It’s all Goode in the hood
Auckland’s popular gastropub Goode Brothers has left the nest to land in Bethlehem. UNO pops in to see what makes it so special.
Goode Brothers has always been about family. It’s right there in the name. Across its four locations in Auckland, the popular gastropub has been a place where you can be equally comfortable having a meal with your loved ones or a night out with your family or friends.
This is why UNO was excited to hear that Goode Brothers had not only welcomed a new addition to their family but that it had also left the Auckland nest.
“We’re super excited to be part of the Bethlehem community,” Jamie Freeman, Goode Brothers’ head of operations enthuses from the freshly opened venue. “We believe Goode Brothers “There’s space for everyone here,” Jamie smiles.
The spot, which was once just a glint in the eye of Goode Brothers’ expansion plans, certainly makes a lasting impression. So much so that it’s already proving itself a welcome addition to the local community’s dining scene.
“It’s really great here,” Jamie continues. “The location is prime, right in the hub of Bethlehem, and this area has so much potential. We believe it aligns perfectly with what we do.”
It’s a busy Saturday afternoon and the buzz is palpable. The bar staff are working the impressive selection of tap beers, which offers both premium and craft, and the sizzle from the open has the potential to become a local favourite, and we're already seeing how the community vibe is shaping up.”
Situated on a prime corner spot in Bethlehem Town Centre, Goode Brothers is hard to miss and ready to welcome you in with open arms. Once inside, it’s spacious and inviting. Like its Auckland siblings, the space has been carefully designed into subtle sections that allow for versatility. You can make yourself at home hosting a family celebration in one of the large booths, enjoy a meal out at one of the stylish dining tables (that along with traditional condiments also comes complete with a pot of fresh basil) or just pop in for a casual drink and a catch-up at one of the high-top areas.
“There’s space for everyone here,” Jamie smiles. The spot, which was once just a glint in the eye of Goode Brothers’ expansion plans, certainly makes a lasting impression. So much so that it’s already proving itself a welcome addition to the local community’s dining scene.
“It’s really great here,” Jamie continues. “The location is prime, right in the hub of Bethlehem, and this area has so much potential. We believe it aligns perfectly with what we do.”
It’s a busy Saturday afternoon and the buzz is palpable. The bar staff are working the impressive selection of tap beers, which offers both premium and craft, and the sizzle from the open kitchen is sending out incredibly enticing aromas along with the fresh, Kiwi-Italian-inspired favourites that make up the menu.
Along with traditional favourites like pizzas, pasta, fish n’ chips and burgers, all freshly prepared from quality ingredients, Jamie is particularly proud of the fun elements that are woven into the dining experience.
“Our food is ideal for those seeking a casually elevated dining experience,” he says, citing their hero dishes like the Pork and Wagyu Brisket Meatballs. This showstopping dish offers a touch of drama by being lit with flames as it’s served. Another dish we’re dying to try is the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, which is also served flaming, only not from a plate. Instead, it is served at your table from an absolute behemoth of a parmesan wheel.
But it’s not all about the theatrics. Goode Brothers prides itself on its fresh, handmade pasta.
“Everything here is handmade from scratch,” Jamie says. “We have a pasta machine on-site.”
You can even have a go at it yourself by attending one of their famous pasta-making classes. These are held in a private room with the adult classes offering a fun evening out, and you get to leave with your own little bundle of freshly made pasta, while the school holiday kids’ classes teach them how to make their own pizzas.
“It’s something different. You can come down with your partner, have a glass of wine or prosecco and enjoy that,” Jamie says. “I think people are looking for experiences as well as good food. We want our customers to have fun with food. It’s about fresh, modern, and exciting dining, yet still grounded in the Kiwi classics.”
The jewel in the crown of the new gastropub has to be its large outdoor area. Equipped with a playground to keep the kids busy, the large deck offers plenty of seating, perfect for sunny afternoons and evenings.
And on big sporting occasions there’s plenty of screens inside and out for catching the big game. The secret ingredient in the sauce is this flexibility. Goode Brothers want to bring people together, whether that’s an intimate couple on date night, family celebrating a milestone, mates popping in for an after work drink or a group of friends on a night out, they’ll all find a home at Goode Brothers.
“We’re trying to offer something for everyone here,” Jamie smiles. “It’s all about creating that sense of togetherness.”
