Welcome to the CrunchyTown Bar & Cafe
~Grand Opening September 5th~
From the Exchange Operator:
When I first walked into XCHC, I remember feeling intrigued, confused, interested, and inspired all at the same time. Most of all, I felt welcomed. The friendliness of the artists in the studios, the chef, even people in the cafe made me not want to leave.
4 years later, safe to say, that first impression was a lasting impression.
I believe we have the opportunity to do this every day. To give people a place of wonder, excitement, and belonging that can only be compared to that feeling I call “home”.
In 2019 I walked into another creative warehouse space called Crunchy Town while visiting Melbourne. These feelings flooded back in. People working together, making art, hosting events, and looking after each other and their visitors with a true love for what they created.
A few members of that community have relocated to Christchurch and have joined forces with XCHC to offer something I feel this city (and we all) desperately need, a social, late night art bar that exists for creative people & projects, not profit.
I will forever be amazed at the people who show up here and the ideas we get to test together. I can’t wait to see what this incredible community brings; to XCHC and to Christchurch.
XCHC is turning it’s focus to improving the events, exhibitions, and residency opportunities that will continue to bring a diversity of art forms together.
But for now, here’s their story.
Enjoy
- Preston
Our Story
Photos by Isaac McCarthy
Many of you have already met us around XCHC and know us as “The Crunchies.” We are a merry band of travelers, goofballs, & creatives who have been practicing alternative living all over the world. At one point or another we have all lived at Crunchy Town, a warehouse in Melbourne where up to 50 people live, eat, play, make art, & grow together as a community. Living in this way taught us to play to each other’s strengths and use our various talents to create meaningful experiences. A few of us have since reunited here in Christchurch, and have been seeking out a project which reflects the values that we live by. This journey has led us to XCHC.
Coming out of lockdown, it was clear that people were yearning for deeper connection. XCHC was a place that facilitated this connection; a crossroads of creativity where people come to inspire others and to be inspired to turn their creative ideas into realities. XCHC had all of these elements, but was lacking consistency. Meanwhile, most late night options in Christchurch felt more transactional than social. We saw a niche to be filled and a desire from the community, and quickly began to get to work.
For the past few months, we have been getting more involved at XCHC. You may have seen us behind the bar supporting the events, hosting communal dinners, working in the studios, making music, designing immersive parties, or playing ping-pong. Whatever your level of interaction with us, we are grateful to you for welcoming us into your community and sharing this space with us.
So, now what?
After much experimentation, trial & error, fun, tears, and friendships forged, we are ready to level up our involvement at XCHC.
Starting on September 5th, we are officially launching the CrunchyTown Bar & Cafe! From Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 12am, we will be operating as a bar & late night espresso joint. We will also be starting a weekend complement to Pedro’s Cafe, offering our own tasty, soul-satisfying vegan creations and the occasional cheeky DJ set.
XCHC events will continue to host diverse events and exhibitions. This means that when you arrive, there could be anything from a talk on the future of agriculture in New Zealand to a Western-themed murder mystery (keep your eyes peeled ;). If you’re not feeling the event, you are always welcome to hang out in the Plant Nursery, our newly upgraded chill-out lounge.
The CrunchyBar will be a place to socialise, share, connect, & create. We aim to create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that blurs the line between a venue and a home. If this sounds like something you’ve been looking for, come down and see what we’re all about.
Details for the launch party can be found on the facebook event.