cafe where I stop to get my morning fix. Johnny Feedback is a blink and you’ll miss it spot, but the coffee is hot, the service is friendly and the barista knew my order after only a couple of visits!

Some days you just need to double up on the caffeine, and you might need a treat to go with it. That’s where local fave Bestie comes in. We’ve nicknamed our jaunts to their premise at the back of St Kevins Arcade ‘The Scroll Stroll’. Why? Simply put, their savoury and cinamon scrolls are the best I’ve tried. And the rest of the cabinet food will convince you to make a return visit, ASAP.

It’s not all about the food and coffee either (though there’s more on that later). Tucked in alongside the stalwarts that line the street is a store that celebrates all that is NZ-made and vintage. Crushes is a reprieve. They have everything from clothing to homewares, the vibe is chill and eclectic, and it’s one of the best places to find a gift, or simply to treat yourself to a little something local.

Back to food. The K’Road Food Workshop is home to Poke Poke, a HeyYou lunch favourite. I can’t believe I had been the hood for 6 months before I had lunch from here. Nothing beats a delish fresh poke bowl, especially when it’s made and served to you by one of the nicest people to ever work in hospo. Their miso is also a great way to warm up on a wintry Auckland day.     

Our office is technically on Pitt Street, and almost directly opposite is a trio of stores that occupy the bottom of that instantly recognisable pink building on the corner of K’Road and Pitt: you all know the one. Flying Out Records is a must for anyone that loves a good browse through vinyl, old and new. And once you’ve satisfied your ears, pop next door to the Green Dolphin Bookstore where you can shop for second hand books, and park yourself on their sofa while you decide how many can fit on your bookshelf. Rounding out the terrific trio is Checks. Serving up modern streetwear with a luxe feel, this NZ clothing brand have got you covered when you need to look cool, and have been known do to do some sweet collabs with other local businesses.

There are of course places I’m yet to visit – I want to try the rolled icecream from Bangkok, cocktails and dinner at the hidden but raved about Bar Magda, and I’m yet to get tattooed or pierced by the well-respected team at The Tattooed Heart.

The good news is, I’m planning to be here for a while. I have time to explore the unique, famous part of town that is now my work neighbourhood and I couldn’t be more pumped to have these epic local businesses on my doorstep.