Toy Car

Red VW

Joe's Garage

Sumner, Christchurch

Dec.2009 Ajr

Cafe Cool

Joe's Garage, the cafe 'chain' that started in Queenstown, spread to Arrowtown, then to inner city Christchurch, has now opened its new cafe at Sumner in Christchurch. It's different but the same. Located in a new building that has been squeezed between two old shops, it's a long thin den of 'Joe coolness' - the same toy trucks and cars are skittling along shelves and counters; and there's that same pared-back interior. There were more staff than customers when I called in last weekend but it may have just been the time of day. I'll reserve judgement for now.

Cafe Quirks

Joe's Garage, Christchurch. Jan. 2009. Ajr

I like a cafe that creates an individual character and in our highly competitive cafe market, that can mean the difference between good visitor numbers and bad - as long as the actual coffee and service are up to scratch of course. That's why I like Joe's Garage. They've gone the Tonka way...... with a fleet of little lorries and cars 'motoring about' the cafe tables and shelves as if its the most natural thing in the world. And naturally there's also a large toy box filled with cars and trucks for kids. www.joes.co.nz

Small Moments of Greed

Making a Porker

Of Myself

At Joe's Garage

Tonka-Land

Tonka Truck. Joe's Garage. June 2008. Ajr

Yes, I have been lurking about in Joe's Garage again.
I like the coffee.
I like the staff.
I like the toy trucks.
So shoot me!
www.joes.co.nz

Coffee Break

I go to Joe's Garage to work regularly. I like the slightly manic resemblance this cafe has to a hyperactive family living room - all noise, clatter, laughter, distraction and toys. Yes, toys. Old Tonka Toys take centre stage here - in posters, decoration and a large toy box for kids to rummage in. I lay out my writing notes and I slip into 'the spaces between' noise and comraderie, where I can think. My writing is easily formed there. This morning I caught this old Tonka 'driving' across the window sill beside me against a backdrop of Kenton Chambers across the street. www.joes.co.nz