Christchurch’s soul is a blend of old-world charm and contemporary style. Over the centuries, it has emerged from several transformations and like a rising phoenix, it has stood the test of time. As you delve into rediscovering Christchurch, a hard day’s sightseeing demands a well-deserved pint. Welcome, then, to a tour of the city through its iconic pubs.
The Curator’s House, opposite the Botanic Gardens, serves as an ideal introduction to Christchurch’s watering holes. It’s an intimate Spanish-style café by day, switching its avatar to a bustling bistro by nightfall. Not just a pub, it’s a blend of refined ambience and vibrant local culture. Its organic garden offers fresh ingredients for the meals, perfectly complemented by a range of European wines and local beers.
Next, venture towards the pub christchurch rustic allure of The Bog. Depicting the spirit of an Irish traditional pub, it offers a homely atmosphere, accompanied by live music pulsating through its four walls. Traditional Irish furniture, wood panelling, and an open fireplace create a classic pub experience. Celebrate the local community feel with a pint of Guinness cheering the vibrant nightlife.
The Monday Room is another unique pub experience that Christchurch offers. Living up to its quirky name, it challenges the traditional pub-culture with its transformation from a café during daytime to a thriving lounge-bar post dusk. Enjoy the tastefully paired ‘Monday wine’ with food, while the subdued ambience of the pub adds a nostalgic charm.
Onwards, towards the heart of the city, stands the iconic Dux Central. This pub is a legacy, surviving the 2010-11 earthquakes and reviving its spirit even stronger. With a 120-year old history, it offers a range of experiences – The Poplar Social Club with its intimate music sessions, the Brew Bar that serves blithe craft beers, and Upper Dux offering heady rooftop views. The quirky artworks across the pub echo stanzas of the city’s survival story.
Experience a dash of wild at the Smash Palace Burger Bus, an unlikely gem amidst the ruins. Offering chilled beers and burgers from a refurbished bus, it symbolizes Christchurch’s resilience. Groove to local music while sipping on craft beer, this pub offers a quirky yet genuine experience of the city’s charm.
The CBD bar is your last stop in rediscovering Christchurch. A symbol of the city’s rebuilding dreams, it is one of the first bars to reopen post the devastating earthquakes. Hosting local musicians and DJs, this bar presents a hearty mix of gourmet pizzas and craft beers within its brick-laden walls.
These pubs, brimming with stories, serve as a testimony to Christchurch’s resilience. They echo the city’s spirit, embracing imports and encouraging local talent. Offering a bouquet of experiences, from quirky to vintage, these pubs aren’t merely watering holes but a thriving part of Christchurch’s soul. Each pub is a unique chapter in the city’s story, ready to reveal an enchanting tale to every visitor. Enjoy the unique brews, palate-tickling eats, soulful music, and historic architecture that these pubs offer, as you rediscover Christchurch in the most delightful manner. Grab your pint and soak in the captivating charm of these historic pubs and, through them, the city itself.