Citizen Park is a fabulous Friday nighter. Photo / Michael Craig
Address: 424 New North Rd, Kingsland
Phone: (09) 846 4964
I didn't know this was here, to be honest. Usually, when I come out of Kingsland station, I tend to turn left out of habit, since that is where the bars and restaurants mostly are, but someone suggested we meet here and so we did.
I can tell you that
the difference between a midweek afternoon and a Friday evening is huge. On the Tuesday, I wandered into a deserted main dining area and stood at the bar, whistling for quite some time until the bartender in the outdoor area yelled in to me that if I wanted serving I'd best head out there. I must point out that she wasn't rude, but it's a long time since anyone shouted across a bar and called that service.
Anyway, outside was a lovely little spot, with plenty of open air under the retractable roof and plenty of heaters, too, in view of the encroaching winter. The beer was fine - the addition of bottled versions of the Monteiths Brewer's range was nice - but ruined slightly by being served in plastic glasses. It was a fine place for an afternoon catch-up, but no more.
However, when I went back on a Friday evening, I was taken aback, not only by the huge crowd of diners and drinkers, but by the level of service. A table was found for us, we were seated swiftly and served, and staff constantly dropped by to check if we needed anything. It wasn't just us, either; other tables were getting the same service.
