Support Local 2024 - The Best of The Best
In 2024 we made it our mission to support local and explore as many of Wellington’s small businesses as possible, whilst sharing it all with you! We popped into cafes for our weekly team meetings, visited interior design stores and ran second-hand styling challenges at local thrift stores, we gave away several vouchers in support local giveaways and even curated our own giveaway of locally made goodies for Christmas!
It’s safe to say, through making an effort to support local in Wellington we discovered a new found passion for just how cool our city is. So, as we get into the groove of 2025 and continue our support local series, we wanted to do a quick round up of our favourite spots that we visited last year. Some of these you may have heard of, some maybe not, but hopefully it’ll help you feel inspired to get out there and explore Welly a bit more this year!
Coffee: Glou Glou
Glou Glou is definitely one of the city’s hidden gems. Nestled just off Courtenay Place at 17a Allen Street, this cafe has it all: good food, excellent coffee and the classy fit-out to match. We thoroughly enjoyed our iced coffees and brunch of poached eggs and a savoury salmon crumpet, so much that we’ve been back since!
Glou Glou is the perfect spot for a Saturday brunch or sweet treat and they offer classic coffees as well as a variety of specialty and very creative cuppas.
Eats: Chan’s Eatery
Chan’s is a family favourite and remains one of our go-to spots when we’re looking for a bite to eat. Sitting on the main drag in Newtown at 170 Riddiford Street, Chan’s Eatery is unassuming from the street, but don’t be fooled by this-their food is some of the best in Newtown.
We are huge fans of their vegan dumplings, doused in soy sauce & chilli oil, they’re so moorish and the perfect light lunch to get you through the day.
Retail: Add+Vintage
Another family favourite, Add+Vintage at 31 Marion Street is a mid-century lover's dream! We’ve found several pieces for our home from Add+Vintage over the years, and most recently a gorgeous mid-century record cabinet that houses our record player and all of our vinyl perfectly.
Add+Vintage not only has plenty of incredible vintage furniture pieces, but they also stock ceramics, light fixtures, kitchenware and nic-nacs. It’s always worth popping into this store, you just never know what you might find…
Ambience: Kind Wish Cafe
Kind Wish Cafe at 86A Upland Road in Kelburn undoubtedly deserved a spot on this list! Not only do they serve fantastic coffee, fresh counter food and tasty breakfast sandwiches, but the ambiance inside is just perfect.
We were huge fans of the unique colour scheme and fit-out of this cafe and as one of the newest spots to open in the Kelburn village, it always attracts plenty of locals in for a coffee and a bite to eat, creating that cosy cafe buzz!
Special Mention: Orange Coffee Shop
We couldn’t create a support local roundup without mentioning Orange Coffee Shop. Located at 268 Cuba Street, this central cafe is one of the most unique spots we came across last year. Their interior is fully decked out in orange themed goodies, giving you plenty to look at while you sip your morning coffee. We also enjoyed one of the tastiest freshly baked tan slices and some cuddles with the resident pooch, Ringo!