Everyone needs a place to escape — a place to unwind and let the world roll on by — and The Pedal Pusher on Lincoln Road sets out to be exactly that for Addington. An homage to Christchurch's strong cycling culture (the city has been a hub for cyclists ever since Alfred Preece opened his bicycle exchange in 1885), the venue pairs that heritage with a relaxed vibe, bright decor and an airy space made for lingering.
The kitchen cooks up modern New Zealand cuisine built around all the pub favourites and more, with all-day menus that stretch from brunch with coffee to a long lunch or a casual dinner. Dietary requirements are well covered too, with vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside the classics.
The bar holds up its end with thirst-quenching craft beer and local wine from New Zealand vineyards, plus a cocktail list that runs from an Espresso Martini to a summery Pimm's No.1 Cup. Sparkling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, rosé and aromatics are all poured, with organic, vegan-friendly and non-alcoholic options available.
Beyond the everyday, The Pedal Pusher hosts private events of every kind — corporate functions, social gatherings and celebrations — with thoughtful menus and versatile spaces, and curates regular dining and drinking experiences announced on its Facebook page. In their words: fine beverage, tasty fare and the friendliest welcome in town.
Everyone needs a place to escape — a spot to unwind and let the world roll on by. On Lincoln Road in Addington, The Pedal Pusher has made itself exactly that: a relaxed bar and eatery that aims to be a great local and, in its own words, your home away from home.
The moniker is a deliberate nod to Christchurch's strong cycling culture. Ever since Alfred Preece started his bicycle exchange in 1885, the city has been a hub for cycling enthusiasts, and The Pedal Pusher carries that heritage into the present with a name that tips its helmet to the past. Step inside and the mood is anything but a history lesson: a relaxed vibe, bright decor and an airy space designed for lingering — the perfect place, as the team puts it, to escape life's rat race.
The kitchen cooks up a feast of modern New Zealand cuisine, built around all the pub favourites and more. Menus run all day — starters, mains and desserts — and are flexible enough for whatever the moment calls for: brunch with coffee, a long lunch that stretches pleasantly, or a casual dinner. The team is upfront about catering to all palates and dietary requirements, with vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu alongside the classics, so mixed groups can order without anyone compromising.
The week has its own rhythm. Tuesday to Thursday the doors open at 4:30pm and stay open till late — a natural fit for after-work dinners. From Friday to Sunday, service kicks off at midday, making weekends prime time for lazy lunches that drift into the evening. Monday is the day of rest.
Naturally, the bar offers a selection of thirst-quenching craft beer and local wine from New Zealand vineyards. The cocktail list leans classic with a playful streak: a Cosmopolitan built on Finlandia lime vodka, an Old Fashioned stirred with Woodford Reserve bourbon, and a summery Pimm's No.1 Cup loaded with fresh fruit, ginger ale and lemonade. For something brighter there's the Happy Days — lychee liqueur, peach schnapps, pineapple and cranberry — while after-dinner types can choose between an Espresso Martini made with Disaronno, Chambord and sweetened espresso, and the decadent Jaffalicious, a blend of Baileys, Cointreau, Frangelico and white crème de cacao.
The wine list is a proper tour with a few overseas guests. Sparkling ranges from Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV to Marlborough's Allan Scott 'Cecilia' Brut and a delicately sweet Canti Asti. Sauvignon blanc is happily Marlborough-heavy: Mud House, Waipara Hills, Jules Taylor and Loveblock — the latter organic and vegan friendly — with a non-alcoholic Edenvale for those skipping the alcohol. Chardonnay comes from Hawke's Bay and Australia, rosé from Marlborough, France and Central Otago's Madam Sass, and an aromatic Mud House riesling rounds out the list.
The Pedal Pusher doubles as a functions venue, hosting every kind of private event from corporate functions to social gatherings and celebrations of all kinds, with thoughtful menus and versatile spaces to match. There's a dedicated event menu, and the team curates a rolling programme of dining and drinking experiences — each month's line-up is announced on their Facebook page. Gift vouchers make it easy to share the experience, and booking a table takes a moment through the website.
You'll find The Pedal Pusher at 286 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024. It opens Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30pm till late, and Friday to Sunday from 12pm till late. To book or enquire, call 03-335-0095 or email [email protected]. Whether you arrive on two wheels or four, the promise is the same: fine beverage, tasty fare and the friendliest welcome in town.