A Unique Cafe, Bar, Restaurant & Function/Wedding Venue Located in Cashmere, Christchurch NZ, Just 10mins from CBD

A PLACE WHERE TIME
ALMOST STANDS STILL

Outstanding Brunch & Dinner Menu, Yummy Cabinet Food, Barista Coffee, Premium High Tea, Craft Beer, Fine Wine & Yummy Cocktails.
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Welcome To

Sign of the Takahe

The  Sign of the Takahe is a beautifully renovated heritage building with a newly built upstairs bar, (Private bar downstairs for hire) a comfy cafe by day and a lux casual restaurant experience in the evening. It invokes an adventure beyond the ordinary that stirs the imagination. It is a place where time almost stands still, a place where some of the best memories are made.

NEW local family business owners Andrew & Kay Male (Sept 2019)  are serving a fresh take on both classic Kiwi & European comfort food and drinks (see menu below),.

“It is a place where you feel naturally at ease; be it for a casual coffee, a business lunch or a celebration of epic proportion”. – J.Bolton NZ

Check out our 3D Virtual tour! where you can actually walk around the building now!

200Hackthorne RoadCashmere, ChristchurchNew Zealand (South Island) 8022
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2021 Opening HoursMonday & Tuesday - CLOSED. (Available for hire)Wednesday to Saturday - 9am to 11pm - Brunch & Dinner MenuSunday Service is 9am - 4pm - Sunday Brunch Menu
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Menus

Spring/Summer Menu (Nov 2020)

Menu

Our Sign of the Takahe Menu below is a tribute to the timeless New Zealand & European classics that people have come to know, love and adore.   Our Chefs and Bakers have taken them to new heights with sumptuous local ingredients and utmost finesse.

We are foremost a casual family friendly Cafe, Bar and Restaurant  where everyone is welcome, the food is not only affordable, yummy but also covers many dietary requirements (GF, DF, V, VE Keto, etc)using the best quality, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

We can cater for 1 to 150+ guests from our yummy cabinet food, popular brunch and lunch menu to our more chilled out evening dining menu. We also have group menus (Event/Seasonal/Christmas).

                    

EVERYDAY BRUNCH

Served to 3pm | Pizza & Dessert from 12pm

Our dedicated brunch menu with some delicious classic favourites served with a Takahe and modern twist. Vegetarian, Keto and Vegan are also catered for.

– – – – ⚜ – – – –

⚜ Takahe Eggs Benedict ⚜
(GF) (Keto option)
Two Poached Eggs on your choice of housemade Pulled Beef potato Hash or our Plain potato Hash – served with Wilted Spinach and Hollandaise Sauce.

Mushrooms $21.50
​Bacon $22.50
Salmon $25.00

Keto  – Friendly Option swap your Potato Hash for Keto Bread (+$2)

⚜ Takahe Big Breakfast ⚜
(GF/Keto option)
Two Eggs Cooked Your Way | Bacon | Sausage | Toast | Hashbrown | Wilted Spinach | Tomato | Mushrooms. $23.00

Keto / GF Friendly Option swap your Toast & Hashbrown for Keto / GF Bread & wilted spinach (+$2) 

⚜ Eggs on Toast ⚜
(GF/Keto option)
Two Eggs Cooked Your Way | Toast. $14.00   Add Bacon $4.50

Keto / GF – Friendly Option swap your Toast  for Keto / GF Bread or Wilted Spinach (+$2)

⚜ Upgrade your Breakfast ⚜
( must be purchased with a main brunch meal)
Salmon $7 | Bacon $4.5 | Sausages $6 | Spinach $4 |  Tomato $3| Mushrooms $4 | 1 Egg $3 | 2 Eggs $5 | 2 slices of Bread – Sourdough, GF or Keto $3 | Hashbrowns $4

⚜ Waffles Populaire ⚜
Our In-house made Waffles | Banana | Fruit Compote | Vanilla Mascarpone | Maple Syrup
1 Waffle     $13.00
2 Waffles   $17.00
Add Bacon $4.50


⚜ Smashed Edamame ⚜
(Vegan)  GF option +$2
(eh-duh-maa-mei)
Edamame Beans | Sourdough | Whipped Tofu | Toasted Seeds  $15.00

Add Bacon $4.50
Add 2 Eggs $5.00

⚜ Fish & Chips ⚜
(GF option – Pan Fried)
Our Craft Beer Battered Fresh Fish | Crispy Slaw | Tartare Sauce| Makikihi Fries. $26.00

⚜ Open Steak Sandwich ⚜
(GF option +$2  & DF option)
Your old Fav is back!! 150g Beef Sirloin | Toasted Sourdough | Onion Jam | Slaw | Pickle| Blue Cheese Mayo | Makikihi Fries. $24.00

⚜ Chefs Pasta Creation ⚜
Ask our Front of House staff for today’s flavour or view our specials board…

⚜ Summer Chicken ⚜
(GF)
Confit Chicken Maryland | Fennel | Celeriac | Mandarin Salad | Pomegranate & Molasse Dressing | Currants. $27.50

⚜Beetroot Salad ⚜
(Vegetarian) (Vegan  option)
Roasted Beetroots | Falafel | Whipped Tofu | Toasted Seeds | Goats Curd. $21.50

– – – –⚜– – – –

Our Fabulous Burgers

Match them with our most popular beverage combinations
⚜ Crispy Chicken Burger ⚜
(GF option +$2  & DF option)
Our Signature Crispy Chicken | Crispy Slaw | Smoked Cheddar | Pickles | BBQ Mayo | Pretzel Bun | Makikihi Fries     “Great with an Apple juice or a Crisp Sauv”

⚜ Port Hills Beef Burger ⚜
(GF option +$2  & DF option)
In-house made tender Beef Patty | Crispy Slaw | Smoked Cheddar | Pickles | BBQ Mayo | Pretzel Bun | Makikihi Fries     “Great with our Takahe Lager”

⚜ Vegan Burger ⚜
(GF option +$2)
In-house made Falafel Pattie | Crispy Slaw | Tomato | Pickles | Beetroot Relish | Hummus | Pretzel Bun | Kumara Fries –   “Great with our Vegan Friendly Rosé”

All $25.50
– – – – ⚜ – – – –

CHILDREN’S – all $13.00

Designed by Children aged 12 & under, all meals are served with complimentary kids drink – Juice, Fizzy,or milk.

Enjoy a fun, relaxed time at the Takahe. you can be entertained with our free paints and crayons in the vibrant, friendly atmosphere whilst the adults are talking boring stuff…. Plenty of choice to munch on. your menu includes plenty of familiar favourites.

Breakfast  –  Available 9am to 3pm
⚜ Kids Breakfast Toast | Hashbrown | Egg | Bacon
⚜ Waffle Waffle | Bacon | Banana | Fresh fruit | Maple Syrup

Lunch & Dinner  –  Available – from 11am
⚜ Mini Fish ‘n’ Chips Battered fish served | chips | tomato sauce.
⚜ Fried Chicken Crispy fried chicken | crispy slaw or chips
⚜ Pizza & Chips – Meatlovers | Chicken & Cranberry | Margherita

Kids Sides
⚜ Kids Seasonal Steamed Veggies∼      4.00
⚜ Kids Crispy Slaw∼      $4.00

Kids Dessert
⚜ Kids Ice Cream Vanilla Ice Cream | Sprinkles & choice of chocolate or Strawberry sauce ∼      $6.00

 

Reserve a Table for Brunch

DINNER

Exclusively Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights from 5pm

The evening dining experience is complemented with a sophisticated yet affordable wine list with a focus on locally sourced wines carefully picked to match our menus. At the Sign of the Takahe, rest assured every dish is delicate, balanced and thoroughly considered.

– – – –⚜– – – –

Starters

⚜ Beetroot Salad ⚜
 (Vegetarian) (Vegan option)
Roasted Beetroots | Falafel | Whipped Tofu | Toasted Seeds | Goats Curd $14.00

⚜ Takahe Bread & Dips ⚜
(Gf option + $2)
Takahe Focaccia | Smoked Paprika Butter | Dips $13.00

⚜ Chickpea Puree & Piadina ⚜
(GF option + $2)
Takahe Piadina Flatbread | Smoked Paprika Butter | Chickpea Puree | Pomegranates | Crunchy Chickpeas $14.00

⚜ Braised Beef Rib Flintstone ⚜
(Gf option)
½ Braised Beef Rib | Ponzu Glaze | Puffed Beef Tendon | Herb Slaw $16.50

⚜ Takahe Mussels ⚜
(GF Option +$2 & DF option)
Mussels | Napoli & Chorizo Sauce | Toasted Sourdough $16.00

⚜ Duck Bao ⚜
Three Duck Bao Buns | Slaw | Kewpie | Crispy Shallots $17.50

⚜ Fried Chicken ⚜
(GF option)
Three Crispy fried Chicken Wings | Honey, Soy and Lime Sauce $15.00

– – – –⚜– – – –

Mains & Signature

⚜ Chefs Pasta Creation ⚜
Ask our Front of House staff for today’s flavour or view our specials board..

⚜ Fish & Chips ⚜
(Gf option – Pan Fried)
Our Craft Beer Battered Fresh Fish | Crispy Slaw |  Tartare Sauce | Makikihi Fries $26.00

⚜ Harry Ell Ribeye ⚜
250g Ribeye | Celeriac Remoulade | Fondant Potato | Beetroot Puree | Jus or Garlic & Anchovy Butter “Great with a Pinot Noir” $37.00

⚜ NZ Lamb Rump ⚜
(GF)
Lamb Rump | Charred Onion | Salsa Verde | Whipped Ricotta | Jus $35.00

⚜ Summer Chicken ⚜
(GF & DF)
Confit Chicken Maryland | Fennel | Celeriac | Mandarin Salad | Pomegranate & Molasse Dressing | Currants   “Great with a Rosé” $27.50

⚜ Risotto Verde ⚜
(GF) ( DF option)
Edamame Beans | Peas | Watercress | Whipped Goats Cheese | Lemon | Pecorino $31.00

⚜ Takahe Fish en Papillote ⚜
(GF & Pescatarian Option)
Today’s Market Fresh Fish | Braised Kale | Clams | Crusty Sourdough | Squid Ink Tapioca Crisps
“Perfectly matched with a Pinot Gris” $36.50

– – – –⚜– – – –

Sides

⚜ Makikihi Fries ⚜
⚜ Kumara Fries ⚜
$9.50

⚜ Crispy Slaw ⚜
⚜ Smashed Spuds⚜
$8.00

– – – –⚜– – – –

Our Fabulous Burgers

Match them with our most popular beverage combinations
⚜ Crispy Chicken Burger ⚜
(GF option +$2  & DF option)
Our Signature Crispy Chicken | Crispy Slaw | Smoked Cheddar | Pickles | BBQ Mayo | Pretzel Bun | Makikihi Fries     “Great with an Apple juice or a Crisp Sauv”

⚜ Port Hills Beef Burger ⚜
(GF option +$2  & DF option)
In-house made tender Beef Patty | Crispy Slaw | Smoked Cheddar | Pickles | BBQ Mayo | Pretzel Bun | Makikihi Fries     “Great with our Takahe Lager”

⚜ Vegan Burger ⚜
(GF option +$2)
In-house made Falafel Pattie | Crispy Slaw | Tomato | Pickles | Beetroot Relish | Hummus | Pretzel Bun | Kumara Fries –   “Great with our Vegan Friendly Rosé”

All $25.50

 

Disclaimer:
We make every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction for those with food allergies. However there is always a risk of contamination as in our kitchen we use products such as milk, eggs, gluten, seafood, peanuts, other nuts, sesame seeds and capsicum,
although we have strict cross contamination policies; we can not guarantee a total absence of these products in any of our cuisine’s, meat,
carb or vegetable.
Customers with food allergies must be aware of this risk and mention it to our Servers at the time of ordering. We will not assume any liability for adverse reactions from the food consumed, or items one may come in contact with whilst eating any of our meals or itemised food sources.

 

 

Reserve a Table for dinner

Available from 12pm.

Pizza

Our Pizza Dough is made in house each day, rolled by hand and made to order. (GF option +$2)

⚜ Margherita ⚜
Napoli | Fresh Tomato | Basil Pesto | Mozzarella | Extra-Virgin Olive Oil  $21.00

⚜ Carnivores ⚜
Salami | Chicken | Beef Meatballs | Lamb | Caramelised onion | Mozzarella | Jus  $25.50

⚜ Fungi ⚜
Mozzarella | Garlic | Mushrooms | Herbs | Truffle Oil  $23.50

⚜ Chicken & Cranberry ⚜
Chicken | Cranberry Sauce | Brie | Mozzarella  $23.50

Available from 12pm

Dessert

⚜ Chocolate Mousse ⚜
(GF)
Chocolate Mousse | Pinot Cherries | Vanilla Mascarpone | Liquorice $16.00

⚜ Bombe Alaska ⚜
Today’s flavour Parfait | Vanilla Sponge | Meringue $16.00

⚜ Panna Cotta ⚜
(DF) (Vegan Option)
Coconut | Lime | Raspberries | Meringue | Toasted Coconut. $16.00

– – – –⚜– – – –

⚜ Barrys Bay Cheese Board ⚜
(GF+$2)
Crackers | Rosemary & Honey Paste | Pickled Veg | Branston Pickle |  70g Local Cheese your choice $18.00         Addition Cheese  $8 per 70g

Cheese Selections: 
Haviati | Aged Smoked Cheddar | Peninsula Blue Aged Cumin Gouda

Group & Mid-Winter Menu

Summer/Autumn/Mid-Winter

Large Group

Booking a Group Lunchor Dinner? A Corporate Party or even a Product Launchperhaps?

You have come to the right place!! With space options to host 150+ Guests (250+  outside) we will endeavour to make your booking and menu selections as easy as possible.

Whether you are arranging a large person smart sit down lunch, a casual evening cocktail affair, perhaps gathering a club or group catch up or  “being the best boss in town”  by organising a Staff Party, our space transcends the ordinary and our team are ready assist you.

A memorable event begins with a memorable location and the Takahe is a special venue.  This enchanting Building sets the perfect scene for a unique event. You’ll definitely be stimulating people’s imagination!

The Sign of the Takahe is one of Christchurch’s most sought-after group and function event spaces, with its distinct charm, the venue can be transformed to hold your most iconic parties or intimate enough to give your guests a group gathering to remember.

“There is no place that matches the old-worldly elegance of the Sign of the Takahe”. Mr. S  Anderson UK

Group & mid-Winter Menus

Group: Our popular group menus are based upon our current menus, contact us today and we can discuss your needs.

Mid-Winter:  Our Mid-Winter Menu starts from June  –  July

Enquiries to
[email protected]

Please include:

›desired date/time
›number of guests
›the occasion
›Brunch or dining option preferred

 

View Sample Group Menu
Takahe Reserve High Tea

Exclusively Friday & Saturday at 11am

Takahe Reserve High Tea

Our popular  “Takahe Reserve High Teas” Experience is now available exclusively on Friday and Saturdays at 11am.

Unlike others that just use their existing cabinet food,  we have a specially designed High Tea Menu that our in-house Baker makes to order that very morning using the finest freshest ingredients, the tables are traditionally decorated and our finest quality china is used.  The table is also booked for your exclusive use for 2.5hrs! It’s quite an experience!

What better way to treat yourself or a loved one by enjoying a 3 tiered stand of yummy scones, savouries, sandwiches and sweet treats served alongside our Classical Charity Tea range. – You can even add a glass of Prosecco!

Reserve High Tea is ideal for any occasion!

 

 

TAKAHE RESERVE CLASSICAL HIGH TEA
@ $45 per person
or
TAKAHE RESERVE PROSECCO HIGH TEA
@ $52 per person

FAQ:
Q: Why do I need to book and pay beforehand?
A:  All items are delicately handcrafted to order and made fresh that very morning, These sessions are very very popular and also with only a few seatings per day we have unfortunately had customers missing out due to other customers not arriving.
Q: What if I can’t make it?
A: If you decide to cancel, this will be refunded as long as it’s before 5pm on the Tuesday before your booking.
Q: What Dietary requirements do you cater for?
A: We are able to cater for many dietary requirements, with more to follow, so please contact us for more information on your specific requirements.
Q:  Can I book for 1 person? 
A: Prices are per person & Designed for min of 2 people (Table and fine china place setting is designed for two to share) as we currently have a maximum capacity of 10 people per sitting.
Q: Do you have this date free?
A: Ideally, bookings should be made online as this is the quickest and fastest way to reserve you space and to see your date availability.
Please Note:
To limit confusion due to some peoples interpretation around what is regarded as a high Tea, Please make sure you select or ask specifically for our “Takahe Reserve High Tea” as any other wording such as Devonshire tea, “tea for two”, “afternoon tea”, “Cream Tea” or “Coming for Tea” will be assumed as a table booking only for our yummy cabinet food.

 

When booking, Search Friday & Saturday dates only.

 

 

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Access & Contact

Access

Disabled Access:
Access to our building is important to both you and us, the building is a heritage grade one listed building and has special dispensation from the government to not have wheelchair or disabled access. however, We are actively working with the CCCouncil & CCS Disability Action Group to put forward a plan for the future. – Service and guide dogs have full access at all times and will not be touched, treated or distracted from their duties.

  • INSIDE: There are 7 wide long curved steps going up into the main atrium, Then there are 8 step wide internal stairs going up to Cafe/Bar.
  • TO THE TOILET: the eight steps going down to the atrium then you can turn either left to the Gente alright to the ladies and then there are eight steps going down and then a dogleg and then another four steps go into the toilets.
  • GARDEN: Ramp to the rear, 4 steps other access.
  • INSIDE VIA GARDEN: 4 large wide steps.

Car Parking.
There is plenty of free parking around the building, please be respectful of our wonderful neighbours and make sure you give them enough room around their driveways. drop Kerb outside main entrance. 5 Min parking directly out the front. Disabled parking further down the road.

Bus:
There is a Number 1 bus – Rangiora Express – Cashmere

Cycle Parking
We have a large cycle rack at the rear gardens, this has access to free bike locks and also tool kits, puncture repair and a pump.

Lime Scooter
Unfortunately the lime scooter can only get about a 10th of the way up the hill..

Helicopter/JetPack/Drone
You will need to file a CAA flight and landing request before Landing/take-off is authorised.

Access Pushchairs/Strollers
Plenty of space, bring them in! We also have games, books and toys for your children. Plus high chairs and changing room facilities in both male and female toilets. You are also welcome to breastfeed. We just remind parents and caregivers that this is an old building and there are steep stairs, metal swords, and open fireplaces.

Dogs.
We welcome well-behaved quiet dogs into the bar area and downstairs areas, however, NOT in the main sit down restaurant.  Under the NZ 2014 restaurant act, H&S in the workplace, states dogs are allowed under the Business Owner (Duty Managers) Discretion.

Therefore, Customers tend to leave their dogs outside first, then quickly come in to check the situation. (especially if other dogs are present).
Please note:
⚜ Dogs are required to be on a lead at all times,   ⚜ No dogs on chairs, sofas or lap. On floor only. ⚜ Please be aware that if your dog barks a few times, then it’s best to move your dog downstairs or outside for other customer comfort. ⚜ Owners are advised to keep dogs away from customers (especially children)  and to be aware of trip hazards. ⚜ Staff are asked to refrain from petting. ⚜ Service and guide dogs have full access at all times and must not be touched, treated or distracted from their duties. ⚜ Wet, muddy dogs need to be properly dried off before entering any carpeted areas.

The Sign of the Takahe Christchurch New Zealand by saltisworks on Sketchfab

 

Make An Enquiry ONLY

Request more info

USE MENU ABOVE TOP FOR TABLE BOOKING: Please fill out this form only for general enquiries OR for discussing a larger group bookings of more than 8 guests. . . . . PLEASE use quick booking link found at the top menu of this page to book a table.

+6439258766

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https://signofthetakahe.co.nz/book-now/