A Nod to the Past,
A Toast to the Future
A love letter to Ponsonby’s past. Honouring heritage while welcoming a new era of culinary delights and late-night discovery.
A Storied Past,
A Vibrant Present.
For over two decades, 150 Ponsonby Road was defined by the legendary SPQR, a buzzing hub for locals and visitors alike. Balmy afternoons flowed into late-night gatherings, where café tables spilled onto the sidewalk and laughter filled the air. Though SPQR has closed its doors, its spirit lives on in a fresh new chapter: Jacuzzi.
Our Story
We’ve taken the storied corner at 150 Ponsonby Road and given it a spirited new life—where friends gather to share kai, raise a glass, and celebrate the best of Aotearoa produce. At the helm are Bronwyn and Jessica Payne, the dynamic sister duo whose passion for creating warm and convivial dining experiences has shaped every detail of Jacuzzi.
Inside, expect a bright and breezy aesthetic inspired by the relaxed glamour of a European summer—think playful pastel hues, airy spaces, and thoughtful touches that invite you to linger. From sunny days basking under the retractable roof to late-night conversations in cozy corners, every moment in our reimagined interiors channels a carefree, holiday-like spirit.
Carrying forward the legendary atmosphere that once defined SPQR, Jacuzzi honours the legacy of this iconic address while writing an exciting new chapter.
Meet Derek the Diver
By Timothy Oulton
Timothy Oulton is a luxury international designer based in England and the founder of the globally recognized furniture brand "Timothy Oulton.”
A prime example of Timothy Oulton’s maximalism is Derek the Diver — a statue of a vintage inspired diver, floating inside a 3.5-ton cylindrical column of ocean, surrounded by kelp and terrain from the ocean floor that connect him from the murky depths, Derek serves to remind us of the most incredible feats of human endurance and curiosity.
The name “Derek The Diver” originates from Timothy’s childhood days in school where he was bullied by a child called Derek and as a sweet form of revenge and defiance against oppression, Timothy has created a positive ending to his own story by securing the fate of a bully forever.
Derek is 1 of 4 in the world and are stationed in famous restaurants, showrooms and hotels around the world.
“We love our products to smack you in the face,” says Timothy. “We want people to walk in and say “what on Earth is that?”
Art of Indulgence
Designed for long lunches and lively nights, Jacuzzi’s interiors mix bold textures with refined details. Marble tables, mosaic accents, and a stunning ice sculpture set the scene for Ponsonby’s newest dining destination.
