Ally & Sid

Ally & Sid is one of those hidden gems of Christchurch that you won’t easily stumble upon, but once you’ve discovered it, you’re sure to return. The main focus is on exceptional coffee brewed to perfection every time. If you’re a filter coffee junkie, this is the place to point your nose towards – an ever changing variety of filter brews from around the world can be sampled right here, with a weekly variety a common drawcard and a point of discussion for regulars. On the food side, expect to find a selection of fresh sandwiches crafted from seasonal ingredients and locally sourced bread, a variety of sweet treats and a compact menu offering a few special items, such as the mouthwatering apple and ricotta toast.

Large communal tables offer space to spread out with a group, and smaller nooks work well for one-on-one meetings. Free wifi means you’ll often find a couple of remote workers in front of their laptops with a cup of coffee in hand, and throughout the day a consistent flow of on-the-run coffee grabbers keep things moving. At the back sits a neat little play corner that will keep tots occupied, and pooches are welcome at the front part of the coffee shop too. 

Owned and operated by a young local family, Ally & Sid oozes atmosphere and coastal coolness. The service is friendly and fantastic, and the space utterly beautiful with crisp white walls, concrete floors and the odd splash of colour in muted natural hues. Indoor plants add an accent of green and the industrial garage door that opens all the way up, letting the light in on sunny days, introduces a touch of grunge to the otherwise pristine backdrop. You might be glad to hear that this stunning place can in fact be hired out for events outside of the café’s operating hours; it could just be the perfect spot for a birthday bash, an engagement party or a corporate function.