Pilgrim

A tenacious stand alone espresso bar and café, Pilgrim has become a central city favourite amongst its regulars and central city workers that come and go for the caffeine kicks and accompanying treats. 

The purpose built space, flooded with all day sun thanks to its three glass sides, was  designed to maximise every bit of room on offer. There are subtle design touches throughout, including New Zealand made terracotta floor tiles and light shades from Monmouth Glass Studio. A large window pull joins the indoors and out and connects the daily grind with the four tables in the laneway. 

When the opportunity to open a café, hidden amongst office buildings and the Central City Terminal, came up, owner and operator Dave Durrant was hesitant. Being involved in hospitality in Christchurch for over 20 years, Dave knew the commitment and risks involved. However, he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to create his slice of inner city cafe culture. 

It all starts with coffee, and with Wellington’s Rich Coffee Roasters supplying the beans, the brews poured off the stylish white Slayer coffee machine don’t disappoint. There’s also a constantly changing single origin filter option too. The small menu and considered cabinet offerings are the domain of Milton Kirk, long time friend and hospo confidant of David’s. Everything is made onsite daily and includes favourites like the pumpkin chocolate muffins, a homage to the departed Bake House Café from The Arts Centre, cakes, friands and a hand full of sandwiches, including their stalwart Reuben. The short order menu champions some of the house-made jams and chutneys that are also available for retail sale - onion confit, ghazi relish and creole banana jam, which is well worth trying! Sitting on the shelves alongside these creative spreads is Sammy Bags, a reusable sandwich paper and pouches business started by David and his friend Sammy.

For such a small place, Pilgrim really does pack a lot in. It provides a much-needed dose of central city honest hospitality and quality goods that have gained a loyal following. The regulars like to chat and linger, so much so that Dave has created a Youtube channel where he speaks with a mix of interesting Christchurch folk about their life stories and experiences.