Dreaming of Devonport...

On the Telegram today, we remind everyone who has a copy of our Exotica issue to enter the draw to win a Vintage Auckland Getaway worth over $500 at the Esplanade Hotel before the 31st October deadline, catch up with Grant who owns this grand historic dame and get Amber La Vintage's insider scoop on the best things to see and do in Devonport!

One of the Glory Days team's favourite things to do is discover all the hidden vintage treasures and ferret out the best places for a high tea in each town we pass through. So much so, that we decided very early on in the Glory Days journey to have a section dedicated to our meanderings called This Vintage Town.

We have featured Christchurch, the Manawatu, Dunedin, Wellington, Paeroa, Melbourne and would love to eventually uncover the whole world's vintage gems for our readers. If you know of a town that we should feature please get in touch!

This issue we had the very talented Danielle from Devel Men and Women take us on a tour of greater Auckland. To read about all her top picks you can buy your copy online here! As part of her tour she visited the historic seaside area of Devonport, and we contacted Grant from the stunning Esplanade Hotel to see if he would be able to offer one lucky reader a night's stay. He kindly agreed and we are excited to partner with The Esplanade Hotel in Devonport, Auckland to offer our readers an amazing Vintage Auckland Getaway worth over $500! 

The fabulous prize includes:

• A night in a premium room at the Esplanade Hotel
• High tea for two guests
• A vintage makeover for two from Decadia Vintage

To be in to win, simply purchase a copy of Glory Days issue 11, find the secret code on page 77 and enter your details HERE! Make sure you get your entry in quick, the draw closes this Saturday the 31st October at 8pm!​

The Esplanade Hotel under construction over 100 years ago! 

We had a quick catch up with Grant Gillon, owner of the Esplanade, recently and heard about his journey into hotel ownership life!

Hi Grant, how long have you owned the Esplanade Hotel?
One year in November so it is coming up to our first birthday!

What drew you to life as a heritage hotel owner?
Kirsty and I love New Zealand history and the Esplanade reflects over 100 years of heritage in the historic suburb of Devonport.

What is your favourite part of owning such an iconic building?
It's meeting so many people who have had a connection with the hotel over the decades. Each has a story to tell or an experience that shows just how much the hotel has been part of the community.

Do you have any favourite stories about or guests that have stayed at the hotel that you can share with us?
A visitor came to have lunch one summer's day. She lives in a rest home but some cruise ship passengers, who knew her, picked her up and brought her to he Esplanade. She said she used to be a maid at the hotel during the war years and loved being back again for lunch.
​Also, last Christmas a group of three men and three women dined with us. The three men were grandsons of the builder Mr Grandison. They met up for dinner every year at Christmas time at the Esplanade. The building has been part of so many lives. It's wonderful.

Devonport is a gorgeous place for vintage lovers and we asked local lady and vintage clothing aficionado Amber of Viva La Vintage fame (pictured above) to offer us her top Devonport spots.

​Things to do...
I just love a movie in the Art Deco historical Vic. The theatres are there oldest on the Southern Hemisphere. You can really imagine you are their in the swinging 20s plus on Tuesday's its $10 night! ​

Beaches...
Cheltenham for a walk, Torpedo bay for a serious swim and fish n chips on the beach (from Riba's fish n chips). 

Galleries...
Art by the Sea (above left) or any exhibition showing at Flagstaff both with great New Zealand contemporary art.

Coffee...
Corellis cafe for the best coffee, food and local artists, sculptors and live music (pictured right). ​

Second hand vintage...
​The Cheltenham Curiosity shop in the Vauxhall Road shops (pictured above) has a wonderful selection of secondhand collectables and treasures! 

Our store Viva La Vintage for vintage clothing, accessories and furniture...

and The Vintage Kitchen which sells vintage fine bone china, which can be found within our studio.
​
You can find us online on Instagram as Viva la Vintage on Facebook and soon on our website. Our Devonport studio is open every Saturday 10am-4pm or by appointment. Simply email lavivavintage@gmail.com to come and see our collection!