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

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.

Fluffy Bake Shop

Customers ordering at the counter at Fluffy Bake Shop.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Christchurch-dwellers or visitors to the garden city with a penchant for pastries, Fluffy Bake Shop needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.

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.

Scoundrel

Customers standing around at a counter inside a green decorated cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

A destination on the east side of town, just a stone's throw away from Te Kaha Christchurch stadium, Scoundrel is one of those spots you wander into once and know instantly...

Similar Places

The Arts Centre

The exterior of a building at the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon. Galleries and museum key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

A much-loved heritage hub for all things creative and cultural, Christchurch’s Arts Centre is a real jewel in the city’s crown.

Victoria Free House

A beer and bangers and mash on a table at Victoria Free House Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Smokey T's

Flatlay of BBQ meat and chips on a table.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.

Two Thumb Brewing Company on Manchester

The dark interior of a large warehouse bar.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Everyone needs a good local pub in their lives, a place you can go with a relaxed atmosphere, where you are guaranteed to run into a few mates and, most importantly, enjoy a...