Unknown Chapter

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

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.

254 St Asaph St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

027 201 5996

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

Dhi Ferrari Cakes

People sitting in main dining area of Dhi Ferrari in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

If a craving for something sweet strikes and you’re near The Welder in Christchurch’s city centre, you must immediately seek out Dhi Ferrari Cakes.

OGB

Sunlight streaming through OGB's speakeasy-style bar in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

A speakeasy-style bar, OGB serves up an old-school approach to hospitality.

Imōto Lounge Bar

Exterior of Imōto Lounge Bar within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Looking for your next fun night out in Christchurch? Well, there’s someone we’d love to introduce you to.

Ciao

Exterior of Ciao within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Ciao is the kind of place that makes you want to linger, over a perfectly made negroni, a bowl of fresh pasta, or simply the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a...

Similar Places

Twenty Seven Steps

Customers dining inside the restaurant.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

An effortless combination of old and new, Twenty Seven Steps is a modern and sophisticated restaurant on New Regent Street.

Sumner Post Office

Beautifully restored building that Sumner Post Office inhabits.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Restored to glory and proudly standing on Nayland Street, Sumner Post Office is the neighbourhood’s new favourite place to eat, drink, and give back to the community...

Tramway Restaurant

Tramway Restaurant exterior.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by.

Blue Moon Bakehouse

Customers sitting at tables, customers lining up to order at the counter at Blue Moon Bakehouse.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

When Blue Moon Bakehouse opened their doors on Riccarton Road in 2024, they garnered a glowing reputation throughout Christchurch and beyond at lightning speed.