C1 Espresso is an iconic café located at the corner of High and Tuam Streets in Christchurch, New Zealand. Established in 1996 by Sam and Fleur Crofskey, it has become renowned for its pioneering espresso, hearty breakfasts, and vibrant atmosphere.
History and Location
Originally situated on High Street, C1 Espresso was forced to close after the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake. In November 2012, it reopened in the historic High Street Post Office building, one of the first central city businesses to do so post-earthquake. This relocation increased its seating capacity to approximately 350 and introduced features like a rooftop garden, beehives, and solar panels, emphasizing sustainability.
Unique Features
A distinctive aspect of C1 Espresso is its use of pneumatic tubes to deliver food orders directly to customers' tables at speeds of up to 140 km/h. This innovative system was inspired by the animated series "Futurama" and adds a playful element to the dining experience.
Menu and Services
The café offers an all-day deli menu featuring a variety of dishes, with a focus on in-house production. They also provide takeaway services and have an online store for their products.
Operating Hours
C1 Espresso is open seven days a week:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Additional Information
In January 2021, longtime employee Dale Palea'ae and her fiancé Nick Annear purchased C1 Espresso from the original owners.