Aug 20, 2018 Cafes
The owner of The Jefferson takes over cafe-bar Imperial Lane and gives it a refresh.
Yudilevich, with help from Paul Izzard Design, has accentuated the grand, retro bones of the original heritage building – restored by Fearon Hay in 2011 – by updating only the bar and decor to retain the industrial warehouse vibe. Hints of the building’s previous life as a theatre house, the sloping floor and cavernously high ceilings in what used to be the foyer, remain.
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Yudilevich also owns neighbouring bar, The Jefferson. He says taking over the Imperial Lane space, just upstairs (or up-ramp), was a natural extension. But unlike The Jefferson’s cave-like underground secrecy, Imperial Lane is set street-side, acting as a thoroughfare between bustling Queen Street and shared-space Fort Lane.
The space has always been informal, lending itself to beer drinking and platter eating in the sun which streams in from the garage-style door on the Fort Lane side. There are a range of platters sized for groups from 2 to 4 people. Ofir recommends the potted shrimps that are part of the seafood version – small shrimp cooked in butter.
I say beer in the sun, but that beer could just as easily be champagne with brunch from the Lane’s ever-changing breakfast and lunch buffet while you people-watch. The buffet is well stocked and continually changing, complete with a selection of salads, breads, meats and pastries. The bar is also just as well stocked – with a dedicated staff to serve you up whatever concoction you need – or just a really decent wine.
And the coffee? It’s supplied by Red Rabbit , a boutique Parnell-based roastery that takes coffee seriously. Yudilevich is serving their futuristically brewed coffee – ground for exactly 26 seconds for optimum texture.
Open Monday to Saturday, 8 am till late.
Imperial Lane
7 Fort Lane
Central city
@imperial_lane
