CafeBlog

I visited Columbus for lunch the other day while waiting for some friends in Manukau. Located in the middle of the Manukau Supa Centre car park, it’s reasonably easy to find, and was quite busy.
On walking in, I noticed that almost every table was used … a good sign. I ordered a soy mocha and a chicken and mustard pie from the cabinet. The pie was outstanding (maybe I was just really hungry - but it was way beyond what I was expecting in quality), the coffee also quite good.
There’s some outside seating in a walled-off courtyard, but there’s no escaping your sitting in the middle of the carpark. It’s far better to grab a seat inside if you can.

I visited the Oxford Cafe in Tirau the other day; it was once just about the only decent place to get a tea or coffee in Tirau, but this is no longer the case. There are many great cafes in the township, and the Oxford is definitely not one of them.

Little has changed with the Oxford Cafe over it’s long life. It still looks like a classic old NZ tearooms. Upon entering, I checked out the cabinets and chose a mince and cheese pie as it was a cold day and the other fare looked reasonably unappetising. I tried to order a soy mocha, but was told they don’t do soy milk, so opted for trim instead. Alas, instead of just saying “No thanks” and trying elsewhere, I continued on.

I’m almost certain the pie was not made on the premises, it was predominantly pastry - and a very yellowish pastry at that - and little filling. The coffee was certainly hot, and although supposedly trim I have the feeling “light-blue” trim milk was used rather than green. There was a very overly milky taste to it - the kind that you get if milk has been left in the sun, or is not at it’s best. I could not finish the coffee (which is unusual - even a bad coffee generally gets completely consumed), so that gives you an indication of it’s quality.

With so many other good cafes in Tirau, I would not recommend visiting the Oxford.

Icon Cafe is located in the Auckland Airport industrial / commercial area on Pavilion Drive.

Despite being a lunchtime, Icon wasn’t all that busy and seemed quite spacious - I don’t know if this is the case everyday, but it suited us well.

We ordered a pie from the cabinet, a trim latte and soy mocha. The pie came with a salad which was suitable drizzled with a “just right” portion of vinaigrette. The coffees were also good - nothing outstanding, but also nothing to complain about.

While it’s a little off the main road, it’s worthwhile visiting here if you want to get good food and a decent coffee in a quiet setting.

Hansens Cafe overlooks the bay and wharf at Paihia, and is arguably one of the best coffee spots in the town.

The food here was great; there is a good selection of cabinet food, and also a wall menu for more substantial fare. The coffee was good, but nothing to get too excited over.

There is plenty of seating, either inside or or outside under cover. Be warned though, when outside the seagulls are always keeping watch and waiting for any opportunity to take your food.

If your passing through Paihia and happen to be needing a coffee, Hansens Cafe is worth a stop for the view alone.

The Kings Plant Barn on the corner of Forrest Hill Road and Wairau Road houses Kings Cafe. We visited around lunchtime on a weekend and I was surprised to find the cafe reasonably empty. However, on reflection, it may just be the impression one gets when first arriving here. The tables are spaced reasonably far apart, which gives an air of roominess.

Our smoked chicken salad was good, but the icing on the cake was the coffee. This is the best coffee I have had from a cafe in a long, long time. The milk in my soy mocha was frothed to absolute perfection making the coffee exceptionally smooth. Heat and strength were also spot on.

So, if you’re on the Shore and are wanting to experience a decent cup of coffee - this is the place to go.