COVER STORY: THE CURIOUS AF BOTTLE STORE

ANOTHER EXCITING AF NEW ZEALAND FIRST, RIGHT HERE IN PONSONBY

Introducing the Curious AF Bottle Shop, New Zealand’s first permanent alcohol-free bottle shop, proudly brought to you by AF Drinks.

Following the success of the AF pop-up bottle shop which opened in Ponsonby Central during July this year, The Curious AF Bottle Shop will be the only bricks and mortar retail space in the country that’s solely dedicated to selling alcohol-free drinks.

We talked to Lisa King, AF founder about this bold move. Lisa shares: “We were blown away by the success of our AF popup shop in July. We gave people a unique, interactive space to discover what AF Drinks and the sober-curious movement had to offer, and the positive feedback was overwhelming.

“With over 2000 people through the doors, including Ponsonby locals, Aucklanders, and many who had travelled from out of town, we sold out of many product lines and received an incredible number of requests to make the popup permanent. So, four months later, here we are, proudly set up in our new permanent shop on Crummer Road.”

Visitors to The Curious AF Bottle Shop can expect to be taken on a curated experience of discovery and exploration. The beautiful new store designed by Wonder Group, features a gallery-inspired installation of AF cans and dedicated sampling space. Shoppers can discover, try, and buy some of the finest alcohol-free offerings the world has to offer.

The Curious AF Bottle Shop sells the full range of sophisticated AF pre-mixed cocktails, alongside a hand-picked selection of other non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits from around the globe, not to mention everything you need to create beautiful and delicious alcohol-free drinks at home, including specialty ice molds, garnishes, glassware, and accessories.

Lisa explains: “In the essence of keeping things curious AF, the products sold in the shop will be constantly updated – so don’t expect the same offering time and time again. The shop has been designed as a hands-on experience, encouraging shoppers to taste and explore.”

“We are selling Kin Euphorics, a nightcap that helps you relax. This particular product was launched by model, Bella Hadid, and quickly sold out within the first week of our pop up in July. Plus another New Zealand first, we are selling Ghia, an alcohol-free aperitif from the US that has featured in Vogue and Forbes, this is already proving to be very popular!” Lisa continues, “We’re also looking to host a series of unique events in our new space. We are exploring ideas like AF garnishing masterclasses, fun food matching nights and beverage-themed sessions like margarita fiestas and aperitivo evenings.”

Lisa says: “To have our first resident retail space open in time for Christmas is incredible and it speaks volumes as to how much the sober-curious movement has grown in New Zealand. We are so excited to be able to offer Kiwis a unique experience and a better way to shop AF.”

So, whether you are on an AF journey, or looking for some exciting and fun AF alternatives this summer, be sure to visit The Curious AF Bottle Shop, it won’t disappoint.

af-drinks.com

WHAT: The Curious AF Bottle Shop – Permanent Store

WHEN: Monday – Wednesday: 10am - 5pm Thursday – Saturday: 10am - 6pm

WHERE: 5 Crummer Road (cnr Crummer & Vinegar Lane), Ponsonby, Auckland

LOCAL NEWS JASON TROWBRIDGE – THREE DECADES IN REAL ESTATE

It feels like yesterday but here I am three decades later still loving Ponsonby and all the vibrancy it brings. It's hard to think that nobody wanted to buy villas in Ponsonby when prices were $220,000.

The faces have changed, but the magic and energy the area brings to life continues. Ponsonby Road has come a long way from Ivan’s on the corner of Angelsea Street and as the area changes and develops, so do the opportunities for good well located properties. These will always be in hot demand and the long term attraction of this part of the city will always endure.

What are your highlights of 2022? Certainly in the first quarter of 2022 I was delighted to set several new street records for vendor’s in Islington Street. In the last quarter of the year I was fortunate to attend an international sales conference in Istanbul. It was very refreshing to mix with sales people from across the globe after the Covid-19 lockdowns years and it’s great to be part of those referral networks again creating new strategies and energy while continuously learning and fine- tuning our skills.

Are you still working with LJ Hooker? Yes, I have strong ties to L J Hooker. I simply offer a more boutique service and you will see my new marketing material is all in association with the L J Hooker brand. This really is not a change, just a slight brand critique.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Planning the next adventure, whether that’s in New Zealand or abroad, hitting the pool for a swim or the gym, feeling excited as each day creates new challenges which real estate brings. I enjoy being part of the ever changing market and meeting and working with all types of people.

What sort of marketing works best for you and your vendors? I have very strong views around the auction process regardless of market conditions. This is still the best method of being sure you are achieving the very best results for the vendor. How the marketing campaign is managed in the current climate is crucial for success.

What do you recommend vendors do to prepare their homes for sale? Every home is so uniquely different and there is no one size fits all answer here. If it’s an older home, a house-wash and organic spray is always a great way to freshen the property up. Furniture staging will add massive appeal should the house be empty.

Any testimonials you’d like to share? The best! Jason was absolutely wonderful from start to finish; he made the entire process incredibly easy. His vast experience came through at every stage and his confidence and excellent communication meant there was no stress involved at our end. I would recommend Jason to anyone in the area. A rare trustworthy and professional gem to deal with. Vendor: 37 Islington Street, Ponsonby. 6/11/22.

Favourite local cafe and restaurant? I would have to say Gusto Italiano. This restaurant is always a great escape. Their live opera night is a fabulous monthly event. Armando and his team are always friendly, upbeat and they serve great authentic food. Coffee at Dizzy’s has been my go-to place for the last 20 plus years.

JASON TROWBRIDGE, T: 021 358 888, jtowbridge.ponsonby@ljhooker.co.nz