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

Riverside Market

Riverside market by the Avon
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

This unique Christchurch establishment brings fresh produce, artisan bakeries, independent food stalls, rooftop bars and restaurants, high-class retail and eclectic market stalls all under one roof.

Sweet Soul Patisserie

A hand cutting into a glossy cake.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Step in through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of Sweet Soul Patisserie, and you will immediately be greeted with an air of amicable sophistication.

PLUME

The exterior and entrance to the PLUME clothing store in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Makes a strong case for the enduring value of a bespoke and compelling retail experience.

Ciao

Exterior of Ciao within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Ciao is the kind of place that makes you want to linger, over a perfectly made negroni, a bowl of fresh pasta, or simply the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a...

Similar Places

Frances Nation Café

Cafe counter and shelves lined with pantry goods inside Frances Nation Café.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.

Imōto Lounge Bar

Exterior of Imōto Lounge Bar within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Looking for your next fun night out in Christchurch? Well, there’s someone we’d love to introduce you to.

Earl

Nighttime exterior of Earl.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

An enduring cornerstone of Christchurch’s East Block, Earl is a locally owned and loved institution that first brought European bistro culture to the city in 2018.

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...