LET’S MEET AT KIN
WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOS Joshua Brosnahan and John Cowie
Nestled beside the Ballantynes Pantry on the first floor is Kin, an urban oasis of sorts. The restaurant and bar evoke the truest sense of the department store, carrying tradition yet firmly looking toward the future, all the while, serving excellent food and drink.
The light-filled atrium styled space opened in 2019 and is a fresh bistro environment with a European feel. There are pops of green, sleek tiling, and natural light pours in through an expansive sky light. In adhering to its name, Kin is the perfect place to meet friends and family.
“Kin is a character you associate with family, kindred people, connection, a place to share; [to] get together. Kin bistro and wine bar is a place that provides the opportunity for our patrons to enjoy such an experience,” hospitality manager Helen Kraal says.
The core values of Ballantynes echo throughout its hospitality sector, and it continues to offer its more traditional stalwarts by way of its renowned Tea Rooms – club sandwiches and high teas. Kin provides a modern style of food with wine bar options.
“From your morning takeaway coffee, corporate morning tea meeting, brunch, lunch, afternoon sweet treat, glass of bubbles mid-shopping, Kin caters for all eventualities. [It’s a] one-stop hospitality shop!”
With a close eye on local, the menu changes regularly and is designed with uniqueness in mind with such delights like the perfect Fish and Chips, Lamington French Toast, Cypriot Haloumi Salad, and the creamiest Avo Smash, among others.
“The menu is a team effort, changing quarterly. Available throughout the day, it offers great flexibility to our guests. Dishes from the new menu have been well received and showcase the chef’s creativity.”
So far, the public reception has been overwhelmingly positive for the bistro. Helen says that new faces and loyal customers are appreciating the fresh options.
“[There has been], noticeably, visitors from out of town, who see and appreciate the changes and vision for the first time. Local clientele are also very at home in Kin, regulars returning with family and friends.”
There are also exciting times ahead for Kin.
“Looking toward the future, the availability of the space for functions will be expanded. Going forward, we will be expanding the function side of the business. Kin and the Wine Bar have extremely versatile footprints, adaptable to host a variety of events in both formality and size,” Helen says.
The first in its series of Breakfast Clubs will take place this month, followed by the launch of the ‘Gin Hour’ on 29 May – a chance to sample and talk over some of the best local and international gins with a good group of friends, while making new ones.