The Grafton Bridge, Park Rd Shops & Hum Cafe - Grafton, Auckland

During my first year The Grafton Bridge was my main way of getting to Uni, because I used to have a bike and this is the easiest and fastest way to get to class without having to strain myself uphills.

Back then (which was about 2 years ago) the bridge was hardly recognizable due to construction works, but now, tadaaa~~

Big, bold, beautiful! That's what it is

And back then, Park Rd was merely a road people have to use to get to the hospital, and there were less than 10 shops active with even less people walking around. 

I used to have a hard time trying to get coffee because there were hardly any that was open on weekends (and there were only three there at the time).

But now, after the construction works were done, the road flourished. There's even an ATM machine there now! Which is very useful for students living nearby as the nearest bank is like at least 15 minutes-walk away.

And then there's this new, fabulous cafe.

Hum.

The cafe used the old Victorian-Edwardian Villa situated at the corner of the bridge and Grafton Road. 

I've always loved looking at this villa (or maybe 'house', I dunno). 

I used to live in the opposite Uni accommodation and I could see the villa clearly through my bedroom window.

And there was always that talk between us classmates to rent the place and live in it together, the ten of us. 

But apart from myself, everybody else thought the place was creepy....but I really like it!

And I finally got to see what's it like inside, yesterday.

And it was everything I've always imagined!!!

Imagine an ex-fortune teller's house that is also a Victorian museum that smells of fresh coffee and old books.

Nice isn't it? (^ w ^)

From what I've been reading around the net, it seems that the owner wants to renovate the place to make it into a restaurant/cafe kinda thing.

Which is good.

But I like the place the way it is now....minus the scaffolding outside the building of course.

Though a bit unclear here, you can see on the walls in the photo above are artworks and photographs on canvas that seemed to be displayed for sale. I saw some labels with no display, meaning that the canvas has already been removed (maybe someone bought 'em).

The cafe serves delicious Kokako coffee and there are many books around to read while you're enjoying your drink. But the place accepts cash only (maybe because they're still under renovation), but no worries, the ATM machine is just a few walks away. And the owners/barista are really nice (the lady told me yesterday, "you can just come some other time to pay, no worries  :)" when I said I didn't have any cash on me).

They're open till 6 p.m., so if you're around Grafton, make sure to stop by to get a different cafe experience you'll never forget.

(^ w ^)  

p/s: notice that the photos are grainy? I didn't notice that the camera ISO was on 800 at the time.....*sigh*