Bellbird Bakery – Riverside Market

Bellbird Bakery isn’t a new name for Ōtautahi households. The artisan bakery has been serving sourdough bread and French pastries since founder Jeremy MacCormack started out at local farmers markets in 2010 before opening their flagship store at The Tannery in 2012. Almost ten years later, Bellbird joined the lineup of Riverside stallholders, offering a convenient inner-city location for locals and out-of-towners to stock up on heavenly carbs all week long.

Nestled amongst grocers, cheesemongers, a local wine cellar, breweries, gift shops and popular restaurants, this bread and pastry stall is right at home in the heart of the Riverside action. And while there’s an endless array of food options to choose from, it’s obvious that not many can escape the allure of Bellbird’s cabinet and smiling service. How could you blame them?

Each morning, a convoy of e-Vans whizz by to drop off batches of freshly baked goods, from light and fluffy focaccia and textbook loaves of sourdough, to almond croissants and cheese & chilli scrolls that are unlikely to stick around for much of the day (you’ve been warned). The generously filled sandwiches are a favourite here too, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch for those on the clock as well as visitors looking for an affordable bite to enjoy in the sun by the river. It’s also the only Bellbird location to be open every day, so you can always grab your weekly loaf while stocking up on other pantry and fridge essentials at Riverside.

Alongside keeping their delivery methods as green as possible, Bellbird uses compostable packaging – but for extra brownie points, you could even stop over at Riverside Pantry to pick up a reusable bread bag. Keep the eco-friendly vibes rolling by making the most of the nearby Christchurch Bus Exchange or secure bike parking around the market. The best part? The team even have a special loyalty card for those who bike to the bakery (6 stamps = free croissant = happiness).