Weekend Herald

What I’d do

- Goran Paladin

1to

I’m a relatively simple beast when it comes to things

see and do at the weekend. They usually revolve around food, drink, and a decent view. Browns Bay, on the North Shore of Auckland, is a favourite spot of mine. On a sunny day I’ll head to the southern end of the beach and set up camp for a few hours. I’m not a very confident swimmer, so thankfully the water there is calm and not too deep.

2few

Speaking of deep, Deep Creek Brewing Co, just a

metres back from the beach, has seen me walk through its doors more than once or twice over the years, mainly because of the outrageous­ly good barbecue ribs on the menu. A generous helping of ribs, washed down with a Lotus Pale Ale, equals a great end to the weekend in my opinion.

3Birkenhea­d

A spot closer to home that I like to frequent is

Brewing Company. They have what seems to be hundreds of craft beer options, great food, and it’s a nice spot to have a catch up with friends or even play a game of Cards Against Humanity if you’re in the right company.

4

On a Sunday morning, a brisk walk along Takapuna Beach is just the ticket to get the heart rate up. It’s always fun to see everyone out and about, walking dogs, watching the dogs interact with each other and their owners. Once you’ve completed a lap, go for a hot chocolate from the Beach Cafe (I still haven’t upgraded to coffee) and sit on the wall by the carpark overlookin­g the water. I guess the hot chocolate probably negates the walk though, right?

5room.

If I want a test for my brain, I’ll hit up an escape

Escapade in the city is a really decent option, as is Escape Rooms in Takapuna. Go along with a group of mates and it’s hilarious to see how you all operate in that situation channellin­g your inner MacGyver as you attempt to solve riddles and codes, in order to escape the room in the allotted time. Sometimes it can get a little testy when people don’t share the informatio­n they’ve uncovered, but even in the tense environmen­t of an escape room I haven’t lost a friendship yet.

 ??  ?? Goran Paladin hosts DIY series HOMEmade, from Thursday, TVNZ 1, 7.30pm.
Goran Paladin hosts DIY series HOMEmade, from Thursday, TVNZ 1, 7.30pm.

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