Brighton Beach House is a cafe and bar located at 16a Beach Road, North New Brighton, Christchurch, overlooking Broad Park and Waimairi Beach at the north end of New Brighton Beach. The site has been part of the local food scene for many years in different forms, before being reinvigorated and reimagined into Brighton Beach House in July 2022 under new owners Donna and Scot, together with Jackson and Ollie.
Donna, born and raised in Brighton, and Scot, from the Bay of Islands, spent 22 years in the hospitality industry in Asia managing resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants before returning home to Christchurch to run Brighton Beach House. The menu features Kiwi classics alongside flavours influenced by their travels, with healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and celiac options in abundance.
Coffee is sourced from Halo Coffee Roasters, described as a laid-back, uncomplicated blend rich in flavour with hints of caramel and dark chocolate. The wine list features unique, boutique wines hand-picked from New Zealand wineries, and the courtyard offers a large range of gins from around the world, alongside cocktails like an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni.
The restaurant and bar is open for dinner on Friday nights, and the kitchen serves gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options alongside plant-based milk alternatives for coffee.
Brighton Beach House is a cafe and bar at 16a Beach Road, North New Brighton, Christchurch, overlooking Broad Park and Waimairi Beach at the north end of New Brighton Beach. The site has been part of the local food scene for many years in different forms, before being reinvigorated and reimagined into Brighton Beach House in July 2022 under new ownership.
The venue is run by Donna and Scot, Kiwis who spent 22 years in the hospitality industry in Asia managing award-winning resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants. Donna was born and raised in Brighton, and Scot is from the Bay of Islands; both have returned home to Christchurch, along with Jackson and Ollie, to bring what they describe as life and verve to Brighton Beach House. Their approach is summed up in their own words: 'food brings inspiration and love, enjoying it with friends and family over a bottle of wine even better,' aiming for a chilled vibe and an intimate community feel.
The menu blends Kiwi classics with flavours picked up from Donna and Scot's travels around the world, with healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and celiac options in abundance. The winter menu brings in new dishes while retaining some old favourites brought back by request, including a seafood chowder served with a garlic roll. Plant-based and alternative milks are always available for coffee.
Coffee is sourced from Halo Coffee Roasters, described as a laid-back, uncomplicated blend, rich in flavour, with a hint of caramel and dark chocolate. The wine list is built to match the menu, featuring unique, boutique wines hand-picked from New Zealand wineries. In the courtyard, visitors can chill out with a G&T from a large range of gins from around the world, a Summer Aperol Spritz, or a Wintery Negroni.
Brighton Beach House keeps a mix of daytime and evening hours across the week. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday it's open from 9am to 2:30pm, with the kitchen closing at 2pm. Tuesday is closed. Friday extends into the evening, open 9am to 8pm with the kitchen closing at 7:15pm, making it the one night the restaurant and bar is open for dinner. Saturday and Sunday run from 9am to 4pm, with the kitchen closing at 3:30pm. The venue is closed on public holidays.
Brighton Beach House is located at 16a Beach Road, North New Brighton, Christchurch, and can be reached on (03) 382 8599. The business is active on Facebook, Instagram, and Tripadvisor, and offers gift cards, an online store, and event and wedding bookings for those wanting to host something at the venue.
Whether it's a relaxed daytime brunch, a Friday evening dinner, or a courtyard drink looking out toward the beach, Brighton Beach House positions itself as a community hub for New Brighton, built around good food, boutique wine, and a chilled atmosphere with a bit of cheek.