The often talked about, never actioned, inclination to fly into your work the day before Monday. Unlike our Australian cousins who have embraced this day to worship the fermented goodness of hops, barley, grapes and grain, it seems only in the last few years it has become acceptable to have a few on the lords day. Just to make things easy, Concrete Playground has assembled the top five establishments that make a drink on any given Sunday so sweet. Take your pick from our list and be hungover on someone else’s time. 1. Neighbourhood Where: 498 New North Road, Kingsland Good luck finding a seat in the courtyard at Neighbourhood if there is any sign of sun on a Sunday Afternoon. Located in the heart of the Kingsland village this engineer’s garage has been converted into one of NZ's finest suburban locals with the maverick and quirky flair that the Mac's Brew Bars have become renown for. Jugs of the Mac's craft range and specialty seasonal brews flow with the range of acoustic one man bands and the likes of Isaac Aesili spinning tunes well into the afternoon, makes this a haven for great drinks, good conversation and quality tunes. Something about this place just makes me want to consume litres of beer. Love thy Neighbourhood For review and details, click here. 2. Chapel Where: 147 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Chapel on a Sunday. Everybody must experience this party at least once. If you are feeling a little thirsty but trying to abstain, steer clear of Ponsonby Road. Driving past the small corner Gastro Pub, the hive of activity draws you in and makes you start salivating for a frosty tube. For review and details, click here. 3. Tyler Street Garage Where: 120 Quay Street, Britomart, Auckland New kid on the block and making quite an impact in the Britomart precinct Tyler St Garages roof top terrace bar has spectacular views to Devonport, Rangitoto and the cities bustling port (which is a stark reminder that not everybody has Sunday off). Don't expect the aforementioned grinding party but chilled beats, a well thought out wine and cocktail list as well as Sunday quenching Cider and Beck's beer on tap make this a more relaxed and sophisticated Sunday wind down option. For review and details, click here. 4. Mt Eden Cloakroom Where: 476 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden "I recently moved up to Auckland from Wellington and discovered the Eden Cloak Room in Mt Eden. It's a comfortable, intimate bar with an excellent range of tap beer, wine and food. Tucked in between other businesses in the Mt Eden Village it's a great place to meet friends and relax. The Cloak Room crew are friendly and attentive and I would thoroughly recommend a visit." Michael Morrah, 3 News Reporter 5. The Cavalier Where: 68 College Hill, Ponsonby, Auckland Looking for something a little more casual? "The Cav" is the spot to catch the Warriors game, tuck into a cold one and a classic pub feed. Rock in with your boardies and jandals, Steinlager on tap, settle in on a leaner or a table on the restored wooden balcony that is a big drawcard on those sunny afternoons. The Cav has great friendly service with staff that remember what you drink (a forgotten skill in most hospo staff these days?) and seem to have been there as long as the bar fittings. The Cav is great melting pot of young and old and family friendly. Over 140 years of service (they aren't actually sure when it was built), The Cav is one of the great Kiwi establishments that reminds you what a good local pub should be.
