For those of us who enjoy local hospitality, Taylors on Hurstmere is a favourite. Business host and owner Steve Taylor’s efforts were rewarded recently in the prestigious Lewisham hospitality awards. Taylors was named ‘Lewisham Awards 2024 Outstanding Local Establishment North’.

Steve Taylor has been in the hospo business for 33 years. He started as a kitchenhand at 16 in a cousin's bar in Wellington. Five years at McDonalds followed, while he completed a management degree.
Then OE called. He travelled to London to work in cocktail and high-volume bars and restaurants. During the last five years in London Steve was general manager of an 800-capacity bar on the river at Canary Wharf. He also enjoyed summer stints in Portugal and Greece.
Returning home Steve worked at GPK in Ponsonby and Takapuna for eight years with a summer season in Melbourne.
Steve opened Taylors on Hurstmere in June 2017. This recent award was well-deserved reward for all the work he has done in creating a sustainable business in the face on many headwinds over the past seven years.
“I bought the business that was formerly Pinot Plus in early 2017,” explained Steve. “I believed Takapuna was looking for a grown-up wine bar that had a local feel, with great wines, service and a friendly welcoming atmosphere. A refurb was done on a tight budget with a local builder.”
I put it to Steve that he must be thrilled with the recognition.
“Absolutely Aidan. I closed the bar on that awards night, and I took the team to the event. To be honest I wasn’t expecting to win with such great competition. The acceptance speech was a bit of a blur. The Lewishams are very prestigious in the hospitality scene, and we have since been bombarded from everyone with their congratulations. It’s been heartwarming.”
So what does Steve Taylor believe are the key reasons his business was selected as the winner?
“Our amazing locals have been a big reason,” says Steve when asked on why he thinks Taylors won the award. “They have supported us for the last seven years through a winter opening, Covid and tough economic times
“Shelley, my partner, who has been a great support over the last three years, and my team of Calvin, Josh and Isla have all played big parts as well.
“My family has been hugely supportive and I also want to acknowledge my landlord Wenda, for helping the business through some difficult periods.
“I think smaller is better in hospo at the moment, where the owner is the operator. You get to know your customers, not just as a dollar value but a guest who you are looking after and who you want to have a good time. I get to ask them what they like in a bar, what music, types of food and drink etc., and I deliver for them.
“As a result I believe Taylors is a true local where anyone can pop in for a wine or meal and be made to feel welcome.”
Clearly you love what you do and are good at it, what is your motivation?
“I used to have great parties when at high school. Many said I was a good organiser and wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. I always wanted my own bar from a young age. This is a tough business, but it’s great when you look around and see everyone having a great time and you know you have been a factor. I also like to visit friends in the industry and see what they are doing. It’s a very antisocial business working strange hours but when we get together we always have a great time.
“I love the North Shore as well. It’s just great place to relax, walk on the beach, go to the gym. On our days off Shelley and I will often bump into our customers; we have been to their houses for dinner and been made to feel so welcome.”
More good news for Taylors on Hurstmere customers as Steve says their Sunday Roasts are back for the winter and are just a popular as ever.
 “We also have lots of shows at the Bruce Mason Centre and we are the perfect spot for pre- and post-dinner and drinks,” adds Steve Taylor. “We are a popular venue for private functions and always have weekly specials, including our famous $85 bottles of Veuve Clicquot from 5pm to 7pm.”
Make sure you get in to congratulate Steve Taylor and his team and enjoy his award-winning hospitality during July.

Taylors On Hurstmere – Winner Lewisham Awards 2024 Outstanding Local Establishment North

168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna,
phone 09-489-9510.
taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz