Soul is always in style

Other

14 Aug, 2016 05:00 PM3 mins to read

When it comes to serving celebrities, staff at Soul Bar and Bistro at Auckland's Viaduct have seen their fair share of famous faces.

Beyonce and Jay-Z once popped in for brunch, while Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, comedian Russell Brand, Anthony Hopkins and Bono have also sat by the water at Soul's famous terrace.

"There's been so many big names," laughs Olivia Carter, commercial and events manager at Soul Bar. "We know to leave them alone. They are there to relax and staff never ask them for autographs or interrupt them."

Still, catching a glimpse of Beyonce and Jay-Z casually enjoying a glass of wine is not something you expect to see when you're out to lunch in Auckland.

"Their people had called ahead and said there were some big names coming, but we didn't know exactly who, so the intrigue was building," says Olivia.

"Beyonce was very polite and lovely. They came in on a particularly packed Friday, and people did a double-take as they went past. I think everyone was a bit star struck!"

After 15 years of serving everyone from Hollywood stars to local regulars, Soul Bar owner Judith Tabron decided the much-loved restaurant could do with a revamp.

Following a three-week closure for extensive renovations, the bar has recently reopened, and visitors will find a brand new interior featuring an opulent blue colour scheme with stylish chrome accents.

Higher ceilings make the space feel larger, and seafood fans will be in their element with the addition of an oyster bar.

But it's not just the colour scheme that's had a makeover, the menu has been refreshed, too.

"We like to have a seasonal menu," says Olivia. "Although some things have changed, we've still kept some of our most popular dishes."

Firm favourites include the salt and pepper squid, which is so popular with Soul Bar diners that the staff serve up about 400 of the dishes each week. The much-requested whitebait and scampi also have a spot on the new menu, alongside all the fresh, local produce the restaurant is well-known for.

And with events like the Yvonne Bennetti fashion show, as well as specials galore throughout Restaurant Month, there's always plenty going on, regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

"The terrace really is for all weather," says Olivia. "We've got all the heaters on, and it's closed off from the wind. There's also the fireplace by the bar, where you can sit and enjoy a drink in winter."

And who knows, you just might find yourself at a table next door to some of Hollywood's elite. But then again, you may be too busy enjoying the salt and pepper squid to even notice.

Soul Bar & Bistro, Viaduct Harbour.
To book call (09) 356 7249.

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