our story

Hi! Im Nick, my family and I opened dainty early in 2024, If you’ve ever stopped in and felt a sense of nostalgia mixed with something fresh and exciting, that’s no accident. Dainty is more than just a place to grab a great coffee—it’s the culmination of a lifelong love affair with hospitality, a tribute to family legacy, and a celebration of everything I’ve learned along the way.

It’s a family business through and through. My wife Mel and I dreamed up this space together, and our young daughter Izzy keeps our fluffies up to scratch—she’s our in-house quality control and brings her own sparkle to the place. Every detail, from the menu to the music to the vibe, has been shaped by our shared vision. We’re not just serving coffee—we’re building something that feels like home. Our team are amazing, they share our vision to create a space that is comfortable, familiar, and always delivers.

I grew up in cafés. Literally. My parents ran them, and I was that kid behind the counter, making coffee for their friends and staff before I even hit double digits. By my early teens, I was already hooked—fascinated by the rhythm of service, the smell of freshly ground coffee, and the way a good café could bring people together like nothing else.

That passion took me far and wide. I spent years in England, opening around 25 cafés, training hundreds of baristas, developing products, and diving deep into roasting. It was a whirlwind of espresso shots, early mornings, and late-night brainstorms—but every step taught me something new about what makes a café truly special.

And now, dainty is my way of bringing it all together.

The name itself is a nod to my grandfather’s iconic milk bar, The Dainty Inn, which James Curnow ran in Christchurch from the early 1960’s to the 1990’s on High Street. It was a beloved local hangout and still strikes a chord with people today. The high stools that spun like carnival rides, the booths tucked away in the back, and the filtered coffee that sat in percolators waiting for the next customer. It was a place of charm, comfort, and connection—and those values are woven into every detail of Dainty today.

We’ve taken that spirit and reimagined it for a new generation. From our seasonal drinks, to our brunch & lunch that is simple, delicious and has a nod to Melbourne / New York brunch, Dainty is a modern homage to the past. But at its heart, it’s still about the same thing: bringing people together over great coffee, great food, and even better company.

-Nick & the dainty crew