Before the earthquake in Christchurch in 2011 there was a cute little cafe in the Arts Centre called Le Café which was popular amongst both locals and tourists. Sadly due to the earthquake the cafe was damaged so badly that it had to close permanently and 5 years later the lease to the space has recently been taken over by Hamish Evans (who also owns Switch Espresso and a cafe called Black Betty on Madras Street in Christchurch). It’s quite a nice story actually as Hamish had his first job working at Le Café as a dishwasher when he just started out in the industry.

There’s another bit of history relating to the new name of the cafe – it’s called Bunsen which is an ode to the previous use of building as a chemistry and physics laboratory.  It’s not just the name which is chemistry-related, in the cafe you’ll find beakers full of sugar, cutlery set out in surgical trays and cute little dispensary bottles filled with milk. 

Now for those of you that held Le Café close to your hearts you’ll be pleased to know that the outside of the building still looks the same (the iconic Christchurch Arts Centre brickwork has thankfully been saved) but the inside has had a bit of a makeover with the tagline off the new cafe being “The Chemistry For Socialising”. And it sure is. We popped in for lunch extra bit of shopping at the Re: Start Mall and the place was booming with the same mix of locals and tourists that it previously treasured.

Top tips: Bunsen is open from 7 am till late every day of the year; the cafe is a short walk form all the central Christchurch attractions such as the Re:Start mall, the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Canterbury Museum

Menu highlights: the chicken Caesar salad – it came deconstructed and without any of those nasty anchovies in it…oh and it looked like a work of art and tasted delicious; the enormous date or cheese scones served with butter; if you’re feeling naughty the pork and beans which is pork belly, pancetta, braised beans, chorizo crumbs and poached egg; Switch espresso

Go here for: a quick bite to eat after shopping in town; breakfast, brunch or dinner after a walk around Hagley Park (or a cheeky glass of vino!)

Price: around NZ$50 for 2 mains,  2 coffees and a scone

#january2017