Autumn at Cornwall Park

June 03, 2018

Autumn at Cornwall Park

Last Saturday we had a let up from the torrential rain that's plagued the last couple of weeks, so I bundled up a cold-ridden Danny and took him for an autumnal walk at Cornwall Park.

Wrapping round Maungakiekie, or One Tree Hill, one of Auckland's famous volcanos, and featuring over 350 species of tree, beautiful year-round gardens, and a working farm in the middle of the city, I was expecting a bracing afternoon stroll, some panoramic views and hopefully taking it back to the farm-gal roots and spotting some cows.

In reality, Danny was only there for the hot chocolate.

I mean can you blame him?

One thing I've noticed about Auckland is that they really have it down with this whole 'work smart not hard' thing.

Stick 'deconstructed' on the menu and suckers like me will pay you $9 for the pleasure of making our own drink.

At Cornwall Park Cafe, you'll get a tray of chocolate sauce, warm milk, pouring chocolate, fresh whipped cream, marshmallows, sweeties, and some coco powder for if you're feeling fancy.

Real talk - not a great hot chocolate. The cream was spot on, not the cheap stuff out of a can but proper whipped double cream and that I was a fan of. But the drink itself was really only a 'warm chocolate' and as Cadburys obsessed Brits we stand by our statement that it was the worst flake we've ever tasted. Soz.

"BUT IT JUST HAS THE FUN FACTOR!!!!!" - actual thing I said to Danny.

We agreed that we wouldn't recommend this on terms of flavour, you can get far better hot chocs elsewhere (deconstructed or not) but it feels a bit like a science experiment when they bring the tray out which was a plus for me. It would be a good one if you have kids.

As well as the hot choccie, we both plumped for the 'Bangers and Mash'. Weirdly from the breakfast menu but hey, whatever, I'm not complaining.

Well I am a bit because I'm sad to say it was another disappointment really.

We were presented with two hefty sausages, although one was considerably more flavoursome than the other. The 'mash' aka bubble and squeak was nice and crispy on the outside but was really just some not great mashed potato and few withered peas.

The caramelised onion gravy was the last saving grace of the dish. And the first few generous mouthfuls of it really drew it back from the precipice of extremely average 30 minute week night dinner. However, a few more mouthfuls and I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of salt that had been used as the overarching flavour. Over the edge it went. It was SUCH a shame. I wanted it to be so good.

Now these opinions are completely my own, Danny quite enjoyed it. But this place won't be topping my recommendation list just yet. If you're going to Cornwall Park, pop in. It's a lovely light and airey space but just don't be expecting wonders from the food. If you're looking for a stop off on your afternoon walk, great! If you're looking for the best cafe in Auckland, maybe try somewhere else first.

Once we'd let the food settle, I managed to badger Danny into a wander round the grounds in the beautiful dappled sun.

I said it was because we needed to get some fresh air in our lungs and the blood pumping round our bodies but really it was mainly so I could force Danny to take cute pics of me in the woolly hat he got me for my bday, ya know how it is.