1st Edition: MELBA Journal - Local Legacy
Local Legacy
Welcome to our first Blog, an introduction to the MELBA Story. Over the coming months we here at MELBA, would like to share what makes us special. What better place to start then with the values we hold strong. This is a story about the development of our cafes around Auckland, all embodying the same set of values and ethos, and all celebrating their own local identity.
It was recognised early on, that one thing that makes each MELBA unique, is their individual local legacy. A ‘cookie cutter café’ would have been easy to roll out across Auckland, however it would not reflect the community, and it would not have a special comfort that only comes from knowing what local customers crave from their chosen café. We were determined that each MELBA would have its own local identity, design, menu and essence that would embody the spirit of the local community in which it inhabits.
The first MELBA on Vulcan Lane was established in 1995. It is a small space, with a bustling atmosphere of corporate and retail customers who pop in throughout the day. Warm, efficient and familiar service ensures that we can deliver with speed and quality in an iconic 100 year old building in the famous laneways. The Art deco motif was developed here to recognise the original curved window details of the front façade. With a tiny interior, each centimetre of the space is designed to maximise customer comfort, alongside efficient service and much needed storage.
MELBA Ellerslie is nestled in the heart of the Ellerslie Village, and has remained a staple to the local residents, as other businesses along the strip have come and gone. There is a true warmth to the space, and the regular customers have a strong connection to the team. Comfort is important here, and is reflected in the hearty cabinet offerings, delicious menu and indoor and outdoor seating options.
MELBA Victoria Street has been an integral amenity to the Spark building. This café serviced the building from the beginning, and grew as the business centre filled up. Boasting two coffee machines to service the café as well as takeaway customers. To compliment the café, catering is a huge offering to the business within the local area as well as clients outside the CBD who benefit from excellent selection that can be delivered straight to their office or function space. This corporate efficiency meets the demands of those within the business vicinity, as well as catering beyond the city zone.
MELBA Queen Street is situated on the busy retail street front. But inside the coffee bar is corporate and sophisticated with high end soft tan leather, marble and beautiful furniture. This is the perfect corporate café for the AMP building, as well as for any busy business customer walking off the street looking for a peaceful spot to work or have a meeting.
MELBA Manukau is a glorious 160 seat café which is open day and night in the heart of Manukau’s shopping, student and business hub. The kitchen pumps in this space and works tirelessly to keep up with the local demand for contemporary café cuisine. There is a true celebration of international influences in the cafe cuisine, as well as showcasing some New Zealand foodie favourites. The woven motif for this location represents the coming together with the local community, and the celebration of the cultural diversity present amongst the staff and the customers.
MELBA Hillsborough is nestled amongst the local Hillsborough community and the café is designed to represent a local bungalow. Popular throughout the neighbourhood, the support is present from the local schools, residents and nearby sports facilities. The warm blue interior and brightness from natural light creates a space where visitors want to stay for a while, catchup with friends, spending leisured time as you would in a friends home. The bungalow motif represents a classic homely exterior and inside the café is warm and friendly.
MELBA Albert St in the ANZ tower is perfectly appointed for the busy corporate customer. A vibrant space filled with business meetings, conference breaks or just a quiet space for a refreshment. A simple motif to represent the tower is all that is needed here, as the staff create the local identity, catering to the regular customers through their knowledge and attention to detail.
The newest addition to the MELBA family is Lunn Ave looking over Stonefields and Mt Wellington further behind. MELBA Lunn Ave is a warm and inviting space of beautiful soft furnishings as well as an innovative barista station and counter. This cafe is designed to cater to everyone in the group. It is a family friendly space featuring in house baking, and well curated menus for adults and children. The backdrop to the outdoor cafe space is represented in the store motif. With colours of clay and earth, the design here is a natural outline to represent Mt Wellington and the underground layers of the local quarry.
We believe that the colour, feel and uniqueness needs to be celebrated. In a world full of black and white its nice to have some colour in your day. So Eat, Drink and Enjoy your local MELBA.
