Tanne Williams and Robbie Fraser outside their new bar The Frog. Photo: Ophelia Harradine Bayly
We love our ever-evolving Karangahape Road neighbourhood, and there's a fun new face on the block: The Frog, run by Tanne Williams and Robbie Fraser.
A few doors down from the salon, The Frog has taken over the intimate space once home to Rose's restaurant. The bar opened earlier this month with a soothing green fit-out, art-adorned walls, flattering lighting and an impressive drinks list (plus an off-licence for takeaways). It's the kind of spot to pop into for an after-work glass, or a pre- or post-dinner drink and snack.
Contemporary artist Robbie and Tane, formerly of Bestie Cafe, had been chewing on the idea for a bar for years, especially with the closure of Peach Pit, "a massive hit to the arts community". When the Rose's space became available (that team, who opened Ponsonby cafe Blue, are involved as partners and advisors), they jumped at the chance to create something fresh for the street.
We asked Tanne and Robbie what to expect - see you there!
What is The Frog? What do you hope it will bring to the block, and Karangahape Road?
The Frog is a neighborhood bar that is aligned to the arts. We aim to make our patrons feel comfortable, relaxed and enlivened. A space to socialise, chat and mingle rather than a rager.
How would you describe the vibe in three words?
Tanne: Cosy, comfy, silly.
Robbie: Sophisticated yet unpretentious.
What’s your favourite thing about being part of this neighbourhood?
The community! Everyone has been really positive about our inclusion and are picking up on our vibe really quickly. Everyone knows everyone on K'Rd, it's a village!
The intimate space. There's outdoor seating too! Photo: Ophelia Harradine Bayly
What's behind the name?
Like David Bowie said, sometimes you come up with the painting before the title. We knew it would be green and the name followed, through a process of committee.
Tane wanted a name that could be represented as an image, to continue the lineage of tavern naming from the age before literacy was widespread. Robbie had all his best ideas rejected but has a memorable history with frogs so was happy to roll with it.
The intimate corner spot, including artwork and a Daffy Duck table. Photo: Ophelia Harradine Bayly
What are some highlights from the drinks menu?
The Bush, our custom 0% herbaceous cocktail on tap (which can be boosted with a little gin or vodka), made from extracts of a spring garden, coriander, rocket, olive, rosemary, reminiscent of the original Chi.
Gisborne Gold on tap, crisp, refreshing, and won't knock you over.
An array of wine from small local producers keeps the momentum going from Rose's and our off license (till 9pm) means that customers can take a yummy bottle home. We also will be releasing a wine with 15 Minute Bottles soon, a lovely little fruity red pet nat, so watch this space!
Our Yuzutini has been hitting all the right notes for our patrons too. Daddy's Treat is a cup of Moccona with Cream and Sugar, served with an oddfellow mint for a little caffeine (or decaf) hit.
The Frog has an off-licence too. Photo: Ophelia Harradine Bayly
And tell us about the four snack menu!
In removing the original Rose's kitchen, the food is now focused around simple, traditional bar snacks for the pre-and-post dinner audience. There's an array of amazing restaurants in Tamaki that we want our customers to indulge in, and our kitchen consists of an oven and a pie warmer in a space that is 1 metre squared. C'est la vie.
The four cornerstones of our menu are Chips & Housemade Onion Dip (with a choice of vegan or dairy), Roast Rosemary Potatoes w/ Kewpie and Sriracha, Warm Mixed Olives with Orange and our in house Hot & Lightly Spiced Nuts.
We'll be adding to the menu as we go, maybe a lil cheese toastie and tomato soup in winter?
Snacks and drinks on offer. Photo: Ophelia Harradine Bayly
We love the T-shirt lamps, can you tell us the story behind them? And the rest of the green fit out.
Green is a calming and comforting influence on the lizard brain, so we always had in mind to use green.
Robbie has been holding onto the T-shirt lamp idea for many years, after seeing something similar but less refined on an episode of Police Ten-Seven or Renters, he can't remember. There's something really mysterious and ethereal about them, it visually talks of the body but with its height it feels like it's ascending and uplifting, in between rapturous and possible alien teleportation.
Robbie also has friends who are versed in copyright laws so can't wait to sue nefarious unoriginal designers!
T-shirt lights by Robbie. Photo: Ophelia Harradine Bayly
