Unknown Chapter










Monday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Tuesday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Wednesday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Thursday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Friday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Saturday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Sunday6:30 am – 4:00 pm.
The fresh, open, clean layout of Unknown Chapter undoubtedly takes some inspiration from the bike riding, coffee drinking, easy going attitudes of Amsterdam, where not surprisingly owner Jeremy has worked and lived for the last two years. Roasting coffee beans for a job, and previously owning a café in Queenstown, means he has all the knowledge and experience to make this a further success story.
Floor length windows running both sides of the space mean the café is not lacking in rich natural light, and a big old beautiful coffee roaster sits gleaming in the front window, a project the café looks set on starting soon. Seats tucked beneath a bench against the wide windows make a perfect spot for checking out passersby, while a mini outdoor area on the opposite side is a cosy nook for sunny days. Mismatched plants and glowing bulbs hang from the industrial-style ceiling, bringing some colour and warmth to the otherwise expansive area.
An old-school style selection of chairs will have you nostalgic for days in the classroom, and booths lining the back walls will be all the encouragement you need to get comfy and order another round of coffee.
Wholesome salads, quiches, frittatas and creative sandwiches stack the cabinet, making lunchtimes quick and easy for office day commuters looking for food on the run, while cakes, slices and scones provide easy options for the afternoon sweet treat. A small but well thought out menu offers brunch style fare, with an emphasis on free-range produce and creative new takes on classics. (Think omelet with asparagus, goats cheese and prosciutto.) Coffee beans are roasted under the brand's label, off site.
Friendly, casually cool staff behind the counter make churning out the coffees look easy, and the relaxed, non-pretentious vibe sees customers ranging from busy businessmen to high-vis contractors.
Words by Tahlia Vogel & Photography by Naomi Haussmann
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
254 St Asaph St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
Pizza Trap

Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.
Kokomo

Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Coffee Embassy Cashel

Nestled within the heart of the city centre on Cashel Street, Coffee Embassy Cashel is a sleek second outpost for a local roaster that's shaped the 03’s bean scene for...
Coffee Embassy

Pay attention next time you are driving down Fitzgerald Ave because here you will find a cafe and roastery home to some of the best brews and beans in the city.
Similar Places
Earl

An enduring cornerstone of Christchurch’s East Block, Earl is a locally owned and loved institution that first brought European bistro culture to the city in 2018.
Switch New Brighton

Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.
The Grand Hotel

Wandering down Akaroa’s Rue Lavaud, it’s hard not to stop outside the Grand Hotel and take in its historic charm.
Rook

Breathing new life into the ground floor of Christchurch’s NZR Co Building, Rook is a sleek, hyper-modern cafe playing a pivotal role in the revival of this...

