A Day Well Spent At The Tannery

Begin your day at The Tannery on the right note with a visit to Bellbird Bakery, found in one of the outer tenancies across from the main building. An intoxicating smell of bread baking will hit you as soon as you walk in the front door, then you’ll be captivated by the number of pastries, sandwiches and other treats on display. As this is the beginning of your day, start it as the Europeans do, with a croissant (be it plain, chocolate, or almond) or any other pastry that takes your fancy. Bellbird is known throughout the city for their excellence in this field, and you can’t go wrong with any of their options.

Once you have secured your pastry of choice, wander along and browse the other outer shopfronts, taking notes on which ones to revisit later and make your way inside to Bon Bon. Nestled in the heart of The Tannery Atrium, this chocolate and coffee shop is just the spot to caffeinate for the day. Peruse the display of artisan chocolates, you may very well be tempted to make your first of many shopping decisions for the day! Then enjoy your coffee whilst taking in your surroundings in this beautifully restored heritage building.

Treat yourself to an hour or two of relaxation at Sol Spa, with a range of holistic, science-led services available, there’ll be a treatment just right for you. Founder Natalie has over 25 years of experience in skin health and wellness, and she leads a team that is passionate about providing the best care possible. Whether you feel like trying one of their signature facials or indulging in a spa ritual involving exfoliation and massage, you are guaranteed to feel a sense of calm and serenity when you leave Sol Spa (and wanting to book in for another treatment asap!)

After a peaceful hour or two at Sol Spa, you might be feeling like a nourishing lunch, and there’s no better spot close by than Nori Table. Christchurch locals in the know travel far and wide for the sushi here, evidenced by the queue that often forms out of the door (but don’t worry, it moves quickly). The premise here is pick your own sushi from the cabinet, and with so many fresh options on offer, it’s easy to fill your plate quickly. The offering at Nori Table is premium, and you’ll find combinations available here that you haven’t seen at any other sushi shop around town. Once you’ve made your selections, take a seat and enjoy the delicious lunch you’ve put together.

The afternoon at The Tannery is all about browsing and shopping at the many retail offerings they have. First, we have some fashion highlights, and if you are committed to sustainable shopping, Recycle Boutique should be your first port of call. With an incredible selection of pre-loved designer and vintage clothing, you’re sure to find some gems among the racks to take home with you.

If you like your fashion experience curated and featuring brands that share the common philosophies of ethical and sustainable practices, independent and locally-owned boutique Uncommon is for you. With labels such as Damson Madder, Brie Leon, and Caitlin Crisp (to name a few), stocked here, the merchandising is colourful and stylish, and the friendly team will help you with your sartorial decision-making.

There’s so much more on offer in the retail space at The Tannery than the incredible fashion boutiques. If you love a second-hand bookstore, Smiths Bookshop is one of the best in the city, and they also have new titles available. It’s easy to lose track of time browsing the stacks and shelves of books here, and we recommend bringing along a spare tote or two to carry home any new/old purchases. 

The Tannery really shines when it comes to gifting and homewares stores, definitely something to keep in mind when you’ve got birthday presents or Christmas coming up. HAPA, Long Way Home and Marmaduke Shoppe are all great examples of stores where you can find unique pieces for your own home or someone else's. If at this stage your arms aren’t weighed down by too many shopping bags, pop into Fresca Mediterranean (outside the main atrium building), where you can find all manner of Mediterranean goodness imported from Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece. We’re talking pasta, pizza dough, oils and vinegars, cheese and charcuterie, fine chocolate, and wine; everything you need to whip up a top-notch Mediterranean feast at home.

After all that retail therapy, you’ve certainly earned sitting down at The Brewery Bar & Restaurant with a pint of their finest Cassels beer and perusing the menu for dinner. The pub atmosphere is always relaxed and easygoing, with a selection of pizzas that honour the suburbs of Christchurch and areas of the wider region. If you’ve built up an appetite, it will certainly be satisfied by the dishes coming thick and fast out of the kitchen.

And what better way to wrap up your day at The Tannery than with a luxurious moviegoing experience at Deluxe Cinemas. The main foyer is a decor throwback to attending the cinema during the golden age of moviemaking. While the schedule is always made up of a range of films from award-winning independents to mainstream hits, so you’ll find something that appeals to you. Order an ice cream or a glass of wine to enjoy with your movie, and that sounds like the perfect end to a day at The Tannery to us.