Auckland Museum opens doors to elegant new espresso bar ‘1929’

For immediate release
Monday 9 July 2018

Sitting atop Pukekawa Auckland Domain, Auckland War Memorial Museum was built in 1929 by the people of Auckland as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of World War I. Paying homage to the year the iconic heritage landmark structure was constructed, the Auckland Museum has recently launched 1929, a 10m2 espresso bar situated in its elegant Grand Foyer providing a modern food and beverage experience to the Museum’s many visitors.

Opened in collaboration with Brian Sewell of the Baildon Group, the espresso bar respects the Museum’s origins as it extends a warm welcome to all visiting – Aucklanders and tourists alike.

Manager Brian Sewell says “The values of Baildon Group align closely with those of Auckland Museum which places great importance on manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga.” Sewell has spent 30 years working in hospitality including Michelin Star restaurants as well as established Auckland cafes. “The team is focused on delivering seasonal, high-quality kai to Museum vistors”, Sewell says.

Premium Allpress coffee will be on the grind at 1929, and smaller, snack-sized edibles can be enjoyed in the Grand Foyer or outside the Museum. With an emphasis on seasonal, local produce, 1929 offers selection of tasty morsels and beverages, including loose leaf teas, freshly made juices bottled on site and wholesome smoothies. Kapiti ice-cream will be on offer in summer and hot soups in winter – these tasty treats will delight peckish patrons.

Megan McSweeney, Director of Marketing, Communications and External Affairs says 1929 will provide the Museum’s many international visitors with small bites of high quality Kiwi food and coffee, which is now the expectation when travelling within New Zealand.

“1929 is already rapidly becoming a place for locals to visit when passing through the Domain, to grab a coffee when taking in the fabulous view from the steps outside the Museum or enjoying the atmosphere of the Museum’s stunning, classical Grand Foyer.”

Over the coming 18 months the Museum will be developing a revamped retail and hospitality precinct as part of its Future Museum capital works plan.

“We are responding to the needs of Aucklanders and our important international visitor market by improving access to and within the Museum. We will be creating dynamic and exciting spaces to better welcome and orientate our visitors as well as exciting contemporary new galleries,” says Megan McSweeney.

“Around the world quality coffee and food experiences now go hand-in-hand with high quality cultural experiences. 1929 with its warm hospitality, genuine kiwi welcome and small bites provides our customers with just that experience,” concludes Megan McSweeney.

1929 is open 10am – 4pm, every day except Christmas Day.
For more information on Future Museum visit: aucklandmuseum.com/future-museum

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