Switch New Brighton
Monday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Tuesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Wednesday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Thursday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Friday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Saturday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Sunday8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Hidden away from the main drag of New Brighton Mall on Carnaby Lane, Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb. The family run cafe is bustling with people on any given day, and there’s a very good reason why.
This spot is quirky and cool with staff that is always friendly and welcoming. It delivers consistent quality coffee, boasts a cabinet stacked with daily changing goodies offering something for sweet tooths (the gluten free brownie is a winner) as well as those after a savoury snack. The all day breakfast menu is filled with a variety of mouth watering dishes and changes seasonally while holding tight to some long time favourites, such as classic eggs bene (delish!).
Staying true to its location and the locals that fiercely support it, Switch caters for a diversity of diets. There’s a number of vegan and vegetarian options available without forgetting the carnivores, a selection of raw foods and superfood smoothies (try the cold drip if you also want a caffeine hit) plus the cafe staples, the humble muffins and scones, done oh so well.
There’s plenty of outdoor seating here for the sun lovers, a great kids corner, a few quiet nooks and people watching spots amidst the hustle and bustle. Everyone is welcome at Switch and once you visit you’ll be sure to return– make it a regular occurrence and the peeps behind the counter will remember your favourite order in no time.
Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou
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Location
7/78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch
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Bygone days of seaside prosperity linger in the eastern suburb of New Brighton, but don’t be surprised if you fall for its current bohemian charm. With newly emerging hospitality, He Puna Taimoana hot pools and 18 kilometres of sandy coastline, New Brighton has a distinctive appeal.
Having famously gained popularity in the 1960s - when New Brighton was the only shopping centre open on a Saturday in Christchurch - crowds would routinely flock to the shops where they could pick up their wares, an ice cream and stroll along the pier. Nowadays, locals and visitors alike can still be seen meandering down the longest pier in Australasia and breathing in some of that salty sea air.
