Opensouls, one of my favourite bands in the whole world, played their final show last Sunday. It was at Leigh Sawmill Cafe which is about an hour drive north. So we made an afternoon of it and packed the van with some friends. Clinging on to the last threads of summer, we visited the beach by Goat Island for a swim and a snorkel. It was a beautiful day in Auckland but as we drove north, the skies turned grey and by the time we’d finished swimming and snorkeling, it was pelting down.

Swimming and snorkeling are a surefire way to work up an appetite and with Leigh Sawmill closed until 4pm for set up and every single shop in Leigh closed on a Sunday afternoon, we were forced to drive to Matakana for a munch.

Matakana is pretty gourmet as far as small towns go and I realised I’d never been there before. They have a highly rated farmers market which I do hope to visit another time. As we drove down the main street of Matakana, I recognised lots of businesses that I’ve designed for so that was pretty cool. We chose an authentic looking pub called Matakana House – a big old wooden building that looked like it had seen some history.

For $18 I got a bangin fish burger, chips and a beer.

The Koala and A.

Me and The Koala. Yes, he is a fast drinker.

L and her fancy chick peas.

Delivering the goods.

The money shot!

The burgers set us up well for more beer at Leigh Sawmill Cafe. The show was a sell out success and it was good to catch up with some familiar faces and have good old boogie. I will miss you Opensouls!