A well-loved, passionate and connected figure in the Auckland hospitality scene, entrepreneur Sophie Gilmour is a champion of our local food and restaurant industries - with very good taste.

She co-founded Bird on a Wire before selling the business in 2018, and today is co-owner of foodie institution Fatima’s and part of the team behind chic Auckland co-working space The Village. She also lends her expertise to other hospo owners as a consultant through Delicious Business, is on the board of CoOfWomen and a trustee for charity DineAid. Oh: and she's a host of The Spinoff’s food podcast Dietary Requirements. So yes, she's busy! Sophie shares a few of her favourite recent purchases.‍

Blume by Batchwell Kombucha Coolers‍

I'm obsessed with Batchwell's Kombucha Coolers. The gin one is my favourite, but they're all delicious. I drink a lot of Batchwell kombucha anyway, so it's cool when a brand you trust releases something else and it meets expectations. A game changing afternoon beverino, if you ask me.‍

Curio Noir‍

Each time I go into the Ponsonby Road store, I pinch myself that I’m in New Zealand. It feels like a little holiday somewhere fancy and zen. I've bought the glass perfume bottles in the past as gifts, and I savour the beautiful black candle next to my bed. I also really rate the tiny bottles which are $50 each and last really well - I think I've got the whole line-up. They're pure parfum so a drop of Tobacco Night and you're set for the evening!‍

Fatimas' jar range‍

Although technically this is a shameless plug because I'm a co-owner, I myself didn't start buying and using the Fatima's jar range at home until recently. The lamb marinade and the harissa are my fave. Such an easy way to jazz up a mid week meal. I often explain to people that the difference between eating at home and eating in restaurants is the sauces and condiments. Get amongst it people - they all come with a recipe too!‍

Anything from Marle‍

It's relaxed but also luxurious, in a low-key way. Great quality, beautiful pattern-making, natural fibres. Founder Juliet designs some lovely loose-fitting pieces that make me feel really comfortable and glamorous. Pretty soon my whole wardrobe will be Marle and I'm totally cool with that.‍

Zoe & Morgan snake hoop earrings‍

I just cannot go past Zoe's earrings. Her snake hoops represent 'protection' so I went wild and bought them for my business partner Louise and I to protect our new business The Village, and I also got some for my sister Mimi to protect her always in the big wide world! I love that Zoe incorporates such beautiful symbolism into her work.