Shoot over to Upshot's new Café Rhombus

[Upshot Coffee in Heathcote is home to the best coffee beans in Christchurch. Now it's owners, Justin and Meegan, have opened Café Rhombus next door. Our writer finds out what it is like.]

All good things come to those who wait! Who said that? I don't know, but I think he hit the nail on the head if he was meaning all of us who have been waiting for the new Café Rhombus in the Heathcote Valley's Station Road to open. Not that there was anything wrong with the 'old cafe' especially if the weather was fine and you had remembered to take some cash with you when you left home.

But before we transfer our loyalties from the old to the new, I think it is important to acknowledge what a wonderful gathering spot Upshot Coffee has been. Do they give Heritage Status to old butcher shops turned coffee roasteries? I think they should. Fortunately we are not really losing anything, Upshot will still be there, so we will have gained a Café and not lost a roasterie, and lots of familiar faces greeted us at the café. The new edifice is just right.

Lovely relaxed atmosphere (none of that 'ambiance' nonsense here) timber table tops and native plants outside and furniture sourced from the four corners of the globe inside. The food cabinet had some innovative features, like little logs of wood to hold the plates displaying the food. However, it was the contents of the plates which really caught our eyes, all 6 of them (eyes, not plates that is).

There were pizzas, scones and ficelles, all filled with scrumptious looking ingredients, but the three of us unanimously chose a slice of filled foccacia each and were not disappointed. It had a deliciously salty, slightly crisp crust that beautifully complimented the lovely ham and salad filling.

The day of our visit was a gift from the gods so we sat outside and soaked up the sun. It is a great setting with views of the valley in all directions able to be seen above the surrounding fence. When we had devoured the last of the foccacia crumbs we turned our attention to the desserts, chocolate brownie for two and a dainty lemon cake for one. Both were pronounced excellent.

All this was washed down with what we all know is the best coffee in the world. For this little feast for three, we were charged the very reasonable price of $36. We thoroughly enjoyed our first experience at Rhombus Café, which Justin tells us is so named because there is not a right angle anywhere in the building. The service was prompt and friendly and for an opening day, apparently free from hiccups.

And what about their famous dogs? Well they are still welcome to sit out on the lawn as they have always done but unfortunately inside the gates they will now become canis non grata.

[Rhombus Café is open from Wednesday to Friday from 7a.m. till 3p.m. and on Saturday and Sundays from 9a.m.till 3p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday until further notice.]