Every time we think the Christchurch bar scene has peaked, it just keeps shooting for the stars. Nightlife in the city has never been as sweet as it is right now, and Cityscape has your guide.

Headline heroes

The rebirth of pre-quake hotspot Fat Eddie’s in Oxford Terrace offers toe-tapping live jazz and blues every night in an old-skool atmosphere and with some excellent snacks and drinks. You’ll find the slinky, speakeasy cool of O.G.B. resplendently housed in the Old Government Building, a favourite hangout for suits after 5pm and a buzzing spot that’s never quiet on the weekend. In Poplar Street, multi-bar venue Dux Central includes London-esque craft beer-topia Brew Bar, 1920s speakeasy-fuelled cocktails and swagger at neighbouring The Poplar Social Club and upstairs, Upper Dux’s funky sun-drenched space really takes off after dark. Bringing some super-slick sophistication to The Terrace is Terrace Tavern, with craft beers and cocktails galore to match a menu of local flavours.

Cocktail cool

In Cambridge Terrace, Sawyer serves a curated collection of delicious fermented and distilled refreshments alongside adventurous cocktails and classic Champagnes. Bloody Mary’s at Rydges Latimer has a whisky lounge that’s perfect for a nightcap, and the slinky Rogues of Rotherham works a detox/retox angle with killer cocktails along with secret sibling venue Sneaky’s.

Old faves

The go-to bar in Addington for more than 25 years, The Miller Bar offers live music and hearty traditional meals for affordable prices. In Merivale, No.4 Bar & Restaurant has a lively atmosphere every day of the week. Also in Merivale, the team at Aikmans Bar & Eatery have a tasty selection that captures the best of New Zealand cuisine. And if you’re looking to leave the city behind, head over the Port Hills to Ōtoromiro Hotel (formerly Governor’s Bay Hotel).

The new crowd

Stranges Lane has had a complete overhaul, with new establishments Soul Quarter, Rascal café & bar, and Cascade cocktail bar hitting the ground running. Meanwhile a couple of minutes’ walk up High Street you’ll find Austin Club, a new late-night venue serving cocktails in swanky post-war-themed surrounds. And still fairly fresh on the scene are Christchurch’s two top rooftop bars, Pink Lady at The Muse Hotel and Mr Brightside at the Public Trust Building.

Special interests

Historic New Regent Street is home to gin gin. and its specialist selection of – you guessed it – gins. Have an old-skool G&T or ask the mixologist to suss you a cocktail you’ve never tried before. At the other end of the street you’ll find The Last Word, an intimate, beautiful and well-stocked whisky bar with a fine selection of craft beers and New Zealand wines (and the best cheese toastie in town). Circling back to gin – Curiosity Gin now has its own wee bar in Riverside market serving up a selection of tots and cocktails as well as the distillery’s new whiskies.

Cellar Door is the go-to wine bar in the central city, with a series of ‘wine flights’ to help you explore the world of vino. There is no rival to Dice & Slice when it comes to finding a spot to play board games with a cheeky beer – the shelves are stacked with enough amazing games to keep you busy for years. And if the speciality you’re really after is a good guffaw, check out Good Times Comedy Club, Christchurch’s own dedicated comedy bar that’s guaranteed to be, well, a good time.

Put your feet up

If the dance floor isn’t your scene, you can sit back, enjoy a beverage and wag your chin at Moon Under Water at the south end of Colombo Street. The tapas bar is famous for its chilled atmosphere and awesome range of craft beers on tap. Ballantynes’ Lichfield Street wing is home to Kin, an elegant café, deli and wine bar with a fine collection of wines, craft beers, spirits and bubbles. For a bar with sustainability at its heart, check out The Fermentist micro-brewery. The taproom offers great beers brewed on site and sensational food sourced seasonally. Tucked in behind city institution Cook ‘N’ With Gas, the Astro Lounge is a groovy spot to enjoy a casual beverage.

Housed in the contemporary cool of the Christchurch Art Gallery, Universo Brasserie & Bar brings Euro-chic styling, next-level dining and out-of-this-world cocktails to the CBD. Across the road you’ll find Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar, a sophisticated haunt that serves up an array of great fare and excellent tipple. At Riverside Market, Canterbury Brewers Collective is a beer-lover’s paradise among the hustle and bustle. There’s also Bavarian-inspired hospitality and delicious fare to share at Kaiser Brew Garden upstairs. Take a seat in a candlelit corner or celebrate with friends in one of the covered outdoor courtyards.

Elmwood Trading Co. in Strowan offers a mellow setting where you can enjoy the hoppy flavour of a craft bevvy or a full-bodied vino. Get your groove on at 12 Bar in St Asaph Street and listen to some good blues with good brews. And in Sydenham you’ll find vegan deli Grater Goods which doubles up as a laid-back wine bar.

 

Check out our picks of the best spots in town to take in the views with your favourite beverage on hand.