Ways to Spend Your Lunch Hour
Guys, get excited - Summer is almost here! After the last year Mother Nature has some ‘splainin to do - it’s been cold, it’s been wet, it’s been gloomy and we are all collectively over it. Right?
Us Hawke’s Bayliens are definitely partial to a bit of sunshine, it’s in our DNA. We all have childhood memories of long hot summers and quite frankly, we miss it. The benefits of sunshine are well documented, but just as a reminder - a little Vit D every day will help you sleep better, reduce your stress, fight off depression and make us all just all around better people. So if you’ve felt a bit down in the dumps lately, it’s time to get outside and get some sunshine on your face. Immediately. Like right now.
As the year continues to march on towards Christmas and beyond, you will no doubt be less inclined to warm up your 2 minute noodles in the office kitchen and eat them at your desk with your coat on while catching up on Youtube shorts, and instead we encourage you to grab your sunnies, sunscreen and hat (slip, slop, slap, wrap y’all) and head outside.
Below are the top spots to enjoy some fresh air during your lunch break this Spring/Summer (and hopefully even Autumn).
Spots where you can BYO lunch, or find some cheap eats:
Hastings Civic Square
BYO lunch box, BYO book and find yourself a shady spot under the trees outside the Hastings Library complex. A central spot with plenty of space, this area is popular for those wanting to feel the grass beneath their feet and catch a few rays during their lunch break.
Hastings Clock Tower
If you’re pressed for time, grab yourself a pie from Cambodia Bakery & Cafe, or some sushi from Kami Sushi and head for the clock tower.
With a water feature for the zen, an events stage for some entertainment, a possible train sighting for some excitement and the clock tower to make sure you get back to work on time, there’s everything you need in one extremely central location.
Hastings CBD Mural Trail
Feel like stretching your legs in your lunch break? The Hastings CBD Mural Trail has 14 artworks for you to visit, spread throughout the CBD to ensure you get your steps up.
With stunning artworks from several different local artists to view, it is a great way to explore the city. You can view the trail on our interactive map, to find out where all 14 murals are located and then get walking!
William Nelson Park
Bring your board, your blades or your BMX and have a blat at the skatepark on the corner of King St North and St Aubyn St West.
This central skatepark is designed for all abilities, so grab those elbow and knee pads and see how good you can ollie.
[This park also has plenty of green space and trees if reading a book is more your jam]
Rush Munroes at Albert Square Park
Is there anything better than a malted milk peak cone on a summer's day? We think not. With Rush Munroes pop up container making its home at Albert Square Park we can foresee many a midday “meeting” where the only item on the agenda is deciding what flavour you want.
Rush Munroes is open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
Best Sammies in Town at Landmarks Square
You’ve got to get in quick to get your hands on one of the best sammies in town. Available at the container in Landmarks Square (behind Fun Buns), grab one of these taste sensations and take a seat on the plethora of wooden seats available (Yay! No burnt bums in summer!). Seriously though, the window is SHORT to get one of these up in your grill. Available 12 - 1pm (or until sold out) on Thursdays and Fridays.
Dine in with a Side of Sunlight:
Tribune Building
A relatively recent, and very welcome addition to Hastings CBD is the Tribune Building. The commercial area hosts corporate businesses, retail stores, services and of course - hospitality venues. With many amazing options such as Tumeke Don, Kindred Road, Brave Brewery and Oh My Goodness Specialty Breads located mere metres from each other - and all with sun drenched outside areas, you and your lunchmates could probably each dine at a different location and still be able to catch up on the office gossip.
Toitoi Social Alleyway
If the summer sun is a bit stingy you can always take refuge at Craft & Social by sitting in the Toitoi “Social” alleyway. Save yourself the sunburn, and make the most of the cool breeze as you sip on an alcohol free beer or cider in their atrium space.
Colab Cafe by the Dosa Project
Self-described as a place of “delicious goodness and good vibes”, Colab Cafe is a quiet haven, slightly out from the CBD centre at 211 Market Street South. Proudly catering for all dietary needs such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and keto, you can catch some shade in their courtyard and prepare for your tastebuds to be wowed.
Sazio
This bustling pasta bar is an institution in Hastings, and is now open for lunch Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm. With plenty of seating available outside, this is the perfect place to have a long lunch, a client meeting or just a catch up with friends.
Sutto Cafe
Boasting fast, friendly service, outstanding L’affare coffee, a cabinet bursting with delicious rustic homespun food AND a seasonal menu, there are options aplenty at this supremely central location. Take a seat outside at this bustling cafe and watch the world go by.