Melt-in-your-mouth treats: Mrs Dentons

Any stress will certainly melt away with a taste of the pies at Mrs Denton’s takeaway cafe and deli on Kendal Avenue.   Any stress will certainly melt away with a taste of the pies at Mrs Denton’s takeaway cafe and deli on Kendal Avenue. Owner and consummate pie maker Delwyn Lanauze relishes baking her […]

Rendezvous on 72: Route 72

  Take a drive along Highway 72 to Cust and it will lead you to the unique Route 72 Café Bar Emporium. Owners Steve and Annette Thomson have created an outlet for inspiring tastes and treasures both, with the café servicing one set of needs and the emporium and its fabulous selection of crafts and […]

Healthy, homely and delectable: The Craft Room Cafe

In Heathcote Valley’s secluded microclimate, healthy home baking lures the senses to Craft Room Café. The cosy yet spacious spot is relaxing inside or out, in the morning or afternoon sun. With parking aplenty, the weekends are buzzing.     “It’s teamwork that creates this happy hive,” says hands-on owner and busy bee Hannah Woodward. […]

Hilltop hotspot: Sign of the Takahe

Comfy café by day and family-friendly restaurant experience in the evening, Sign of the Takahe is a destination neighbourhood local on the Port Hills. Soak in panoramic views across the city to the Southern Alps from the tranquil garden, or cosy up inside the beautifully renovated heritage building.   Sign of the Takahe is everything […]

Made from scratch: Bunco’s

It’s a place where nicknames are celebrated. Derek Morris, known as Bunco by his mates, thought that name was the perfect one for his new cafe in Amberley.     Not only that, but some of the mates get their own nickname recognition in the various brioche bun burgers that are the signature dish of […]

Fluffies for fluffies: Fluffies for fluffies

The aptly named Central Bark Café is a haven for customers who wish to relax, indulge and meet likeminded pet owners. Locally owned and operated by Cantabrian Linda Ashworth, her goal is to create a destination café like no other in Christchurch.   Here you’ll not only find a tempting cabinet bursting with fluffy cheese […]

Location, location, location: Salt n Pepper Cafe

Salt n Pepper owner, Dharambir Judge, argues that his café has the best view in Hanmer. Situated at the Boulder Point Precinct you can take in the scenic Conical Hill whilst taking in your sensationally smooth Atomic coffee.     It’s dog-friendly, which makes stopping in on your walk that bit more inviting. Dharambir says […]

Time for an upgrade! Red Post Cafe

In a year where best laid plans were thrown out the window and there was no choice but to embrace uncertainty, Red Post Café co-owners Trent and Carolyn took a bold step.     The pair have run the Culverden café since July 2008, and while most of us were negotiating what sweats to wear […]

Destination Pegasus: Flat White Cafe

Exploring what’s on our doorstep is something Cantabrians have been doing more of this summer and there are still enough sun-filled days left to make the most of it. Scenery is one thing, but let’s be honest, you’re really after something delectable to eat. So, set your sat-nav to Pegasus Town and follow your nose […]

Peck of the bunch: Purple Weka Cafe

Wekas are known as cheeky food-stealing birds, but at Purple Weka Café & Bar, the food is the one stealing the show. Teamed with a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service, this is one local hospitality hotspot worth adding to your 2021 to-do list.     Owner Stewart McDougall says the fare is made on-site with […]