Austin Club
MondayClosed.
Tuesday5:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Wednesday5:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Thursday5:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Friday5:00 pm – 3:00 am.
Saturday5:00 pm – 3:00 am.
SundayClosed.
The secret is out on Christchurch’s late-night bar scene – introducing: the Austin Club. This speak-easy imitation lies hidden in a basement down an alleyway between Cashel and High Street. Entry, in true prohibition-era style, is strictly by password only (this changes monthly and is available on the club’s website and social media channels). Once through the pineapple door, a graffitied stairway leads you down towards the bar where all the magic happens.
Low ceilings, dark wood and dim lighting create a glamorous feel within this unique space. The drinks list is heaving with cocktails and an impressive array of atypical spirits you won’t find at every corner pub. The cocktail list changes with the seasons and the team here work closely with small distilleries, creating unique and interesting drinks as biweekly specials. Plus, did we mention there’s live entertainment here every night?
Much like its siblings OGB and Parlour, Austin Club celebrates early to mid-century aesthetics and exclusivity in a playful, inclusive, intimate kind of way. The bar staff wear era-appropriate clothing, know how to pour a drink, and look after their guests. If you find yourself feeling peckish, there’s also an array of interesting sides to your drink of choice. Open ‘til the early hours, Austin Club is the perfect place to settle in for the long haul or to point your nose at when other spots begin to wind down.
Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
161 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
The Juniper Collective
The Juniper Collective on Cashel Street is a beacon for Aotearoa gin.
Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch
A big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Christchurch.
OGB
A speakeasy-style bar, OGB serves up an old-school approach to hospitality.
Head over Heels
With New Zealand and international labels abound, expect plenty of classic shoe designs, mixed with fashion-forward options from the latest collections of top designers.
Similar Places
General Post
You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them.
Posh Porridge
Posh Porridge offers boutique flavours and lashings of luxury toppings for its porridge bowls. Just pop into its Montreal St location and find out for yourself.
Pizza Trap
Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.
Saturdays
Saturdays is a celebration of not just the weekend, but every day. It’s an ode to what saturdays stand for: slowing down, enjoying one another and pairing it all with excellent food and drink.