The city of Christchurch, with its English heritage and beautiful landscape, is undoubtedly one of the most charming destinations in New Zealand. However, beyond the brick-lined streets, whimsical gardens, and stunning architecture, the city harbours a vibrant nightlife scene. This nocturnal happened scene is headlined by its world-class cocktail bars, where mixology is regarded as high art. Each bar has its own unique allure, and we’ve put together this guide to help uncover the charm of Christchurch’s cocktail bars.
One visit to O.G.B Bar and Café provides an insight into the addictive mix of old-world charm and modern mixology that Christchurch cocktail bars have to offer. Located in the Old Government Building, dating back to 1913, the bar resonates with historical charm. The bartenders cloaked in vintage clothing, spinning vinyl tunes in the background, reinforce this allure. However, don’t let the antique vibes fool you; the cocktail selection is anything but dated. From traditional offerings like Martinis and Manhattans to creative concoctions developed in-house, every cocktail is an experience in itself.
Next on our list is The Last Word, an intimate whisky and cocktail lounge located in Christchurch’s New Regent Street. With its cosy interiors, soft lighting, and retro-styled décor, it provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic date. The cocktail menu, designed around seasonal produce, is visually captivating, making the decision-making process just as delightful as the drinking experience. And don’t forget to try their namesake cocktail, ‘The Last Word,’ a Prohibition-era classic which is a harmonious blend of gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
A short walk from The Last Word takes you to Boo Radley’s. This Southern food and hospitality establishment offers a cocktail experience that is as enchanting as its ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ inspired name. The venue blends the charm of the Deep South with Kiwi friendliness and boasts over 60 cocktails on its menu. Loved for its vibe as much as its drinks, Boo Radley’s offers live music, comedy shows and great comfort food that adds to its convivial atmosphere.
Christchurch’s hidden gem, The Dirty Land, should certainly not be left out when exploring the city’s cocktail scene. Located on High Street, this bar is renowned for lavish velvet interiors, moody lighting and fantastic cocktails. Paying homage to strong women, many drinks are named after icons such as fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and singer Janis Joplin. Their exotic drinks and enthralling inside stories provide enough reasons to keep coming back.
From the historical to the warm contemporary, the whimsical to the glamorous, Christchurch has a cocktail bar to suit every taste and occasion. The journey of exploring these bars becomes a tour through varied themes, histories, and cultures—the passionate endeavour of their mixologists resonating in every perfectly balanced cocktail. It is indeed this eclectic mix of history, charm, creativity, and personalised experience that sets Christchurch’s cocktail bars apart, making them not just places of sipping cocktails, cocktail bar christchurch but destinations in their own right.