When James Bryant took the reins at Takapuna Beach Café, he thought he may like to introduce a wine list one day and realise the vision of the site’s predecessor operators, Hip Group. That was in 2019 and more than five years on, he’s pleased to share that the café is finally pouring wine and beer.

“Over the years, customers have mentioned how great it would be to celebrate a special occasion with a champagne brunch or enjoy lunch with an ice cold beer on a sunny afternoon.

“We’re so pleased to now be offering champagne, beer and wine to complement our food menu and truly maximise our beachfront location,” he says.

Takapuna Beach Café, located by the boat ramp on the north end of Takapuna Beach, has operated for more than 15 years and has a sustained longevity in hospitality that’s becoming harder to come by. For James and the team, there presented an opportunity to evolve the café into a gathering hub throughout the day and offer more than a cup of coffee. 

Much like the café’s approach to food, the focus on the wine and beer list is all about quality and supporting producers who are passionate about their craft.

The beverage menu was curated by James and the Takapuna Beach Café team, which includes seasoned hospitality professionals with backgrounds in fine dining, bars and hotels. 

“We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local beer and wine and it was difficult to whittle down the selection. When it came to creating the wine list, our aim was to highlight some of New Zealand’s prominent wine-making regions. As for the craft beer selection, we’ve looked north of Auckland to Matakana and Waipu.”

Because of the café’s location, which attracts tourists as well as North Shore locals, it was important for the beverage selection to have something for everyone.

“The drinks list has been designed to delight everyone coming through our doors, whether they’re visiting from abroad, or walking down the road for a casual weekday visit,” he says.

The wine list will change with the seasons, in line with the cafe’s ever-changing seasonal food menu. 

Initially, all wines will be available by the glass and bottle. A more comprehensive bottle list will be released in due course. A new range of house-made sodas, plus a range of non- and low-alcoholic drinks, has been added to the menu. 

“It’s all about offering our customers more choice, whether or not they choose to imbibe,” says James.

Executive Chef Alvin Rizky has prepared a new menu for the afternoon to complement the drinks list. Expect a selection of light snacks like a whipped blue cod dip to more substantial plates, such as Wagyu steak. 

“It’s exciting to introduce something completely new to Takapuna Beach Café. We’ve been able to collaborate with the bakery team at Knead on Benson to co-create a custom sourdough bread to accompany the small plates now available in the afternoons,” says Alvin.

For James, the new addition to the service is an exciting prospect and all part of keeping the business relevant and engaging for the team and the wider community.

“Some of the team have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to specialty beer and wine and many have held their license to serve alcohol since before joining us at Takapuna Beach Café. It feels great to support their continued development and enable them to apply these skills at our venue.

“Café service remains the core of our business but it’s been awesome adding different aspects, such as Fish & Chip Shop – our summer pop-up – and now wine and beer. It’s been immensely rewarding to develop Takapuna Beach Café into a true all-day eatery, from offering coffee in the morning to beer and wine in the afternoons,” says James.

Wine and beer will be available every day, with drinks served responsibly with food from 8am and last call at 7pm (6pm during winter). 

Open 7 days, 7am-8pm (including public holidays with a 15% surcharge).

Visit takapunabeachcafe.com