Here's a long one. I Had a truly extraordinary experience here today. I'm just back in the country visiting my dad over Easter, and was helping him with the shopping. Very busy on the day before the weekend, of course, and the poor man is very flustered. He had to collect a frame from the place next to Coffee Zone and drove in to find the entry to the EcoFrame customer parking blocked off by a trailer of rubbish. So, dad pulled into one of the Coffee Zone parks. We saw the "customer parking only" and he was worried - he said it would upset people - but google showed the cafe was closing in under half an hour, and we only needed five minutes. I actually suggested getting a coffee, but Dad tells me just to wait with the car, leaving in such a rush that he forgot the keys in the ignition. I shuffled over and pulled them out to stop it beeping. Then, not two minutes later, a car pulls up into a place newly vacated (by another coffee customer, I presume). To my surprise, the old mate who hops out immediately goes to me and starts berating me for sitting in customer parking! I explain that I'm waiting for my dad, he won't be long, but if it helps I'm happy to get a coffee. Very abrasively, the man tells me he doesn't want me to get a coffee, he wants me gone! And "If you did get a coffee it would be a (expletive) awful coffee!" I try to explain that I can't drive this car - a 2000's 8-seater people-mover brick - and there's nowhere to move it to! - but he's not listening. It's pretty uncomfortable, but fortunately dad shows up after a minute or so of me trying to placate the owner. Dad is extremely apologetic (people being upset at him triggers his anxiety) and starts literally bowing to the owner in panic. Didn't make the guy any happier, but at least he backed off so we could drive out of there. Now, the thing is, I understand why the owner was upset. Dad /was/ in the wrong, if only of the most minor misdemeanour. Clearly this guy had had plenty of non-customers using his parking before, and for more than 5 minutes just before the cafe's closing time. But this also hilights the danger in getting on a high horse, being agressive with people without trying to listen to them. If I had been a little less calm, he might have browbeaten me, who's only ever driven a b-section, to actually start that car and back it into a wall or a pole or another car! To the owner - you'd maybe already had a bad morning. You certainly made sure I had a bad experience today. I think a bit of basic kindness would have gone a long way to making it a better situation for both of us, and you could have sold one more coffee before you closed up. You will get a 5 star review though. One star for every minute we were in your parking lot. I only hope you stop to think about other people's lives next time you're upset - you could have had a friendly chat and made a sale, instead of spreading misery.
Contacts & Location
📍 Address: 400 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
📞 Phone: +64 22 140 9861
Photos
Reviews
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Ilmari ★★★★★
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Michaela Wright ★★★★★
I have been here a couple of times now. Great hot chocolates, and the people are so friendly. Glad to support this business.
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Hannah Zhang ★★★★★
Great coffee. We have been always bias on coffee from a container shop as not good experience overall, but this one was an exception, great…and nice owners..will definitely visit more often.
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christine foster ★★★★★
Amazing coffee such friendly staff a must place to visit for a coffee friendliness and service
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Georgia Helms ★★★★★
Love stopping by for coffee of my morning walks. Chatting with Sandra and Ian always puts a smile on my face, and my dog knows there’s always a treat in store for her as well!
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Peter Blank ★★★★★
One of the yummiest coffees I have had in Christchurch. Friendly staff child friendly. Great Outdoor designs to inspire. One of my new favourite spots.
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Emily Bryant ★★★★★
Great service, yummy food, good coffee and a lovely shaded spot to sit on a hot day out the back.
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FAQs
What is the address of Coffee Zone?
Coffee Zone is located at 400 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
What is the phone number of Coffee Zone?
You can contact Coffee Zone at +64 22 140 9861
How can I get to Coffee Zone?
You can find directions to Coffee Zone by following this map link