It’s been a busy end to 2020 for Natalie Procter. She ends the year with the opening of her brand, Mina’s, first retail store, joining an ever-growing community of creatives who call Grey Lynn their home. As one of the brands exemplifying how boutique New Zealand fashion houses have pivoted in 2020, Mina is placing a strong focus on servicing both their local community and loyal clientele with a tangible and genuine experience.
Here, Procter shares her favourite spots in Mina‘s new Grey Lynn neighbourhood.
Greenpoint Florist is an absolute gem for fresh or dried florals. The shop nestled into Grey Lynn bursts at the seams with fresh greenery set against a forest green painted store. Step inside and find Georgie preparing fresh colourful and eclectic bouquets with Rocky the shop dog by her side.
Pocket Bar is a vine-covered glass house tucked into the corner (and just two steps away from our shop) of Williamson Ave and Great North Rd. Sundrenched during the day with a courtyard out the back, I love to pop over on a Friday after I close up shop. There’s always good music and a warm and friendly atmosphere in there.
The neighbouring shop to us is menswear brand Thom Morrison. Locally produced and timeless in his designs and palette, us new kids on the block complement each other perfectly. Even locals thought we may have been brother and sister. Thom’s shop is layout very similar to ours, a shop space at the front and studio at the back.
Postal Service, serving up Kōkako Coffee, is where I head each morning before I open the shop. This is a Grey Lynn community staple which explains the bursting atmosphere every morning while people pop in for quick morning coffee or settle in with their laptop. The menu is vegetarian and the food is as beautiful and delicious as the presentation.
Tart Bakery sits just on the other side of the road from us and by the line out the door every Saturday morning, you know it’s an institution. I’m not really a pie girl, although I hear they are delicious, but they have just started making vegan pizzas and they are incredible.
Right next to Tart, you have recently opened Robinsons Market Store, a plant based deli and supermarket which I could spend far too much money in if I was in there for too long. I love their beautiful fresh seeded breads, muesli, spreads, dips, olives – all the yummy things.
Another gem on our little strip is Wise Boys, a 100% plant based burger joint that has a few tables out the front to enjoy a burger and chips or potato tots. After convincing my partner to come and eat a vegan burger with me it’s now become a new local of ours. The classic cheese is actually my favourite, a kidney and black bean patty with a classic combo of pickles, mustard and some fresh veg. I’m soon to try the Hungry Jack which is a ‘pulled not pork’ made from jackfruit, yum!
Mina is now open at 600 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Photos: Natalie Procter, Greenpoint Florist, Pocket Bar, Thom Morrison, Postal Service, Wise Boys
