If you’re a habitual passer-through of the Grey Lynn shops, you would do well to have noticed the glass structure coming to form behind what used to be a bank on the corner of Tuarangi Road. If not, you’d now do well to make a point heading there in order to visit the borough’s chicest new resident, Pocket Bar & Kitchen.

With a name that pertinently describes this slick new locale, Pocket’s most prominent feature, its gabled glass roof, serves as a delicious little sun trap that’s not difficult to imagine yourself passing many a social evening in. Walking inside, the bar’s botanical theme is asserted by an almost entirely wooden fit-out that includes lush interior flora and immense planters (which turn out to be repurposed braziers) overflowing with verdancy. It’s a cozy little space with seating for up to 90 people and an outdoor deck area, whose characterful brick wall is adorned with a mural by local artist, Margarita Vovna.

Stepping down into the split-level bar area, we found a delightful selection of food and drink awaiting. From the kitchen, you can choose from a range of medium size dishes that serve as the perfect grazing fare. We tried the green tahini hummus garnished with broad beans and pine nuts, and accompanied by cripsy flat bread as well as their zesty, light heirloom tomato salad, both of which had us convinced we were being laudably health-conscious. Alternatively, there’s the North African spiced lamb chops, the Vietnamese tartare, or the delicious sounding “Pocket toastie” which involves taleggio cheese, portobello mushrooms and zucchini flower for an enticing vegetarian option.

When it comes to the refreshments, there is essentially everything you’d expect from a decent bar; an extensive wine list, six or so beers on tap and a well-stocked bar back. What caught our attention however, were the ‘house cocktails’ that employ the use of their fermented water kefir – an in-house reduction of the best seasonal produce, combined simply with sparkling water for those desiring an alcohol-free option, if not mixed into a spirit-based concoction. They’re light on sugar and an excellent substitute for our quotidian five o’clock drink.

Presenting a spot that’s most definitely worthy of whiling away what remains of the languid summer evenings, Pocket will be first and foremost a dedicated Grey Lynn haunt. That said, with the exterior alone proving enough to draw us in, notwithstanding what lies within, we can’t help but make a point of basking in this uplifting new bar and eatery.

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm till late
Friday – Sunday: 11am till late