Mt Eden Station’s Newest Neighbour

This month we spoke to one of Mt Eden Station’s newest neighbours, Kind Stranger. The café owned and operated by Mate Vella opened last month in the Eden Terrace neighbourhood. The café offers up a warm and friendly atmosphere, great Flight Coffee and delicious treats.

We asked Mate a few questions:

What made you want to open a coffee shop?

Opening a coffee shop or some sort of space has always been something I have wanted to do. After coming back from London last year, I worked at Crumb in Grey Lynn for six months where I was taught a whole lot, before jetting off to Eden Terrace.

Where did the name ‘Kind Stranger’ come from?

The name Kind Stranger sort of encapsulates what, for me, it means to be a barista. I’m always here to chat, as much or as little as, the customer wants. If someone wants to have a conversation, I’m all ears.

What has been most popular choice of food so far?

Most definitely the Reuben brioche bun or the vegan Ginger Kiss baked by Neat Cakes. If you like black coffee come in and try one of Flight Coffee’s delicious single origin filter brews.

What does the future have in store for Kind Stranger?

Keep an eye out on our Instagram, kindstrangercafe, for upcoming events outside of café hours. I have a lot of awesome collabs planned for the end of the year, so stay tuned!

How have you found being next-door to the CRL works in Mt Eden?

It’s all been relatively stress free. The workers have been really nice, it’s great to have a place where we can all come in and share information about upcoming parts of the project and any issues.

 

Address:  

66 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1021

Monday to Friday: 7am-3pm

Saturday & Sunday: 8am-2pm