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gigs Archives - Epsom Motel

Dec 19
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What’s On: Auckland January

By | Activities, food & Drink, Nightlife | No Comments

The cold weather is well behind us, the sun is out, the holidays are booked and if you are heading to stay with us across January you are in for a bevy of shows, theatre and summer concerts!

Here’s what’s on this month:

Pop Up Globe: The Taming of the Shrew & Richard III

The Pop-Up globe 2019 season continues with two Shakespeare classics including The Taming of The Shrew which promises to transport you four hundred years into the past to tell the tale of an intelligent, outspoken, wealthy woman and a rude, misogynistic drunkard determined to secure his fortune, who are misled into a hasty marriage. Richard III is the classic Shakespeare villain tale of Richard Duke of Gloucester, who plays upon his own reputation and shamelessly manipulates, extorts and executes his way to the top.

Performed in stunning Jacobean period dress, the Somerset’s Company are Pop-up Globe’s mixed company of actors and musicians, drawn from around the world, these shows are an annual treat and tend to sell out fast, so get in quick to secure your spot!

New Year’s Day Races

See in the new year with some fancy dress and a day in the sun at the races! This annual tradition continues in 2019 with a winning trifecta of high-class thoroughbred racing, free family entertainment & tradition. The young ones will enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and other activities on offer, while older patrons can relax with a picnic blanket, food, and drinks.

Fomo By Night

The huge Australian summer festival finally lands on our shores this month, toting a stellar line up that includes Nicki Minaj, Lil Pump, Mura Masa, Kali Uchis, San Holo, Montell2099 and The Katayanagi Twins. This all-ages show at Spark Arena promises to mix international and local acts for an unforgettable night to start the summer off right.

Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals

After winning over crowds at last year’s Laneway Festival, Anderson .Paak returns to New Zealand hot off the heels of his hugely anticipated third album .Paak will be joined by Grammy-nominated composer, instrumentalist, producer, vocalist, poet and frontwoman of neo-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote. .Paaks 2018 sold out, so you’ll want to get in quick if you want to catch the man in action!

Florence + The Machine

Heralded as one of the best live performers, Florence + The Machine will return to New Zealand next January for one powerhouse performance at Spark Arena. The tour is supporting the singers latest offering, High As Hope, which has been met with rave reviews, she will be performing the album along with fan favorites at what will surely be a sell-out show.

Nov 19
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Exploring St. Kevins Arcade

By | Activities, day trips, food & Drink, Nightlife | No Comments

The crown jewel of K Road is St. Kevin’s Arcade which is packed with some of Auckland’s most popular bars, shops, and restaurants. The Arcade started out as a large estate, occupied by the Nathan family until 1918 and then demolished in 1920. Before the Nathan family vacated their city abode, they gifted a strip of land to serve as a passage from K’ Road to Myers Park, and this strip of land is where the famous St Kevin’s Arcade sits today.

The Arcade has grown since, after being extended in 1926, and with a thriving economy, K’road became one of Auckland’s premier shopping destination, often compared to Oxford Street in London. During this time of flourishment, St Kevin’s Arcade was home to the best of Auckland’s Tailors and Dressmakers, tea rooms and photography studios.

But with the introduction of the inner-city motorway and suburban malls in the 1960’s K’ Road and the surrounding area lost its appeal. But today, with more people living central, and the inner city reclaiming its vibrancy, St. Kevin’s arcade has become a staple for entertainment, food and shopping, especially for young people.

Shops in the arcade include the vintage denim bar, Stalgic Society, where you can choose from a large selection of on-trend vintage brands such as Calvin Klein, Gas, Wrangler, Tommy Hilfiger, GUESS and more. Then become your own designer and choose how store-owner Sarah will spice up your new love-worn threads with patches, crops, cuts, frays and other distressing techniques. If you are lucky you’ll catch Stalgic during one of their host guest artist’s sessions, to further personalise your jeans.

You can also book a nice Swedish relaxation and deep-tissue massage at Nicetouch, pick up a book from the hand-picked collection of quality second-hand books at The Green Dolphin, or pick-up a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your day from rose-tinted flowers.

If all that shopping works up an appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice for food at St. Kevins, with highlights being Lord of the Fries, an ethical, fast food friend that specialises in Burgers, hot dogs, fries, sides, shakes and more. Dive into some Lebanese food at Gemmayze St with some local décor that matches the food, if you are on the go, pick up some tasty treats from Auckland’s favourite family-owned bakery Tart. If you want to dive into some eggy goodness, try the selection on offer at Egg and Spoon, an eatery solely dedicated to the humble egg – the brekkie burger is a local favourite.

The nightlife is also alive in this tiny nook, Both Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar offer a range of local craft beers and wine, and usually, have local and international acts gracing their stage with a wide range of music.

So if you are heading into the city, be sure to find some time to check out this local favourite and find out why some of the best-kept secrets are worth finding.