Exchange Christchurch (XCHC) on Wilsons Road Waltham

Post-industrial hotspots: the uber cool transformation of Christchurch’s old industrial buildings to chic new “it” spots

As a post-manufacturing city, Christchurch is full of industrial-style buildings – mostly along old railway routes. As the city rebuilds, they’re being repurposed into hospitality hotspots. Welles Street is a bar accommodated in a building originally constructed as a grocery distribution centre. Its owner, Thomas Newfield, says the north-facing beauty was exactly what he was […]

The Coffee Fans

Sensational new eats: go visit the Coffee Fans now (you can thank us later)

The Coffee Fans is a new eatery on Cranford Street. You may have seen owner Fan Yang’s schnauzer, Brownie, winking at you in the billboard or the logo. Not only is The Coffee Fans a bright, airy place with great cabinet food and menus, it’s pet friendly as well. Doggies are welcome in the smoke-free […]

Mrs Dentons

Creatively clever eats: Mrs Dentons

Living on the Chatham Islands for many years pushed Delwyn Lanauze to be creative with the resources she had at hand. This might go some way towards explaining the clever flavour combinations of the pies she has lovingly made in her café and bakery, Mrs Dentons, at 168a Kendal Ave, Burnside. Venison, raspberry and cream […]

Coco Expresso

A culinary hotspot: get yourself to Coco Espresso and find out why everyone is raving about it

Back in 2016, keen culinary connoisseur Nick set up shop in a section of Designspace’s building at 400 Barbadoes Street, with the intention of providing customers with great coffee, sandwiches and other delectable eats. Two years on and now accompanied by good friend Caitlyn, Coco Espresso is going from strength to strength, with many making […]

Red Post Cafe

A dining destination: a visit to Culverden’s Red Post Cafe

Someone wise once said, life’s a journey, not a destination. On the journey to Hanmer, there is a great place to stop in Culverden at the Red Post Café’. It has a fantastic cathartic old-style cottage garden to relax in and partake in some wonderful home baking and savouries that make it one of those […]

Cafe Vivo

The place to go: a visit to Cafe Vivo

There’s more than one good reason to visit Café Vivo in Bishopdale shopping centre. It’s not just the amazing amount of parking that gives you great access to the el fresco dining area. It’s also not just because it’s on the way to the airport, just off Harewood Road, making it your meeting place for […]

Beach Cafe

Service with a smile: heading out to the Beach Cafe

Beach Café, by Waimairi Beach, lets you kill a few birds with one stone, so to speak. “Take the dog for a walk, a romantic stroll with your partner and then a couple of wines – perfect,” says Manager, Frank Tamati. Frank and his brother, Mike, recently reopened the Beach Café. They grew up in […]

Cafe PJ

Where fresh is best: Hills Road based Café PJ takes a fresh approach

Where do you find fresh food, fantastic coffee, great service and a warm and friendly atmosphere like no other? Why Café PJ of course. Located at 205A Hills Road since September 2017, Café PJ is the result of Pam Jones (hence the PJ) vision to create a café where fresh is best and a smile […]