Sluurpy > Restaurants in Christchurch > The Exchange Cafe

Review The Exchange Cafe - Christchurch

Alex Balchin
This is such an amazing creative space! As well as hosting some individual creatives such as Cricket who's an incredible stick-and-poke tattoo artist they also have a huge array of events here that bring everyone together in a safe environment. Love this studio and everyone inside.
Ryan Ferris
Every time I go to XCHC there are constants and also brand new, transient offerings and experiences. The constants include incredible coffee and food (plenty of vegan options for plant-y folks), welcoming and inspiring atmosphere, free WiFi and encouragement of hanging and working on creative projects; artist studios where one can see art being made before them. The transient experiences and offerings I have witnessed include art exhibitions, markets, pot luck lunches and dinners, nuns listening to disco music and serving mimosas/pancakes, think-tanks, live experimental immersive theatre, quadraphonic psychedelic Beatles Gigs, black light Parties, a John Rowles impersonator, multi zone intentional nightlife events, a music video premiere, 3D projection mapping, DJing lessons, people with fish costumes, a crypto treasure hunt, a platter-making competition, stand up comedy, fireside philosophy chats, charity fundraisers, acro yoga. The walls and layout are also constantly changing - the place is basically a living organism - a true melting pot and art accelerator. When you arrive it may be chill cafe vibes, but if you check the blackboard you'll see a wide variety of planned events and shenanigans. So feel free to introduce yourself, the residents will welcome you. You may even want to plan something there yourself.
Maggie D
Met Cricket, who's divine šŸ˜Š You're a sensational artist and your work is beautiful. I hope to come and see you next time for something bespoke, for myself.
Danielle Poyzer
Amazing creative space! Good coffee and food. Theres always something different going on AND it's a not for profit organisation supporting artists. Worth checking it out!
Anna Paula
We went to a vegan buffet organized by SAFE. There's street parking, nice and clean toilets and the place feels very "artistic ".
Agata Bulska
Fantastic food and coffee, but what really makes this place is the range of fantastic events! Good work, keep it up!
Roy Gordon
Great venue with ever changing events from yoga to ice baths to 12 hour immersive dance parties. Writing a review without attending at least a dozen times can be hard as the layout changes almost weekly.. Walls could be anything from black and white to childrenā€™s art, graffiti, ketamine inspired deer in the headlights, or simply portraits of John Rowles. Staff are the artist from the studios in the south wing, so you will be treated in the same way as you behave like any host would in their own house. Itā€™s an honest place with great principles and attitude. Beware of the void. You wouldnā€™t believe me if I told you how many people fit in the laundry of the boiler room or why the pineapple behind the velvet ropes in the VIP section has a spoon in it. The purple couch has seen some things and Bino is so chill heā€™s ice cold! Did I mention to beware the void! Still trying to find out who Mary is. She has proven to be rather elusive
Frisky Pixie
Excellent place for creatives to be social with their art. Hosts some truly incredible events and everyone is pretty great. Miss Pedro's cafe but still a good place to grab a coffee or alcoholic beverage.
M ā€œSugarbundiā€ A
I enjoyed the place with a group of friends as attendees at a fund-raiser. The service was good but slow because they were short of staff. Drinks were good and there was a good range for selection. Noisy and busy with a nice atmosphere. Street parking may be difficult for a group function even in the evenings. Toilet were big but lacked proper cleaning of the obvious stains around the bowl. I didn't want to examine under the seat.
Barbara Eagle
A cool space to hang out for an hour or a few. An oasis of calm in the midst of a busy industrial area. Enjoy a coffee and vegan treat, or not, as there is no obligation to buy anything from the cafe, while reading a book from their library or looking at an exhibition or catching up on work. It's also a meeting place where creative minds rent a space to work and where events are held. Would recommend.
Tony Cribb
Loved the friendly staff, they are the heart of this place. Loved the creative, relaxed atmosphere. Loved the food & drink choices, especially as I'm 'special' and can't eat gluten or dairy. Loved the actual layout & warehouse space, the tables, chairs, etc. The creative hub is exciting, and the exhibitions & showcase events make this place D A M N A W E S O M E ! When I go to the Exchange, I'm in my happy place. Can't wait till next time!!! Tony
Jacob Guse
Amazing place with friendly staff, creative atmosphere and fast wifi! Was here over the TechWeek'18 over in the cafĆ© wich ā€“ by the way ā€“ has delicious food and good coffee. 5 from 5 thumbs up!
Viv Wotton
The XCHC space and cafĆ© (in the Old Pickle Factory) is a bright, vibrant cafe and maker space with a cool vibe and twist. A great idea allowing visitors to mix n mingle with creatives, a space to work on the go if needed and awesome food! The coffee is great too just quietly. ļæ½ a concept that works. Well worth the visit!
Preston Hegel
ļæ½ #1 Favorite place in Christchurch. People connecting. art on the walls. cafe pumping out the good stuff ļæ½ great free events in town. a makerspace of resident artists co-workers doing cool stuff. And accommodation ļæ½. #socent
Mary Sea
Yet another 5 star review for y'all. You must be getting sick of them. *Yawn!* You are my faaavourite cafe, hands down. Not purely because of the knock-it-out-of-the-park coffee or the swoon-inducing food, but mainly because of the beautiful kindheartedness that radiates from each one of your wonderful staff. I flipping love you, man.
Sarah Campagnolo
Chefs table was amazing! Great food, great way to meet new people, great place. A unique (in the best way) eating experience. I'm vegan and it was not a problem at all, for anyone else who has special eating habits ļæ½
Jamie Stewart
A fantastic space with amazing staff. Well worth a visit.
Darren Humphries
what an awesome place to hang out - the almond latte was great the incredible double date scone was simply exceptional the staff were warm friendly and accomodating - the venue is awesome and i can't wait to go hang out some more
Bebhinn Gilhooly
Lovely space, really friendly staff and delicious dumplings! Host great events
Linda Curl
Yummy healthy food choices, very friendly staff, great relaxed atmosphere
Julia Fenn
Amazing co-working space beautiful coffee, delicious food! One of the best places in CHCH, check it out if you have not already!
Sophie Gold
We each enjoyed a glass of wine and slice of berry tart in the most intriguing environment - surrounded by amazing photography, musical poetry and overlooking a shared working space. Super cool, loved it so much, defs finding my way back here for more of this goodness!
Alex Mann
We worked here for 12 months and it's been the best place to work from... really really cool people... and the food and coffee is the BEST in TOWN!
Riwai Grace
First time visiting here lovely coffee and croissants great decor I felt like I was in a Melbourne cafe. Worth a visit
Ira Mitchell
Awesome cafe, wonderful wholesome food, friendly service, yum coffee. well done
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