Known for its wicked scones, this grab-and-go eatery nestled in the city is one of the best on the block.
As I make my order, Grain owner Belinda just has time to utter the words “They come for the scones and we have daily call-ins to put one aside,” before another customer comes in search of one. This customer announces that she has a constant craving for Grain scones, and... she isn’t wrong. They are delicious. Sliced, toasted and served with a side of butter. Heaven.
The vibe in this cool spot is set by the eclectic interior. A massive red gantry and an oversized hook in the ceiling are reminiscent of the café's previous life as The Wasp Factory, which many will remember as Christchurch's Vespa and scooter repair specialist and, before that, an old rubber moulding factory. The energy is good – a modestly modern space, clean lines, minimalist art, plenty of plants and the historical décor to top it off. Adjoining coworking offices open up the space and bring in coffee customers all day.
It's a busy morning and Belinda tells me that most of my co-diners are Grain regulars. She has worked in large and very successful restaurants, and came at Grain with a mission to open a new type of hospitality venue, a scaled-back café in the heart of Ōtautahi. One of her first goals, Belinda says, was to know her clientele by name. Another mission is to connect with the wider community, and any uneaten food from the café is donated to local food kitchen Kairos Food Rescue.
My order is a beautiful Harney and Sons peppermint tea and one of Grain's iconic cheese scones. Lots of people come and go while I enjoy my morning tea: groups, suits, mums and me. I sip and savour, feeling refreshed by the Grain energy. It’s also my lucky day, because there's a brand new range of Whittaker's Dark Ghana chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven. They are a true treat, complete with my favourite food feature: a dusting of sea salt on top. The perfect finisher.
As I get up to leave, I notice the proof in the pudding: the scone pile on top of the cabinet is already drastically diminished. Good thing I got in early!