Hops & Claret

As you can probably work out from their name, Hops and Claret take great pride in their wines and beers. Moreover, they're pairing these with a tantalising tapas menu that has got the whole of Takapuna talking.

Cool and groovy with a distinctly underground vibe, Hops and Claret make for a refreshing retreat in summer and a cosy getaway in winter. It's small and intimate, made even more so with its dark colour scheme of charcoal, black and dark woody hues. And yet, it's very relaxed with a bar stool policy that has diners perched up high enjoying the best wine, beer and tapas Takapuna has to offer.

After your first glass of vino or the frothy stuff, peruse the food menu where you'll find plenty to keep you and your loved ones happy. There are all kinds of deliciousness on there with the likes of chicken and duck liver parfait, cured salmon and charcuterie boards standing alongside beef cheek croquettes, Moroccan chicken skewers and curried cauliflower bites. They might be small in size, but their flavours pack a mighty punch.

As for the wine menu, it's almost four pages long which gives you an idea about how much is on offer. Then there are Panhead craft beers, Emerson's ciders and classic cocktails which are always the life and soul of any party. A real lifestyle destination that always has a trick or two up its sleeve, make Hops and Claret your new local in Takapuna.