A couple of years ago I caught an RNZ interview in which the speakers were lamenting the lack of Greek cuisine in Auckland. Perhaps husband and wife hospitality duo, Clare & Joost van den Berg were listening, because a year later we began work on some cabinetry for Daphnes Taverna, an elegant twist on the traditional Greek Taverna Bar.
Daphnes Taverna, Jono Parker
Since it opened in Ponsonby last year it hasn’t stopped humming. This is in no small part due to the sophisticated Greek food and drink, but it also possesses that magic ingredient… atmosphere. Driving by it at night, you’ll see that Mediterranean spirit spilling out onto the street, giving the area a vibrant neighbourhood feel.
Daphnes Taverna possesses that magic ingredient… atmosphere.
Clare designed Daphnes interior, taking inspiration from a trip to Greece in 2018. Raw exposed brick walls are complemented by a strong paint palette of blue, terracotta and white. Cabinetry and furnishings feature dark timbers, plaster finishes, tiles and plush fabrics, lit gently with some seriously cool fixtures. There’s a couple of large tables near the kitchen that cater for large groups, just crying out for a convivial Greek family meal.
The kitchen at Daphnes Taverna, featuring the long shelving doubling as a food prep station, Jono Parker
We were contracted by Envoy to create the maitre’d and service stations, the infrastructure of the bar including the LED-lit drinks shelf, and the long shelving fronting the kitchen which doubles as a food prep station. The cabinetry features solid Oak tops, with exteriors tiled by Premium Bathroom & Tiling or plastered by Zane Pilkington.
The bar at Daphnes Taverna including the LED-lit shelving, Jono Parker
With the weather warming up we’ll be looking for an excuse to get family and friends together to feast at Daphnes soon. See you there!