7 Fresh New Finds in Hastings & Havelock North

Founded by Emilie Fountaine, Pom Pom Florals is a joyful flower shop located on the main street of Hastings. Inspired by French gardens, Emilie turned her passion for flowers into a full-time business, opening her retail space in late 2023. The beautifully designed store features deep pink walls, arched accents, and unique timber furnishings crafted by her husband.

The shop offers a mix of pre-made bouquets and custom arrangements for big and small occasions, using fresh and dried blooms that prioritise local gardens wherever possible. Pom Pom also showcases a curated selection of artisan gifts as well as local wine and spirits, making it so much more than just a florist.

Bringing a fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine to Heretaunga Street East, Chris Whyte and Fiona Le opened OTT in the City in 2023. Born from their love for Asian flavours, the couple launched this venture while rebuilding their original restaurant, Off The Track, after a fire devastated the site.

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, OTT offers creative twists on brunch classics, like miso hollandaise on eggs benny, and traditional Vietnamese favourites such as bánh mì and phở. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with a soothing forest green colour scheme and super friendly staff, makes it an inviting spot to enjoy fresh and delicious dishes all day long.

Technically, St Georges Restaurant isn’t a new kid. In fact, it was originally a winery founded well before the turn of the millennium. In 2012, Francky and Kat Godinho took over the restaurant and breathed new life into the space, creating a family-run farm-to-table culinary experience. Fast forward to 2024, and the couple have treated the interior to a new fitout, with plans to extend their garden dining areas further. Trust us, it’s worth booking in for lunch or dinner (or simply a glass of wine) to take in the elegant, contemporary and thoughtfully redesigned space. 

Since opening at the end of 2023, Mijita has been providing non-stop fun and flavour. Nestled down a laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North, this Latin American restaurant is as authentic as they come. Mijita is all about social dining, with a tapas-style menu designed to share between friends and family. Feast on familiar favourites like tacos and ceviche, and meet traditional dishes you’re bound to get on with immediately. Add in punchy cocktails and a lively atmosphere drenched in colour, and it’s impossible to not enjoy yourself.

This stylish modern cafe is quickly becoming a beloved spot in Hastings for great coffee and a well-crafted brunch and lunch menu. Located in the historic Power Station building, Rosina opened in April 2024 in what used to be the home of Opera Kitchen – big shoes that they’ve filled with impressive ease. The high ceilings, arched windows and serene sky-blue palette creates a beautiful space for locals to pop in for a coffee and baked treat on the go, or take a seat and be served plates of brown butter crumpets, milk toast (almost too pretty to eat), crispy chicken sandwiches and more. If the day calls for it, there’s also craft beer, organic and natural wines on tap and – perhaps our favourite part – espresso martinis on tap.

Known for their textbook loaves of sourdough and flaky pastries that will take you straight to the streets of Paris, Ya Bon has been serving up the finest baked goods in Hawke’s Bay for years now. In 2024, they seized an opportunity to move into a new home, creating a delicious destination that truly embodies their culinary identity. You’ll find the bread and buttery delights you know and love, as well as an offering of Allpress coffee, fresh sandwiches and salads, and a menu of small plates that hero local ingredients. 

A haven for luxury fashion enthusiasts, MUSE expanded from its Auckland boutiques in Newmarket and Ponsonby to a stunning new location in Havelock North in 2023. The space features high ceilings, arched windows, and a blend of natural materials, creating an elevated yet warm and welcoming shopping environment. Renowned for its curated selection of high-end brands – from Anine Bing to Victoria Beckham – it’s all about finding timeless investment pieces that you’ll love for a long time.