Smales Farm has come a long way. Before the turn of the century, the over ten hectare piece of land was just a boring old cattle farm next to the highway. Over the next ten years various high-end offices and the Northern Express busway station cropped up on the land. Come 1 December, another massive addition will be made to the plot, Goodside, a new dining district and events hub for the North Shore.
Goodside was founded with the goal of being a place on the North Shore where foodies, drink and music lovers can amass. A place where Auckland's best boutique food and beverage providers can showcase their wares, pop-up eateries can set up shop for a bit, DJs can play their live music to diners and where festivals which pay homage to good food, good drinks and good music can take place — including Highlife's Fiesta del Sol and the Takapuna Food and Wine Festival.
The hospitality precinct was conceptualised and designed by Izzard Design to "create a vibrant, highly-socialised leafy laneway of hand-picked boutique eateries, casual meeting spaces and a thriving retail precinct."
Eateries already confirmed to have a spot at Goodside are a roll call in deliciousness — Goodness Gracious (bagel specialists and a Concrete Playground favourite), The Grange (try the 12-hour roasted lamb shoulder), &Sushi (a classic, fresh sushi eatery), Ripe Deli (the second outpost of the Grey Lynn staple offering healthy food without a compromise on flavour), Soho (a new contemporary Thai eatery), and Fantail & Turtle (which has an on-site brewery churning out 30 kinds of craft beer, kombucha and cider). Completing the concept will be a yet-to-be-announced "disruptive burger brand" and a monthly pop-up store provide a new experience with a new guest restaurant every month.
Step aside, Takapuna, there's competition in town.
Goodside is set to open last Smales Farm on 1 December, 2018. For more information, visit goodside.co.nz.