The Strand Café was originally called Milk Café, but was rebranded and taken over in October last year. At the helm is Natasha Macindoe and partner Roy Bell. It is their third café, previously owning The Grassy Knoll in Shortland Street. Macindoe studied a business degree, while Bell lived in Sydney worked for big coffee company. They wanted to open up in the city.
“Parnell has new hospitality ventures and lots of creative people,” Macindoe said.
The team consists of three front of house and six in the kitchen. Petra Galler is the head chef, having come from Little Bird. Macindoe and Bell designed the menu with Galler, which is in the process of changing. Macindoe says the most popular dish consists of The Midnight Baker bread with artichoke dip, organic feta and organic greens, and says the crispy chicken skin sandwich is a “big hit”. Being inside a commercial building, café staff become quite friendly with customers and a number of functions are held in the space. The roof also opens up in summer. The theme is classical, smart and relaxed.
The Strand Cafe
