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

Nifty

Bright pink building exterior of Nifty.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Fashion key icon. Markets key icon.

Driving along the industrial end of Christchurch's Cashel Street, you don’t expect to come across a pale pink pop of colour that is the Nifty building.

The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel

The inside of a hotel room at The Muse in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Accommodation key icon.

Step off Manchester Street in Christchurch’s CBD and into the lobby of The MUSE Art Hotel and there is an immediate mood change.

Soul Quarter

Chef preparing dish.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Soul Quarter captures the essence of a contemporary brasserie – great service, simple and seasonal dishes, and a splash of how you say, je ne sais quoi.

Scorpio Books

A woman sitting on a dark brown leather couch reading a book, surrounded by bookshelves, in Scorpio Books.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

The city's best independent bookshop; come here for the latest and greatest novels and non-fiction.

Similar Places

Olympia

People lining up inside a small cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Olympia Espresso on Christchurch’s Papanui Road is the definition of ‘good things come in small packages’.

Midnight Shanghai

People sitting at upstairs terrace area at Midnight Shanghai in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Park Ranger

Park Ranger cafe space.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

A café that hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to the details, and one of the best to have opened its doors in the city.

Duck Island Christchurch

Entrance to Duck Island on High Street in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Sitting pretty on the corner of High Street for all the world to see, Duck Island Ice Cream has landed its first South Island scoop shop. And, of course, it fits right in.