Red Earth Eatery and Wine Bar

Despite its large population and busy urban centre, Papakura has been lacking the restaurant experience found so often in the city centre. The owners decided to open red earth eatery & wine bar. The name itself takes inspiration from its location, with Papakura literally translating to ‘red earth’ in English.
Taking over the lease at 255 Great South Road, they found a building steeped in local history. Originally built in 1925 by W. S. McIlraith, it has served many purposes over the years.The owners conducted a thorough demolition over the past six months, stripping the walls back to the beautiful red brick referenced in the new business’ name.
A purpose built space, the interior combines warm wood, polished metal and funky light fixtures. A variety of seating is available, from booths to leaner tables. The couple built most of the fixtures themselves, with the tables and gorgeous kauri bar being upcycled from wood found in the building and other local sources. A custom wine rack is a great focal point, as are the carbon filament light bulbs.
Alongside a wide range of local and imported wines, red earth has Boundary Road brews on tap, as well as a selection of bottled beers and non-alcoholic options. red earth will specialise in tapas, or plates to share, with options reflecting the chef’s mixed culinary heritage and the owner’s experienced palates. The house specialty is cataplana, a seafood meal served in a beautiful copper dish that gives it its name. Main plates and desserts will also be on offer. An emphasis has been placed on sourcing local, fresh ingredients, such as Clevedon oysters.

The eatery will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.