POCKET BAR AND KITCHEN
Pocket Bar and Kitchen sits as a surprising find near the corner of Tuarangi Road in Grey Lynn. The glasshouse structure which is beautifully covered in greenery has quite the street appeal and the hanging baskets and wooden-fit out combined with graffiti splayed walls gives this indoor-outdoor flowing space quite the visual impact. Unlike the quiet stillness of a Friday lunch, we would expect this place to be buzzing in the evenings as people sip on their drinks and enjoy shared plates of food. Our struggle initially for service and to find our table was fortunately made up for in the speedy food service and a cocktail and grazing platter on the house (thanks to some food photoshoot). We will have to pop back here for drinks and nibbles and to enjoy their live music and evening vibes.
Louise shared with Katie – they had the Fried Chicken with honey, lime and chilli sauce and roasted peanuts, and the Fall off the Bone North African Spiced Lamb Chops finished with Pocket’s secret herb recipe and a squeeze of lemon. She drank a Spiced Orange Pocket House Soda. She said, “Loved the aesthetic, the vibe and the free platter/cocktail straight off a food photoshoot! However, the service took a while to warm up – we weren’t greeted, stood around awkwardly for a while until we eventually found our own table and seated ourselves. And then we had to pop up after a while to ask for menus. Once the orders were in, the service was prompt and the food delish and very reasonably priced – epic spot. Will be back.”
Katie shared the chicken and lamb as above with Lou. She said, “Dude you can’t tell from the outside how big it is! The courtyard is fun times, the fried chicken batter is different but GOOD different, the lamb was indeed “fall off the bone” and very flavourful. Drooling as I type.”
Mel had the Vegan Tacos with black bean and walnut taco filling, tomato, lettuce, guacamole and vegan mayo. She drank an Espresso Martini. She said, “The tacos were very nice, quite light, fab place to try a few things if you do the ‘shared’ style ordering which I think the menu is set up for. I was lucky enough to be given the delish espresso martini free as part of some food photography they were doing… Never want to waste a great cocktail 😉 It was really spacious with lots of cool spots to sit, I think a perfect summer vibe going on, oh and I love all the artwork painted on the walls!”
Bri had the Vegan Tacos with black bean and walnut taco filling, tomato, lettuce, guacamole and vegan mayo. She also shared the Broccoli and Beans with crispy shallots with a side of mushroom and truffle cream, and the Shoestring Fries with tomato sauce. She said, “LOVED the outfit of this place – greenery and wood vibes! Great for photo opps with friends. Extensive selection of drinks, would come back for drinks and light snacks to share.”
Phil had the Beef Sliders with tomato relish, spicy mayo, crispy cheddar and melted swiss cheese. He drank a Kiwifruit Pocket House Soda. He said, “Loved the look and feel of the space, the kiwifruit Soda was excellent but nothing else was really ‘standoutish’ for me.”
Kate had the Fried Chicken with honey, lime and chilli sauce and roasted peanuts. She drank a Spiced Orange Pocket House Soda. She said, “It’s always a good first impression when you’re greeted with free food on entry. Sadly the service didn’t quite match. Once we’d found our table and had ordered the food was prompt and tasty. The shared chips were the perfect side to the fried chicken. Though I have to say the Spiced Orange soda was my favourite delicious surprise of the meal, so different to any soda I’ve had before. I’d come back for the drink alone.”
Iliane had the Beef Sliders with tomato relish, spicy mayo, crispy cheddar and melted swiss cheese. She drank Lemmy Lemonade. She said, “Nice carafes and glasses w/ sparkling water, food was delicious and nicely presented. Staff seemed a little preoccupied upon arrival, otherwise attentive – provided water regularly. Would definitely go back :)”
