Ponsonby is spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a place to coffee and brunch, yet we’re forever watchful for newcomers entering onto the already established scene. So when we heard that the beloved Zus & Zo was morphing into an entirely new café, our ears pricked up.

Say hello to The Governor, a new and improved neighbourhood café and soon-to-be bistro, having successfully acquired an extended liquor licence. Named after the title of the interesting character of William Jervois, a well travelled man whose name is given to Herne Bay’s arterial road, this new eatery is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on locality.

The theme of their menu is light, fresh and organic. Take for example the simple labneh on toast with stone fruit conserve, drizzled in Matakana olive oil, herbs and sea salt – utter perfection. The breakfast plate is also simple yet effective, featuring bircher, toast, avocado crush and a poached egg, and then there’s the more off-beat options like the sunny egg with spelt toast, ortiz anchovy, and jalapeño crema.

Lunch plays out in a similar tune, with fail-safe options like the steak frites, accompanied with a summer bean salad and dijonnaise, or the lighter cured salmon, beetroot, avocado, buckwheat and horseradish, and, if you’re after something different, the smoked Hauraki fish brandade with grilled octopus, harissa, poached egg and herbs is delicious. They also have a servery, where they’ll have fresh, creamy Il Casana buratta on offer as well as fresh, house made dips for you to take home.

Although we love our Ponsonby stalwarts, we’re excited that this new neighbourhood eatery is measuring up to the high standards of the suburb’s plentitude of dining establishments. The Governor is sophisticated and welcoming with a uniquely impressive menu, where we can easily see ourselves taking a pleasant break from the day and devouring some delicious, seasonally-focused food.