• Howick and Pakuranga Times

Sixties retro style, Kiwiana décor and a name straight from the cafe scene of Budapest – it’s a mix that works and works well.

So what am I talking about? Szimpla Gastrobar, of course, which is making its presence felt within the airport community where it is on a flight path to success after lift-off recently.

Strangely it’s not long since I criticised the standard of food and the lack of decent dining at Auckland International Airport. However, I’ve changed my tune. Although, to be fair, Szimpla is not inside the Airport complex. It’s located underneath the new Formule 1 Hotel just off George Bolt Drive near The Warehouse and shopping precinct.

It is easy to access, has plenty of parking and is just a stone’s throw from both domestic and international terminals.

From the family stable which gave Auckland (and beyond) the Cock and Bull taverns, Szimpla is a far cry from those rustic, English-style pubs.

What’s more, its management is firmly in the hand of one of the younger family members, Tash Borland, who has given up the London life she lived and loved for five years to invest in the new bar and ensure it remains airborne.

And what a great venue Tasha and her team have created. You just have to see the 1960s Kiwi living room where it’s all too easy to sit back, relax, enjoy a drink, chat with friends and feel like you’re not far from the family home of yesteryear or perhaps the student flat of today albeit with a few more niceties.

It’s hard not to like the array of light fittings, very comfy armchairs, bold patterned cushions, china teapots, floral emphasis (including pohutukawa), vases, vinyl, rugs, books, souvenir tea-towels and a clever use of timber posts.

There’s been a variety of interpretations on the latter – from down on the farm fencing to palisades for a Maori pa (very appropriate considering the area’s history).

Yep, there’s lots to like; even the mix of tables – one big enough for a business group of say 12 but plenty for couples and small groups too. And outside there’s more to see.