Woodend cafe blooms with spring
Woodend gained a wonderful new cafe this winter with the opening of 79 Impresso, which as sunny days and warmth return looks set to reach its full potential in spring.
Positioned behind its own expansive car park on the main road through Woodend, 79 Impresso Cafe opens up for visitors once through the door.
Rustic wooden tables and soft bench seating are spread out in an area for up to 70 guests, including a cosy spot to the side with sofa chairs and a flickering fireplace. Outside a private courtyard and grassy area bathed in sunshine come complete with children’s playground and a towering phoenix palm.
The space and sense of community surrounding the cafe was a big part of the appeal for owner Crystal Jang, who had previously ran a bustling cafe in central Christchurch for more than 10 years.
Since late June, she has been welcoming families and groups from across the region to 79 Impresso Cafe. It’s a labour of love that, for all its polished appearances, she insists is still a work in progress.
‘‘I always wanted a cafe for the local community so I want to thank everyone who has come and given their attention and feedback,’’ she says.
‘‘It’s been really nice having people visit with their dog or coming to see what’s new.
‘‘With people’s support, we’re going to keep on making it better, so thank you.’’
The classic cafe feel of 79 Impresso belies a cosmopolitan edge that hints at wider changes in the area around Woodend, where the population continues to grow through developments like Pegasus and Ravenswood. This is especially true with the food.
Breakfast favourites like eggs benedict, blueberry pancakes and nutty granola are included, although Crystal says the most popular offering is smashed avocado. Served with pico de gallo, farm cheese, poached eggs and sourdough toast, it has been the top pick for winter, edging out even the creamy mushrooms and grilled halloumi.
Lunch has a similarly stylish menu with delights like sticky maple chicken on skewers, lamb with crushed pistachios, and the hefty ‘‘Impresso Burger’’ with fillings built around a Moroccan lamb patty, beef or chicken breast.
The blue cod with chips and tartare sauce is popular on all days, Crystal says.
Regulars can enjoy special deals on coffees and breakfasts by picking up a loyalty card and collecting stamps, and there is a dedicated functions room for birthdays or meetings.
Coffee by Vivace Espresso is available however you like it, whether as a takeaway for the trip to town or perhaps as an affogato, for those days when you’ve just got to kick back and luxuriate with a double shot and two scoops of ice cream.
79 Impresso Cafe is open weekdays
7.30am-4pm and weekends 8am-4pm at 79 Main North Rd, Woodend. Ph. 03
312 7366 or visit them online at
79impressocafe.co.nz.
I always wanted a cafe for the local community . . . With people’s support, we’re going to keep on making it better.
Crystal Jang Owner 79 Impresso cafe