Neat Places: Christchurch's hidden gems

Friday, 31 August 2018

There is something so refreshing about stumbling upon a great cafe or bar in the most unexpected place. It's that sense of ownership and being part of a secret that can make a place so special. We've gathered a few of our favourite hidden gems around the city for you to discover.

Boo's is all mood lighting and elegant glamour.

**Boo Radley's Food and Liquor

Get that spring in your step back at Little Sister.

Level 1, 98 Victoria St**

Parlour is truly hidden, and truly glamorous.

Designed to be discovered, Boo Radley's is a true hidden gem. Purposefully hidden up a discreet set of stairs, climbing your way into the dimly lit space is a bit like finding that special speakeasy you'll want to tell your friends about. Serving an impressive list of exceptional cocktails, a great range of craft beers, the largest selection of bourbon whiskey in New Zealand and some amazing grown-up milkshakes, deciding on your drink of choice will be the hard part. Not just a mere watering hole, Boo Radley's also boasts a regularly changing, inventive Southern-USA style dinner menu that is available from 5pm till very late every day.

If you're a coffee lover, Dispense is your next discovery.

**Little Sister

Dine in style, hidden in a strip mall, at Chillingworth Road.

670 Main South Rd**

If you ever crave a great cup of coffee and some honest cafe food while travelling south of the city, Little Sister cafe has you covered. The friendly atmosphere of this cute coffee shop filled with knick-knacks and pre-loved furniture has a relaxing effect. The extensive menu covers all your cravings and the coffee, ground from C1 beans, will more than restore yourenergy levels. Once you pop into this hidden gem, you'll be sure to make your way back again.

**Parlour

28 Cathedral Square**

Hiding behind a vintage bookcase and a set of sheer curtains next door to O.G.B. bar, Parlour is hidden - in the true meaning of the word. Venture through and you'll find a dimly lit, glamorous cocktail bar dedicated to a classy experience. Furnished with lush velvet couches and floor-to-ceiling curtains and mirrors, this is the perfect place to indulge in some seriously delicious cocktails while catching up with your friends.

**Dispense Espresso

1005 Ferry Rd**

This gem of a cafe is hidden in an unassuming spot on Ferry Rd. Wedged between the pharmacy and Post Shop and accessed only from the main carpark side of the Ferry Road business hub, you might just walk right past Dispense Espresso, unless you know where to look. The petite cafe serves some seriously great espresso and a selection of filter coffee (using Supreme beans for both), delicious baking, a small brunch menu, plus a nice assortment of house made cabinet goods.

**Chillingworth Road

478 Cranford St**

This exceptional restaurant is so well disguised it's a real destination. Chillingworth Road is nestled within an upper Cranford St strip mall - not the first place you'd look, but well worth discovering. The relaxed bar up front is perfect for pre-dinner drinks, while the elaborate dining room hidden at the back is the place to indulge in a degustation menu created by the award-winning chef Darren Wright. For those with an interest in the art of cooking, Chillingworth Road offers an interactive dining experience, where some of the chef's secrets will be shared to take home with you.

Discover more neat places around town at neatplaces.co.nz and download the free and offline Neat Places smartphone app.