Run by some seriously cool and in the know shoe guys, this is my favourite place to get my shoes sorted when they’re "talking" or just plain bung. Affordable, friendly and excellent craft. Job well done.

Run by a seriously passionate jeweller who is often seen working late at night, this is a great place to get rings resized and chains replaced/fixed. The price is right, too. Win-win-win.

When your handbag is giving out on you there is a temptation to run to despair. Never fear! Gemmells is here to repair your beloved hunk of dried cow skin. Fair prices and excellent workmanship.

Rose’s is pricey, but you pay for what you get. They can fix almost anything and the service is great. Be warned however, "fixing" your clothes to your exact specifications can be addictive!

So, this place is a cozy wee nook in Ponsonby Central but my, my, it has some very spectacular Spanish/Mexican food! I had the clam, squid and chorizo paella and broccolini to share with my squeeze, and a killer virgin margarita, and we both left full and happy. The interior is fabulous and the atmosphere buzzing. Go there now.

Great, chill place for a first date. Lots of noise and distraction but you can still cosy up! Try the pulled pork sandwiches or the Welsh Rarebit. Much better, ambiance wise, than getting a curry down the road.

Go on a road trip with your boo, sleep at a rest stop and then head to LS in the morning. The big breakfast will more than reward you for your adventures in roughing it, plus you will have just had a killer weekend of driving, exploring and bonding!

Your new squeeze will think you're the biggest hipster once you show him or her this wonderful hidden gem. Hot thermal pools, fish and chips, booze and your new paramour in their togs - brilliant!

Mexico is pretty awesome for a date or double date. The drinks are killer, the tacos are out of this world and the fried chicken is a must eat! All this for around $20-30 pp depending on how much you drink? Amazing.

Ah, Tatty's. You so stylish. Filled with all kinds of second hand gems, the stuff of your sartorial dreams is in Tatty's. Hunting and gathering is the game, don't give up. Designers like Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Moschino... All for a fraction of their *brand new* retail cost.

Encore caters for an older demographic than Tatty's but is no less of a goldmine. I like the accessories (particularly handbags) which litter the walls. I have bought amazing American made leather flats here for less than $50.

Not cheap, but cheaper than first hand designer (which is a racket!). Tango is an emporium of vintage wonders, and your broke **** is going to find an amazing piece of statement jewellery for way less than the cost of that KW ring you're lusting over (but everyone else already has).

This place is a test of will and patience. Very hit and miss but I STILL crow about the time I found an Oscar De La Renta dress for less than the cost of a Lippy dress. That was my thrifting unicorn, I hope you find one too.

Man, do I love Parnell housewives. They seem to sell a lot of their unwanted DESIGNER stuff here, and it is a treasure trove. If you're a smaller woman you will need to hunt but it is well worth it. I found the BEST muted gold handbag here once. It sounds ugly, but it was amazing. RIP, Goldy.

OK, so O'Sarracino does this UNREAL pasta with octopus, mussels, king prawns and fish! It has a wonderfully complimentary tomato sauce and then is baked in the oven with pizza dough on top! It doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore when I checked online but I think I might have to beg them for it next time I go.

Depot is a given when talking seafood. The oysters are divine and the snapper sliders entirely moreish and heavenly.

I have only been to Clooney once but it was a pretty unforgettable dining experience. The oysters were amazing and the fish I had was a revelation. We came here for a work lunch (law firm gig I had when I was a teenager) and I was blown away. I'm still not someone who eats at 5 star restaurants (like, ever) but Clooney showed me what I'm missing and I won't forget that.

De Post is an excellent date spot. Vibing, casual and has a nice well thought out menu to go with all the Belgian Beer. I can't say I have tried much of the menu however - I can't get past the mussels. Whether you order grilled or drowning in sauce these mussels are fresh, plump and lovely.

St Heliers Cafe and Bistro has the most amazing food, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Order the fresh fish, you won’t regret it! When can I go again?

The Tavern of Power serves a mean non alcoholic cocktail and they do it with a smile. Smashed up fruit, syrup and soda-y assortments, it's more tasty than most of the more boozy options.

This excellent tapas restaurant has a designated non alcoholic cocktail board (as it should be!). Try the Passionista or the Muddled Mint mocktails, they are both excellent.

Nuffield St Brew Bar's Jucy Lucy is tasty, fruity and best of all 100% alcohol free. Perfect for those sober driving or sober by lifestyle.

Ok, so this is not exactly a bar but cripes, a sober girl's gotta eat, too! Mexico does UNREAL virgin margaritas with cinimon rim, rose water and lime. It's heavenly.

I love the Americana vibe of this awesome Auckland bar at Ponsonby Central. They are well-known for their signature alcoholic shakes but they also do excellent non-alcoholic drinks, making it the perfect spot to enjoy meatballs, subs and sodas for those who are abstaining. My favourite is their refreshing kiwifruit soda, which is a unique mix of kiwifruit, feijoa, green tea, honey and lime. Most interesting non-alcoholic beverage on the menu? Their Kool aid soda, which features a flavour of the week. Oh, and the shoestring fries are delish too!

Good lord, you must try the amazing paninis at Byzantium. So tasty, and a lovely view of Ponsonby Road. Perfect Sunday fodder.

Lovely coffee, lovely atmosphere.

As a non drinker, it's super exciting when a bar/cafe is open late and offers coffee. Good coffee at 8pm? Yes please!

Lovely coffee, tapas, drinks and surroundings. Perfect for a chill night in the CBD.