RAISING THE BAR

Drinking RAISING THE BAR

Those who like to imbibe in swank surrounds where exotic cocktail lists meet craft beers, fine Kiwi wines and savvy service are in for a treat, with Christchurch rocking some seriously swishy bar action.

You’ll find the slinky, speakeasy cool of O.G.B resplendently housed in the grand, sandstone glory of the iconic, heritage-listed Old Government Building that’s perched on the corner of Cathedral Square. Look for the mint, Bugsy Malone-style Austin out front to discover retro-hip bar staff rocking suspenders and bowlers dispensing classic cocktails, craft beers and Kiwi wines for a night of old-skool magic.

Historic New Regent Street is home to The Last Word, an intimate and beautiful whisky and cocktail lounge where you can enjoy a fine selection of craft beers, New Zealand wines and a wealth of hand-picked whiskies.

In Poplar Street, four-bar venue Dux Central consists of London-esque craft beertopia Brew Bar, the swank sophistication of the Emerald Room next door, 1920s speakeasy-fuelled cocktails and swagger at neighbouring The Poplar Social Club and the upstairs king hit that is The Upper Dux’s funky sun-drenched/after-dark space, featuring a deck with serious attitude. Tucked down an unassuming High Street alley you’ll find the pimped-up industrial chic of

01 — Bloody Mary’s

03 — The Fermentist

04 — The Brewers Arms 05 — No.4 Bar & Restaurant

Strange & Co, complete with a bohemian bricked courtyard.

Down Victoria Street you’ll find late-night fave The Dirty Land, a dark and broody lounge bar fusing a moody aesthetic with industrial chic. Boo Radley’s is a bourbon lover’s paradise. Keep an eye out for King of Snake’s equal measures of chic sophistication and rockstar swag.

Housed in the contemporary cool of the Christchurch Art Gallery, Universo Brasserie & Bar is equal parts edgy-Euro chic and sunny tropical escape with a drinks list that’s off the charts. And across the road you’ll find Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar, a sophisticated haunt that serves up an array of great fare and excellent tipple.

The rebirth of pre-quake fave Fat Eddie’s in Oxford Terrace offers toe-tapping live jazz and blues every night in a buzzy atmosphere along with some excellent snacks and drinks. Downstairs, sister venue Kong serves up fine cocktails amid 1930s Art Deco décor and a definite air of sophistication. Bringing some super-slick sophistication to The Terrace is Terrace Tavern, part of the Dux Group. Botanic, also on The Terrace, is a swanky gin palace and dining hotspot with a rooftop bar, marrying top-shelf gins (think Elephant, Dancing Sands, Four Pillars, Wild Diamond and Hendrick’s) with full-throttled flavours of fresh lemongrass, pomegranate, thyme-speared raspberries, red

01 — Boo Radley’s Food & Liquor

chilli and more. And be sure to check out Botanic’s new digs out the back, The Glasshouse which brings a bit of SoHo to the city.

Bloody Mary’s (Rydges Latimer) whisky lounge is perfect for a nightcap in the plush surrounds, and the slinky Rogues of Rotherham works a detox/retox angle with killer cocktails along with secret sibling venue Sneaky’s.

GASTRO PUBS Christchurch’s gastropubs are havens for old-skool classic fare (albeit stepped up a level), chill surrounds, tranquil courtyards, beer gardens, live music and unpretentious ambience.

In Victoria Street you’ll find The Bog, an Irish bar and restaurant offering a range of hearty Irish classics and retaining all the traditions of the classic pub while also adding modern advantages. It’s a short jaunt from here down to the Carlton Bar & Eatery, the purpose-built post-quake version of an iconic bar and restaurant that has long been part of the Christchurch scene. Towards the east of the central city, Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn is the city’s original free house, and home to no fewer than 31 taps of New Zealand and international craft beer, and you’ll find some awesome eats too – sharing plates, burgers and larger meals well worth getting stuck into.

Make a beeline for Terrace Tavern, a modern watering hole overlooking the Avon. Take in the Euro-sophistication and peruse the extensive range of beverages. Continue up to The Craft Embassy, an award-winning bar and restaurant with 30 taps of independent craft beer on offer, or tuck into the delicious range of dishes. Two minutes’ walk along the riverfront will bring you to local beer specialist bar and fillery Canterbury Brewers Collective in Riverside Market.

North of the city in Edgeware, Bailies Bar and 02 — 12 Bar

Restaurant is a chilled-out spot for a quiet one after work, drinks before dinner or a big night out with friends. You won’t want to miss Merivale’s No.4 Bar & Restaurant and its epic courtyard and tasty fare, or the craft beer perfection of Nelson-brewed beers and ciders on tap at Merivale Sprig & Fern Tavern, which also does a fine sideline in killer pizzas.

Situated at the foot of the Cashmere Hills is Protocol. Enjoy the super sunny courtyard over a refreshing beverage and some great food. And in Woolston you’ll find The Brewery at The Tannery, with its own craft beers and some seriously good pizzas. In Heathcote Valley, the Valley Inn Tavern continues a 130-year tradition of hospitality with its relaxing courtyard, great food, courtesy van, and big screens for the big game.

LIVE MUSIC From headbangin’ Friday nights to super-chilled Sunday afternoon sessions, there’s sure to be a gig that’s up your aural alley.

The central city is the go-to hotspot for live music. You’ll find good craic with regular live Irish music and local talent at The Bog. In the St Asaph Street hospitality precinct, kick it to chilled-out duos and solos at The Cuban. Dux Central hosts both regular live acts and DJs in its dancefocused Upper Dux. Pre-quake fave Fat Eddie’s has returned better and ‘fatter’ than ever with live jazz in Oxford Terrace.

In the Stranges Lane complex, Strange & Co. plays host to bands and DJs, while local legends strut their stuff on the regular at Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, and you can take in chilled-out beats every weekend at The Dirty Land in Victoria Street. Also in Victoria Street you’ll find the southern charms of Boo Radley’s Food & Liquor, with its chilled bayou vibe dispensing some toe-tapping live music and a regular open mic night. Universo Brasserie & Bar also plays host to regular live music, making the most of its sweet outdoor area and relaxed vibe.

Drop by O.G.B for mellow solo performers and duos, or hit the underground cool of Darkroom for an eclectic mix of local and visiting acts. Touring musicians can often be found on stage at The Tannery’s hip live music haunt Blue Smoke and Lyttelton’s famously quirky Wunderbar, which also sees its share of fringe. Catch larger acts at The Foundry and The Piano, and all the big names at Isaac Theatre Royal, Horncastle Arena and Christchurch Town Hall.

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— 03 — DUX CENTRAL COSY PUB/SWISHY BAR

The Dux is a Christchurch hospitality legend. Whether you experienced good times at the original site in the Arts Centre or are new to the Dux Family, you’ll feel instantly at home at the new Dux Central, whether it’s relaxing inside or in the stunning, two-level courtyard. Dux Central offers a four-bar hospitality hub in the heart of the central city rebirth which has something for everyone. Their Brew Bar offers over 200 bottled craft beers and 12 tap options (including their own famous brews), and smacks of a London pub – only they serve their beer cold (as is only proper)! Their passion for wine is expressed in The Emerald Room, which has been perfectly described as “high end, intimate and slick”. This intimate, opulent and elegant space brings the “deluxe” to Dux Central, with plush green velvet furnishings, gold accents and mood lighting, and is the ideal space for a catch-up with friends. The Poplar Social Club provides an intimate speakeasy cocktail atmosphere. Meet you at the Dux!

MENU SAMPLER Slow Roasted Lamb Salad Tomato, red onion, kalamata olives, seasonal leaves, feta, crispy tortilla, coriander and yoghurt dressing $18 Pork Belly In sake, sweet soy and sesame glaze and with Asian slaw (GF, DF) $16 Dux Big Beef Burger MUST TRY 150g Angus beef, cheddar, streaky bacon, onion rings, tomato relish, American mustard, house pickles and mesclun with curly fries $25 Cajun Market Fish Tacos Crumbed with seasonal leaves, tomato salsa and coriander lime aioli (GF, DF) $16 (pair) Crispy Chicken Pizza Bacon, mushrooms, charred peppers, cream cheese, mozzarella and chipotle $19 Antipasti SIGNATURE DISH Cauliflower + 3 cheese croquette, falafel bites, cornichons, sundried tomato, olives, garlic bread, cheeses, crackers, dips and spreads $55 (add meats + $7) Mills Bay Mussels Steamed in white wine, garlic, chilli and coriander broth with grilled garlic bread $18

01 — Live bands and DJs play reguarly 02 — Relax and enjoy good burgers 03 — The Emerald Room is perfect for a catch-up 04 — Indoor and outdoor dining and drinking 05 — Enjoy restaurant quality dining

144 Lichfield Street, Central City 03 366 6919 manager@duxcentral.co.nz duxcentral.co.nz