END OF A LOCAL AND A-LIST FAVOURITE
One of Parnell’s most vibrant institutions, 46 & York will not be opening when we go into Level2.
Owner Dana Johnston says the decision to place the establishment into liquidation has not been made lightly and like many in hospitality the squeeze has been tough.
The cumulative effect of the seasonal downturn of winter after lockdown and uncertain economic times are some of the factors that made Johnston conclude that the prudent and responsible thing to do, for all of those affected, such as the staff and the creditors, was to make the humbling decision to hand the business over to the liquidator.
“Six years of blood, sweat and tears went into 46 & York, Johnston tells Spy. “I loved the business and what it offered, particularly to my locals. The decision was certainly an emotional one and one I believe to have been a last resort, but ultimately — it’s the right one.”
And what a six years it has been. Famous faces have enjoyed the trendy bar and restaurant. The photo gallery on the stairs had many well-known about-towners, including former Prime Minister Sir John Key. Johnston includes the many friends and families, special parties, the election night of President Trump, the annual polo after-parties and the annual 46 birthday party, as memories that are everlasting, especially the memories from the Rugby World Cup win in 2015.
“It was a place where people across all demographics came to sit in the sunshine, relax and celebrate,” he says.
Johnston hopes the red-brick building goes to someone in hospitality and that they ensure quality food and beverage is on offer and the locals are looked after.
“Whether it be to further develop the 46 & York brand or create their own, Parnell deserves its own experienced operator and institution,” he says.
Johnston is still the proud owner of Pineapple Bar which is up the road from 46, on Parnell Rise and, with his business partners, is working to ensure the beautiful cocktail bar will come back stronger, energised and evolved. He is working closely with all their suppliers, whom he says have looked after them generously throughout the years.
We are sure all of his locals from both venues will be back when they can to toast him. lockdown, so I am hoping to go and visit in Level 2,” says Hall.
Westside’s David de Lautour is of showbiz likeminds when it comes to getting to work.
“We’re halfway through shooting the final season of Westside Season 6 and can’t wait to show NZ how the West family saga ends . . . before it begins again 15 years later,” says de Lautour.
His daughter-in-law on Westside, Cheryl, played by
Jessica Grace Smith, longs to drive to the beach and jump in the sea, whatever the weather, while their co-star Sophie Hambleton can’t wait to get back to Level 1 where she can hug her friends.
“Big. Long. Hugs. I want to cuddle all the babies again and then I will take my boyfriend out for dinner,” says Hambleton.
Former Shortland Street star Amelia Reid-Meredith and her young family have become homeless after Covid put their move to Australia on the back burner. Instead, when restrictions allow, they are planning to travel around the country and have adventures in Aotearoa instead of looking overseas.
Comedian Guy Williams, who has been House Party-ing with Dai Henwood on Three is craving contact sport.
“I play basketball, and organise a weekly football game. I’m not sure if those are allowed under Level 2 distancing, so I’ll accept tennis? Frisbee? Quidditch? I just enjoy running around in the mud with some mates really,” says Williams.
Social media mega star Jimi Jackson is looking forward to filming his hilarious skits in locations other than his home. He’s also looking forward to doing a socially distanced “Maccas run” with his homies.
Radio veteran Robert Scott wants to get to a (smallish) live gig again.
“NZ musos . . . anybody. They and their crews have been hurting as well, so once they can have an audience back, I will be in that audience,” says Scott.
The day New Zealand is scheduled to reopen, May 12, will be the 48th birthday of media personality Colin Mathura-Jeffree.
“I’ll celebrate cautiously, respectfully but deliciously," he says. "I’ll pre-order cake from that fabulous patisserie, Vaniye in Parnell, and pop lots of bottles of bubbles from No. 1 Family Estate with my long lost family and friends. I am choosing Kiwi brands, as we need to focus on supporting New Zealand.”
'Six years of blood, sweat and tears went into 46 & York.'