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

Twiggi Hair

Counter and chairs at Twiggi Hair.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Services key icon.

Adding a loud burst of colour to The Crossing in Christchurch, Twiggi is guaranteed to leave you and your hair feeling revitalised.

Coffee Embassy

The cafe space at Coffee Embassy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

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.

Bellbird Bakery – Riverside Market

A cafe counter inside a large indoor market.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Bellbird Bakery isn’t a new name for Ōtautahi households.

Shopology

Exterior of retail shop Shopology.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

Calling Riverside Lane home, Shopology is the place to go in Christchurch when you need something special or a nice dose of retail therapy.

Similar Places

Supreme Supreme

White brick exterior of cafe Supreme Supreme, with bright red awning.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

The neatest places often honour their past while delivering something fresh to the communities that embrace them.

Moon Under Water

Exterior of Moon Under Water, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Moon Under Water features all the best aspects of a classic pub that's up with the times when it comes to great brews, food and service.

Lucas Shawarma

Worker standing behind counter of Lucas at Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Tucked in amongst the brick of Little High Eatery on St Asaph Street, Lucas is Christchurch's answer to...

Black Betty

Front counter with table in the foreground at Black Betty.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Black Betty on Christchurch’s Madras Street first opened in February 2011, and since those early days, it has cemented itself as a firm favourite on the Ōtautahi...