Shame it wasn't open when I got here, but I have been before and was really looking forward to going back.
It has a great reputation because the food is great and the atmosphere is wonderful.
There's an old style castle look both inside and out, so your senses are always active.
Yes, it certainly is a place to visit, but unlike us, check to see if they're open first 😀
I felt like my wedding was a beautiful dream. It was a stunning venue. An amazing castle with a beautiful garden which took great pics inside and out. The staff were lovely and as helpful as possible. Highly recommend if you have a chance to get married there you must do it!!!!! You will not be disappointed!!!!
It used to be very nice restaurant with fantastic views and excellent food options and one of our favourite places. Unfortunately post COVID restaurant is closed and only opens for group functions. What everyone else is left with is cafe that is only open for lunch, you can only get decent coffee and some limited choice of cabinet food and pastries. Staff is nice and place is still cozy with beautiful gardens, just miss the food options. Hope it reopens for public again one day.
Fantastic venue!!!! We had our Christmas work function here last night. The building Reminded me and made me feel like i was home in the UK. Andrew was friendly and accomadating. What a fantastic location. We will definitely be back.
Beautiful Old School Place to unwind and have a Meal/Drink when in Christchurch.Worth visting and taking some Pictures 😁
Update for summer 2022: In addition to private events, Sign of the Takahe is open for takeaway coffee, cold drinks & fresh-baked cabinet food in the lower-ground area of the castle. They also have gelato-style vanilla & chocolate ice cream now! 100% pet-friendly inside and in the garden. And they still have bicycle repair supplies for sale too if you get caught out on your way to the park. A must-visit for great customer service and great coffee with unrivalled views.
Original review Jan 2022, photos only.
Amazing place and awesome views. Great spot to start or finish a walk and it has a lovely garden. Just don't come here expecting a large lunch, as they only have cabinet food.
Andy and Riley kindly hosted a group of us for my mother's 90th. The Sign of the Takahe has featured throughout her life, her parents' and that of her grandparents. You guys made us feel welcome and it was all perfect. My uncle over from Melbourne reminisced about planting some of the trees in the garden in 1948. Thanks guys, wish you ongoing success
I attended a work function, we were a large booking. The entrance looks bland but once you open the door and walk in it feels like a structure from Harry Potter. The decor is very periodic, and feels like being in a piece of history. We ordered mains, there is quite a large variety of food and something fits everyone's budget. I had a steak sandwich with GF bread. This was served with a good sized portion of chips. The other meals were also presented well and enjoyed. I can't wait to take my daughter and her friends for scones and cream after some dress up in the medieval costumes/clothing 🙂
Awesome looking castle and a great place for a lookout of the city! A shame the cafe was closed when we visited but still loved it
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