Holy Hop

Overview

Dubbed the neighbourhood newbie, the particular corner of Kingsland in which Holy Hop now resides is one in which most suburban dwellers will be quiet familiar. What was once known as The Neighbourhood, comes a community focused establishment that has been given a well-deserved facelift. Between the building's exposed wooden framework are eye-catching multi-coloured neon strips and graffiti-style artwork.

Visitors can expect a menu that takes influence from Auckland's diverse culinary landscape. An unusual suspect and certainly a dish that caught our eye was the Asian-style ox tail bowl. Served on steamed basmati rice, garnished with spring onion and made on the backbone of locally sourced produce, it's certainly a dish worth considering.

Lunch is best celebrated with the butcher's cut pork sirloin. Plated is a generously sized 350g steak, topped with crackling, tomato relish and uniquely spiced pineapple crumble. We certainly see it as no surprise that this dish is already proving popular. For those who prefer to stick with the tried and tested, Holy Hop has sorted you with a few of the classics also. Worth tucking into is the beer-battered fish and chips accompanied with mushy peas; you couldn't possibly go wrong. That being said, elevating such a Kiwi classic is the pan-roasted fish of the day. Plated with a saffron chickpea couscous ragout and a refreshing dollop Indian yoghurt.

Matching the standard set in the kitchen is a fully licensed bar that almost runs the length of the entire eatery. Focused on New Zealand brews, the hop-driven selection of the menu is full of our favourites including Little Creatures, Panhead and Emerson's 1812. With warmer months quickly approaching, something to keep an eye out for is the rotating beer list, which is soon to be introduced.

If hoppy beverages aren't particularly your calling, Holy Hop has what they're calling Juicy Jam Jars. Set to get the hearts of Instagrammers racing are glass jars ideal for your next sundown session. Worth a sip or two is the passionfruit gin, constructed with ginger liqueur, gin, passionfruit, coriander and a lemonade syrup.

Set to be Kingsland's next summer soirée spot, it's clear Holy Hop has carefully considered all aspects and has ticked all boxes.

Image: Maisy McLeod-Riera.