From secret coffee spots to award-winning galleries, Hamilton's hidden laneways are buzzing with urban charm.
One of the joys in exploring a city is finding spaces and places that appear off the main streets, often characterised as laneways.
Casabella Lane and Racquet Lane were described in my last column but Hamilton’s central city boasts two others that are also worthy of exploration: Bucks Way also off Barton St, and Riverbank Lane off Victoria St.Bucks Way is a laneway between Barton and Victoria streets alongside the Wilson’s car park, which is also home to the food truck markets on a Friday night.Bucks Way has a tenancy that is famous in the central city – Rocket Coffee.
Founded by the two Glens back in 1995, Rocket Coffee roastery proffers Rocket café, an absolute destination for Hamilton coffee drinkers since its establishment there in 2007.With a cute little courtyard and some rustic home-made furniture, nothing beats sitting outdoors and sipping coffee on a sunny day.
Tucked away in the corner of the Lane in a stylish, modernised space there is business consultancy firm Argon & Co, and right next door is the award-winning Lab Brow – what they can do to eyebrows is nothing short of science.Taking up the corner spot on the lane and round onto Barton St is another award-winning business, Soul Gallery, with their beautiful gallery space featuring local artists.
Riverbank Lane down off Victoria St, was a shopping paradise in the CBD back in the 1970s and 80s, known at that time as Riverbank Mall. After spending more than a decade as an unloved space, Matt Stark bought the laneway in 2014 and along with architects Edwards White he revitalised the space into a destination that has gone on to win multiple awards.
This is a city go-to area that impresses locals and visitors alike. Café Kopi sits on the corner, hosting many a central city worker Monday to Friday, for those looking for their coffee fix, some time out, or simply a cool meeting space.
Next door is Browsers Bookshop, a fabulous retail store famous for not just the excellent second-hand books on offer but also for its beautiful interior featuring a floor-to-ceiling bookcase and fun area especially for kids. The next three tenancies down the lane are all recent additions: Hema Barbershop offering fades and more; Rudi’s Bakery originally made famous in Whangamata, has brought its baked delights to Hamilton and the newly opened Sip & Sew, a place where you can learn the art of sewing while enjoying a beverage.
Rounding off the Riverbank Lane is another award-winning offering – Mr Pickles, where you can enjoy an extensive food and wine menu with the ambience of a magical river setting or simply enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day.If you would like to see more visit Lovethecentre on TikTok or lovethecentre.co.nz.
Image credit: Neat Places
