For those readers who regularly frequent the Westmere shops, it’s likely you will have glanced at the corner space — once Meola Kitchen — that has been empty for more or less the past 18 months. “What a shame” you’d say, as you remarked upon the potential of such a privileged address, that someone hasn’t transformed it into an inviting eatery in which to while away the weekends or a sunny afternoon. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that all prayers have been answered with the recent entrée of new café, Seabreeze.

Helmed by a Westmere local and cafe connoisseur Brodie McDonald (Jonny Feedback, Running Horse), he explained that the hold-up was due to complications outside his control. Tiresome issues such as a long-awaited change of resource consent and the emergence of some severe engineering issues meant our forgiveness was granted. The resulting pared back space puts its deep-sea colour palette in the spotlight. McDonald spearheaded the interior himself, picking varied shades of teal (Resene’s Timekeeper, Warrior and Blue Charcoal for those who will inevitably ask) as the backdrop for various custom-made tables, Tom Dixon stools and Douglas and Bec light finishings.

Aside from the cabinet food, Supreme Coffee and smoothies, from the kitchen come an abundance of dishes that are equal parts heartening and inspiring. There are the ‘Bharta Eggs’ — poached and spiced, served with chilli butter, yoghurt and aubergine purée; a ham hock hash; feta, date and sweetcorn fritters as well as the delicious-sounding ‘bone marrow burger’ for later on. They are also licenced, and with plenty of outdoor seating, we can envisage ourselves taking a load off for a lazy glass of Fromm La Strada rosé come lunchtime.

 Opening 7 days from 7am-4pm.