Must visit: Homestead

Must visit: Homestead cafe at historic Pah Homestead

This nineteenth century ‘house on the hill’ in the Auckland suburb of Hillsborough showcases innovative originals – and we’re not just referring to its art gallery. It's also home to the wonderful Homestead cafe

Rachel Dobbs

There are so many reasons to visit the Pah Homestead in Hillsborough. There’s the chance to walk the parquet floors of one of Auckland’s earliest homes, built between 1877 and 1879. You can stroll the stunning park grounds on which the heritage villa sits, and explore the single largest private collection of contemporary New Zealand art, with works adorning walls in no less than 10 rooms of the heritage residence. And now, there’s also the chance to experience the homestead-turned-gallery’s newest work of art: Homestead cafe.

A place this special demands an eatery experience to match, which is just what food writer Sam Mannering, together with Connor Nestor and Charles Williams of Grafton’s Ceremony cafe, have achieved. The menu is in perfect complement to the artworks on show: modern, fresh, and exciting, with creations regularly changing to showcase the talent of local artisans. But like the stately old dame herself, there is also a foundation of time-honoured tradition here with gracious hospitality, and daily baked goods that would rival your grandmother’s grandmother’s.

Come for all-day breakfast and enjoy the runaway favourite of dawn-baked crumpets with three topping options. Anyone for roasted quince, mascarpone and walnut crumpets, drizzled with fig leaf syrup? Or maybe you’d prefer your crumpets laden with smoked kahawai and a creamy poached egg? Decisions, decisions…

At lunch, dine on the wide verandah of the old homestead, or take one of their plaid blankets down to the front lawn and sculpture garden to lay out your repast – perhaps one of the cafe salads (try the stunning baby spud number), one of the line-up of tasty bruschetta, or a heartier plate of lamb scottadito or North African chicken.

This winter, the historic home will also open her doors in the evenings, for a series of special monthly dinners, where you can enjoy three courses, good music and sparkling conversation.