on the local bakery

Welcome to clipboard, a weekly newsletter about good shit and Tāmaki Makaurau, by Reilly Hodson. This week, we’re talking about why I love my new local bakery even though it doesn’t serve specialty coffee. Plus: New Crane Brothers store, a tonne of great clothes, and more good shit from around the internet.

Boston Bakery

When it comes to eating out, I have a history of following the hype. I read Metro’s Top 50 lists like they’re the bible, I love natural wine and an exposed timber fit-out, hell, I went to Albert Cho of Eat Lit Food fame’s 22nd birthday party (read into that what you will).

My new suburb, Mt Albert, doesn’t have a lot of flashy new openings like my old haunts in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn, and the most hype-y places (Young George, Taco Loco, etc.) aren’t very near to where I live. In the absence of Instagram fame and specialty coffee, I’ve been heading to real local neighbourhood spots.

I had a classic French toast with jam and bacon at Handpicked Coffee Roasters, we did takeaways at the local Thai spot, and my favourite spot so far has been Boston Bakery, a classic bakehouse.

There’s something magical about paying less than $10 for a classic pie and a slice from the cabinet, and Boston Bakery does an excellent version of each, served with a friendly chat and a masked smile.

The other day, a man paid for the meal of a woman who looked to have had a rough night (or few nights) was rummaging around in her bag for her wallet, clearly worried about the prospect of not being able to pay.

That’s true neighbourly spirit, a lovely contrast to the common online refrain that “you don’t owe anyone anything.” Sometimes being kind is worthwhile only because it’s the right thing to do, not because there’s anything coming back in return. You’re less likely to see that at your local Daily Bread, though I do love their pastries.

It’s a timely reminder for those of us who are overly tied up with what people are talking about or what’s shiny and new, that some places endure for a reason, and a good Instagram presence isn’t the same as a good product.

If you’re looking for a new regular haunt, try something a little closer to home, not just something cool.

clips

• This week I headed along to the opening of Crane Brothers’ new store on Ponsonby Road (and was cropped out of a photo while chatting to Dan from Kiosk Store). It’s a really nice store, focused on a more relaxed offering - soft tailoring, casual trousers, even patchwork striped shirting. I’d definitely recommend a visit.

• Local designer Olivia Cashmore has launched a new collection, and it is really good stuff. I’m into this floral knit, this stunning overcoat and the stripes on this shirt.

• If you’ve been looking for the perfect green cardigan, look no further.

• Inward Goods is launching its new season this week, and it looks so good! This look has me seriously considering a denim shirt for the first time.

• Checks Downtown is putting on a warehouse sale Thursday-Saturday, don’t miss it!

• Love the new Chelsea Jade song:

That’s all for clipboard this week, hope you’ve had a good long weekend! See you next Sunday for more goodness, and hit me up on Instagram and email in the meantime ✌🏻