Overview
Urban farmers market and community space Scarecrow now has a permanent home in the CBD to spread its love of locally-sourced ingredients and produce. The store initially opened as a pop-up in 2014, after owners Alison and Paul Dyson found it difficult to source good quality, local, and ethical produce in one place. With sustainable food chef Ben Barton by their side they set about creating the licensed gourmet kitchen and grocer.
After a stint on High Street, and following an extensive refurbishment from architect Peter Were, the store is now back in its original location at 33 Victoria Street. The light and crisp space showcases over 120 of Auckland’s regional artisan producers. Highlights include an onsite florist, a diverse selection of handmade chocolates from Henderson’s Criollo, the inclusion of Matakana Olive Oil on tap - available for purchase and refills in 2 litre bottles, and Kokako coffee available by a pavement pick up window.
The menu laid out by Barton includes cabinet sandwiches and pastries, antipasti platters, organic beverages, and an all-day breakfast separated into sweets and savouries - check out the paleo tahini and banana pancakes. A dinner menu is scheduled to come into effect sometime in December. And if you really connect with something from the menu, the recipes are available to take home upon request.
In line with their community ethos, Scarecrow will continue to host regular workshops and events like community dinners and discussions around the food economy in New Zealand. Events on the horizon include wreath and chocolate making workshops.
Scarecrow is open from Monday – Friday: 7am-7pm and Saturday - Sunday: 9am-7pm. ?
Photos by Florence Noble.