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Story: Restaurants and food outlets

J. E. Bashford's Luncheon Rooms

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J. E. Bashford's Luncheon Rooms

In the 1870s Christchurch residents and visitors could dine at J. E. Bashford's Luncheon Rooms on Colombo Street. Hot food was available from 12 to 3 p.m. and cold food and teas until 9 p.m. Hot drinks were readily available, as well as wine and beer. Those with a sweet tooth could satisfy their cravings by choosing something from the large range of confectionery and sweets. Establishments like this usually provided separate dining rooms for women.

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Christchurch City Libraries

Reference: CCL-SPA-1878-0158

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How to cite this page

Perrin Rowland, Restaurants and food outlets – Early restaurants, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/ephemera/39586/j-e-bashfords-luncheon-rooms (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Perrin Rowland, published 30 November 2012.