This ad was published in Junction Magazine.
Auckland, New Zealand (2024)
Photos: © 2024 Lorraine Olivia Hamberger.
A Cafe For Cozy Essentials
Mangawhai Heads’ newest kid on the block offers a fresh take on your everyday coffee run. Located on Wood Street, TOAST brings a burst of colour and greenery to this well-known corner of town.
It’s hard not to take a second look when passing the bright orange and green café featuring lush potted plants, coffee table books, candles, and coffee beans. With a modern touch screen that lets you quickly put in your order and run, you could certainly be on your way in an instant. But, something about the inviting atmosphere draws many spectators inside to be enveloped in the smell of fresh Havanna coffee beans and the comfort of plants and books.
The menu is simple yet satisfying. The crew at TOAST focuses their energy on quality offerings that will hit the spot. Get a much-needed caffeine boost with their classic coffee menu, featuring a full-bodied roast with hints of caramel from Wellington’s Havanna Coffee Works. Each cup packs a punch, so if you like strong coffee that doesn’t hide from flavour, you’ll savour every sip.
The name TOAST doesn’t just refer to that elated feeling when you’re about to drink a cup of coffee, but the food fare as well. Toasties are the name of the game for this cosy hub, providing an easy and filling option for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy a range of flavours with their classic lineup: Ham & Swiss, Italian Prosciutto, Triple Cheese, Buffalo Chicken, Korean Corn, Tuna Melt, and, of course, a couple of options for the kids.
TOAST also features a sandwich of the week, giving patrons something different to try and the opportunity for the crew to experiment with delicious new flavours and combinations. Previous weekly debuts include a cranberry, chicken, and brie toastie as well as a Mexican-inspired toastie with refried beans, chorizo, jalapeños, guacamole, and coriander. Oh, and don’t forget the cheese!
Creative Director Maria Hull and General Manager Louisa Lee led the design and execution of the space, collaborating with local craftsmen to bring the branding to life in store. With two-hour lines frequenting Mangawhai Heads each summer, the need for another takeaway spot felt glaring. Honouring the previous beloved deli, the team wanted to offer something other than pies for the lunchtime rush, giving locals more options in the small Wood St square.
The decision to lean towards a modern setup was inspired by the necessity for locals and visitors to have quick and efficient options in town without forgoing quality. By ordering on screen, the crew is able to put their full attention into crafting each order and chatting with patrons about the stuff that matters ‒ a trade that feels fitting for a bustling small town.