Swimsuit

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

Monday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Tuesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Wednesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Thursday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Friday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Saturday9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Sunday9:30 am – 3:00 pm.

38 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington

04 260 0045

Renovated in just 19 days from its previous life as Memphis Belle, owner/operator Tait Burge had plenty of help from talented mates to turn Swimsuit into the soft, fresh, young hang-out café it is now, and describes it as a bit of a ‘community project’ at the time. Community is definitely the feel you get here too - expect to see people reading books, catching up on university goss, deep in newspapers in the outside area and all with impeccable coffee in hand. There’s a hint of retro about the place too, a polaroid camera sits on the front counter and customers are encouraged to add to the wall of snaps growing behind the baristas at work.

The name Swimsuit came from a poster the young entrepreneur saw on a poster near his South Coast home and works in with his ethos of moving away from any flashy stereotypes about premium coffee and instead making this café all about welcoming whoever walks through the door, whether they’re a coffee guru or not. But in saying that, if you are a guru, the Peoples Coffee that’s filling cups here is seriously good, and beans are also available to take home. For the hungry visitors there’s four types of scone, two versions of house-made baguettes and a meat or vegan toastie option to see you through the day.

Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

38 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Kowtow

Wide view of the clothing store of Kowtow.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

Kowtow inspires shoppers to think a little more before handing over their credit card.

Iris Store + Studio

The front window inside Iris Store + Studio in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Nestled in a creative corner of Wellington and surrounded by like-minded boutique neighbours, Iris Store + Studio is much more than a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.

Good Housekeeping

Chairs, plants and brooms for sale at Good Housekeeping Wellington shop, New Zealand.
Place Wellington

An eco-friendly and DIY shop by the owners of The Powder Room.

City Gallery

Exterior of Wellington City Gallery
Place Wellington
Galleries and museum key icon.

The hub for art-life in New Zealand’s capital, City Gallery Wellington is a contemporary art gallery with a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events.

Similar Places

Fred's

Sandwich on a wooden bench top at Fred's, Wellington.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Wellington loves a little food bar and a small but punchy Cuba Street shop simply named Fred's might just be the hottest place in town to grab a sandwich.

Everybody Eats

Dining room space at Everybody Eats.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Who knew that making a difference to the community could taste so good? At Everybody Eats on Wellington’s Dixon Street, the heart of hospitality beats loud and clear.

Damascus

Customers in the dining room at Damascus.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

With a menu that reads like a love letter to Syrian cooking, Damascus, found in the heart of Wellington, is a place where all are warmly invited to delight in the food from...

Staple Espresso

A woman pouring coffee.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Sleek and simple, Staple Espresso speaks volumes about letting a product do the talking – and in this case it’s the coffee that’s got people chatting