Verde
Verde is one of Takapuna's best kept secrets. Located in a beautiful old brick villa right on the corner of Lake and Esmonde Roads, Verde is full of surprises.
New owner, Mandy Fraser, is a local Milford resident who had always loved Verde and its point-of-difference. While many people still think of Verde as "just" a garden centre, Mandy wants people to know that there is something here for everyone-and that coming to Verde is a surprising and
delightful experience.
Behind the stone wall is a gorgeous courtyard full of beautiful plants, pots and other gardenware. From small, delicately shaped tabletop plants, to topiaries, standard citrus and other larger plants, customers will love entering the villa through this lush, green space.
Once inside the historic old building your senses will come alive. The smell of delicious, fresh homemade baking wafts down the hallway from the small kitchen; the fragrances of gorgeous soaps and candles fill the air; colourful indoor plants and decorative homewares capture the eye; and there is a "buzz" of chatter from customers enjoying a coffee and a catchup.
Verde is effectively three businesses in one-a boutique cafe selling award winning Toasted coffee and freshly made, and baked, homemade food; a homewares store selling a range of beautiful, and often unique, gifts and furniture; and a small garden centre specialising in a range of different pots, and smaller plants and trees.
It is the perfect place to pop into for a mooch and know you will more than likely walk away with a beloved new addition for your home or wee gift for someone special.
The cafe at Verde has become the heart of the store, and is located in the main room at the centre of the building. There are a number of tables dotted throughout the villa for customers to sit at, and each room has a different "feel" and look. Sitting in amongst the homewares and indoor plants provides for a different experience than in most other cafes.
The tables in the sunroom at the front of the villa have a stunning view through the Pohutakawa trees out to the harbour-another lovely surprise. Another table is the front courtyard is the perfect place to sit if you love the sun and being outdoors. And the large sharing table in the middle room makes an ideal place for business meetings and birthday lunches.
The staff at Verde are extremely welcoming, love working in such a beautiful and personal environment, and are very customer focused. They will ensure you are well looked after; will learn exactly how to make "your" coffee just the way you like it; and can provide advice and help on homewares, gifts and plants as you need it.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Verde. Once you've been here you'll see why Verde is one of Takapuna's favourite little retreats.
