NEW OPENINGS

Attitude with elegance

State Bar & Bistro

31 Gover Street, New Plymouth 4310 06-758 5373

State Bar & Bistro opened its doors in New Plymouth mid-April, bringing a fresh new attitude to the city’s dining scene.

Co-owner and award-winning Executive Chef Carl Maunder says the new concept celebrates the classics and brings them back to the fore, taking a simple and considered approach to delicious food.

“State Bar & Bistro is a homage to my time working in some legendary bistros in the 90’s and 00’s, it was a little bit rock and roll, while at the same time intensely focused. With this concept we wanted to capture the freedom and spirit of that time, and not just from a food perspective but the overall feel of the venue.”

“There is a juxtaposition of attitude and elegance, in the bar we’re serving up deceptively casual snacks in a luxe setting which is going to be really fun” he says.

In the restaurant people can expect beautiful bistro fare featuring high quality ingredients, thoughtfully sourced. A highlight is the dedicated steak section where diners can select from a variety of premium cuts cooked on charcoal.

A collection of modern and classic vinyl records provides the soundtrack for the STATE BAR’s light-filled atrium, making it the perfect spot to pop in for a drink after work or a casual dinner.

There’s more planned for later in the year with a rehaul of the existing dining room to accommodate a ‘Chef’s Table’ experience.

“We want to bring the kitchen out into the dining room so that people can get up close to the action. The Chef’s Table bespoke experience will give diners a chance to chat with the chef throughout the evening, discovering more about food and wine, while having an amazing time,

“It also gives us the ability to do more experiences such as oyster tastings, wine education and technique demonstrations,” Carl says.

Additionally to a la carte, State Bar & Bistro is available for events with a range of spaces to suit private parties and dinner experiences.

Chef Carl is joined by new Head Chef Kei Suzaki who has extensive experience in some of the country’s top establishments including leading the team at Josh Emmett’s Rata and Ostro, Nic Watt’s Akarana Eatery, and O’Connell St Bistro.

Hospitality Entrepreneur, Craig Macfarlane, says the renewed concept adds to the growing hospitality offerings at the eastern end of Devon Street, breathing new life into the Gover St space.

“A big plus for us is having people with international experience like Carl and Jade, which has certainly helped to draw more talent to the region. We are proud to partner on a top-class concept that cements New Plymouth’s growing reputation as a culinary hotspot.” The bistro is sister restaurant to State Pasta, located at the eastern end of Devon St in central New Plymouth.

The Libraries

29 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland.

Brick walls reveal layers of history

Tucked away on the first floor of the Britomart heritage Masonic and Buckland buildings in downtown Auckland, The Libraries are a succession of elegant spaces crafted for intimate gatherings, private dinners, meetings and more.

Opened in May 2021, they will also be available for use by guests of The Landing Suites and The Hotel Britomart. Located at the heart of where the iconic masonic building meets the contemporary design of The Hotel Britomart, layers of history, art and design are intertwined across four elegant rooms hidden away in the elegance of New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel.

The Libraries deliver a warm, deeply personal and considered hospitality experience within The Hotel Britomart. Called a destination unto itself The Libraries connects food, wine, and people. The space will feature a series of wine and food experiences hosted by kingi’s Head Chef Tom Hishon and wine expert David Nash.

The Lounge With artworks by Ralph Hotere and Shane Cotton, and brick walls revealing layers of history, The Lounge allows guests the luxury of sinking into sumptuous banquettes or gathering for conversation around its beautiful bar.

The Chef’s Library A thoughtful and considered private dining room hosting up to eight guests for sublime meals crafted by executive chef Tom Hishon and paired with exceptional wines to match. The adjacent kitchen allows natural conversation with the chefs as each unforgettable course is served.

The Wine Library The loft-like Wine Library is lined with high shelves filled with bottles, and lit by a chandelier of hand-crafted glass. Its central kauri table is designed to be the focus of tailored wine tastings or private dinners for up to 12 people with fine wine specialist David Nash.

The Papuke Room Filled with light and the textures of ancient native timber and century-old brick, the Papuke room is a generous, flexible space that can host seated dinners, cocktail functions, presentations, meetings and gatherings of up to 50 guests.

“The Libraries are an extension of the unique and special offering at The Hotel Britomart and we’re proud to be able to provide a collection of memorable spaces that will make any event unforgettable,” says Clinton Farley, The Hotel Britomart General Manager.