C1 Espresso — Restaurant in Christchurch

It really amazed me how utterly terrible this place is - 10/10 would NOT recommend.

The coffee was disgusting. You could have licked a toilet seat and it would have been less disgusting. I asked for a flat white and it came burnt and undrinkable. I approached the counter and asked for an unburnt coffee. So they remade my flat white which seemed like a reasonable compromise. Unfortunately, the second coffee was equally burnt and just as foul. Wondering if my standards were perhaps too high, two of my friends also tried my coffee. Their verdict? The same as mine. Disgusting coffee and surprise that this place would be so willing to charge customers for such a horrible excuse for a drink. I have been a barista, making coffee is not even remotely difficult. Do better.

The eggs bennie was meh. The potato hash lacked any flavour and the dish overall lacked on the quantity of hollandaise sauce. I get it, this is chch and predominantly a caucasian demographic who fear spice and real flavour. But this really tasted like it was suitable for a toddler with multiple allergies and who would find salt too spicy.

The fruit smoothies tasted yuck and primarily of syrup. They distinctly lacked the flavour real fruit brings to a drink. For the price, maybe include fruit next time.

The toilets are poorly designed. Am I expected to wash my hands in the toilet stall, then with a wet hand, open the door to access the hand dryer? Damp hands pick up and transfer up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands. Read that again. Because that is a disturbing fact, team. And yes, there are sinks in the communal area with the dryers. But the taps are turned off and there’s no soap in the dispenser. Effectively forcing us to use the sinks in the toilet stalls and using wet hands on the toilet doors. Proper hand hygiene facilities really be lacking at this joint.

It’s cute you walk through a book shelf to get to the toilet. But that is about the extent of my praise for this place.

Staff really didn’t appear to want to work there.

Dine at...

Great atmosphere and novel concept not delivered on by average food and above average prices.

The cafe decor and system of pneumatic pipe food delivery is unique and really gives it character. This got us excited to come in and try what they had to offer.

The service was fine and we got our hot drinks quickly, a chai and hot chocolate which we enjoyed.

After a short wait (which was a plus considering it was quite busy) our pork nachos arrived at the table and our burger and fries were delivered via pipe. The nachos were pretty tasty and our favourite of the two. At $22 they were a little on the pricey side for lunch but we felt that was reflected well in the large portion size and nice flavour combination.

However the burger unfortunately was merely average. The bun was small (likely to fit in the pipe tube in which it came) and the handful of curly fries it came with were merely warm rather than nice and hot and crispy. The beef patty was fine but nothing to write home about. I am not sure about NZ but for a similar price in Australia you can get a much nicer serve of burger and fries in a larger portion. For $20 ish dollars I was not very satisfied with what I got.

Overall I don't regret coming, the cool food delivery system via pipe and nice decor make it worth checking out once. However I would not come back after that, as we have had much nicer (and more affordable) food around Christchurch in...

If you're ever in Christchurch, New Zealand, a visit to C1 Espresso is an absolute must! 🌟 This quirky, innovative coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a cup of joe. From the moment you step inside, the eclectic decor and lively atmosphere captivate your senses. Whether you're a local or a tourist, C1 Espresso promises an experience that you'll remember long after your visit.

The coffee here is simply top-notch. ☕️ The baristas are true artists, crafting each cup with precision and care. The menu offers a wide range of options, from classic espresso drinks to unique blends that you won't find anywhere else. I highly recommend trying their signature flat white—it's rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced. If you're a tea lover, their selection won't disappoint either.

One of the standout features of C1 Espresso is their commitment to sustainability and innovation. 🌱 The café's quirky pneumatic tube delivery system is both fun and eco-friendly, reducing the need for waitstaff to rush around the busy café. Plus, their delicious food, sourced locally, adds to the charm. The menu is diverse, offering something for everyone, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

In short, C1 Espresso is not just a coffee shop; it's a destination. 📍 Whether you're looking to catch up with friends, get some work done, or simply enjoy a good cup of coffee, this place has it all. Highly...