Iconic Auckland cafe mysteriously closes its doors, future in doubt
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
An iconic Auckland cafe that’s had a hit New Zealand song named after it has “closed temporarily” due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Verona Cafe & Bar has been part of the furniture on Karangahape Road for over 30 years, but last Friday, a cryptic message went up on the cafe’s social media pages.
“We will update you as soon as we know anything. Thank you for all the support and love over the years. We hope to see you all soon,” the message read.
The notice came as the company under which Verona traded, JCK Holdings Limited, was placed into liquidation on April 23, following an application by Inland Revenue.
KPMG liquidator Kristal Pihama told Stuff the grounds for the liquidation included outstanding GST, PAYE, income tax, and a small business loan, with the total amount owed exceeding $692,000.
He said the liquidators “are actively” looking into the possibility of selling the business, however, they have decided to cease trade until they have received further information.
Verona was one of the oldest cafes left on the infamous Auckland strip, having first opened in 1992.
The cafe has played host to live music, DJs, and live radio over the years, while on its website, they say they have been a “welcoming space” for artists, students, locals, and travellers alike, offering a “unique experience” at different times of the day.
Verona’s iconic status also extends to popular culture, with the New Zealand band Elemeno P naming its 2003 hit song Verona after the cafe and bar.
From their Love & Respect album, the song starts with the line “when I saw you in Verona, you sat down, I moved over”.
It has previously been reported that the song was about lead singer Dave Gibson’s experience of meeting his wife at the cafe.
Karangahape Road has faced a raft of business closures in recent years, especially in the hospitality sector.
Eatery Madame George closed its doors in 2024 after eight years, as did popular music venue Wine Cellar, which had been operating for 20 years in the basement of St Kevin’s Arcade.
Army and Outdoors, one of New Zealand’s last army surplus stores, closed in 2024 after 20 years, while Bar Celeste announced its closure after five years in 2025.
In January, dive bar Charlie’s shut its doors for good, while after opening to much fanfare in 2024, Pie Rolla’s hole-in-the-wall store moved on from K Road in February.
Stuff has approached Verona for comment.