Scratch HQ

Popped in to see what was on offer for vegos but the only option was the raw vegan chocolate balls which is more a snack. Couldnt find anything appropriate from the lunch menu.
Ended up with the banana oats and chia seeds smoothie with sou milk which was yum. Nice friendly and quick service
It was worth the hike up from viaduct on a pleasant summer day

You know a place is serious when it has ‘HQ’ in the name.
So long miniature Scratch Bakers of City Works Depot (which PS is now home to another Scratch-​related haven [Weirdough & Tuck]), helllllo Scratch HEADQUARTERS.
A bit tucked away on Graham Street, Scratch HQ is spacious, full of light and satiated with the intoxicating aroma of their infamous freshly baked pies. I came for lunch with coworkers (one of the handier spots to the Viaduct if you don’t mind a little hill ;)).
They have heaps of freshly baked treats, scones, pies, sandwiches but… the highlight of my meal? Strangely enough… the side salad. Don’t get me wrong, my creamy mushroom pie was bangin’ but… that salad. Maybe it was due to low expectations… I mean, side salads aren’t typical menu items to wow — but either way, you should probably get some sort of salad.
Looking forward to coming back for some brunch (slash doughnuts).

Opposite NZME and behind the Empire Tavern you’ll find one of Auckland’s great bakeries. Filling a wonderfully light filled space, Scratch Bakery’s HQ serves all their signature dishes including their pies and donuts, everything made from scratch. If you’re after a more substantial (and healthier) option, they also do salads and wraps. Not only is the food made from scratch, but so are the drinks. Coffee is Three Beans. It’s a great spot and even if you work in the CBD it’s worth trekking over the hill for. Highly recommended.

Sitting pretty on Graham Street, in the heart of the industrial part of the CBD is my fave new city coffee haven, Scratch HQ. Being located on a quieter than not part of town, it’s definitely a blink and you’ll miss it kind of place, however, once you get inside its so spacious and open with large windows, cosy cushioned window seating, and heaps of hanging greenery lending that very chic indoor-​outdoor feel to the place. As the name suggests, the wonderful bakery-​style food offered here is made on site, which you can see through the big exposed kitchen area behind the counter. The baked goods are delicious, and the coffee is on point. Pictured above is the blueberry custard brioche and a Scratch HQ hot chocolate, both of which were very well received on a cold and rainy afternoon at 4pm yesterday. Auckland City slickers looking for their next coffee-​meeting location, or just a generally cool place to chill and catch up with a mate, look no further. Great food and Great atmosphere, this is definitely a new fave of mine.

Do possess some complex in the 1960s age. So am not that into modern style. When I parked my car outside of this bakery, definitely was a love-​at-​first-​sight.
High ceiling, square and line elements flowing, ceiling windows, quality wooden table, designed chairs, natural texture, industrial ambience… What I can say. Just walk in and keep on falling in love.
It is a bakery, so please keep it simple for the expectation. As for coffee, waiter reminded me of this rule: we only have basic coffee, long black, latte, flat white… Like it! Especially for someone who has choice difficulties. And it is also a hint that they make Great Coffee!
At a time of 3 in the afternoon, you might be a bit disappointed like me, for the fact that most of the deli are sold out. Was looking for donuts, however, ended up with a macadamia Brioche. Not bad. When it came after this beautiful flat white, it was all made up.
There I was. Sitting in the afternoon sun, having a full-​body flat white, full of hearty aroma company a little sweet treat. Even though two businessmen sitting behind me seemed discussing some stock issue, my mind filtered their talk and kept me concentrated in this relaxed atmosphere. Let alone the good music floating in the air.
They say the early bird catches the worm. However, a late bird like me, still gets the treat.

BIG fan of the new Scratch HQ!
It’s in a discreet location down Graham St (sort of opposite Les Mills) but once you find it, it’s actually pretty huge and is a brilliant sun-​trap in afternoon — I was almost sweating in my skivvy and beanie.
They’ve gone for a bit of an industrial-​loft look with high ceilings, visible extraction fans, concrete floors and metal-​framed windows. I’m into it! However, easily the best feature is the big windows behind the counter that allow you to see directly into the bakery. Both times I’ve been in the afternoon so there wasn’t much going on but I can imagine there’d be a flurry of activity in the mornings and the smell would be outta-​this-​world (memo to self: Go back in the AM)!
Also, thanks to the larger kitchen, they have both a brekkie and a lunch menu. I highly recommend trying the warm Israeli couscous with spanner crab, garlic, lemon served with a good topping of grated parmesan — delish! Or if you’re after a sweet treat the lemon curd doughnut is an absolute must.
On my last visit I also tried their cascara soda, which made with the coffee cherry or skin that is normally just discarded after the seed (or coffee bean) has been removed. Anyway, they are onto a winner here because it is beautiful, not too sweet but very aromatic. Definitely worth a try next time you’re there!