Celebrity nightspot goes on market

TV3's 'Nightline' trio at the Longroom. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Just months before the much-anticipated business boost of the Rugby World Cup, the owners of celebrity nightspot Longroom have put their business up for sale.

The trio behind the Ponsonby bar and restaurant wouldn't be drawn on how much they wanted for their 2-year-old business, being marketed by Bayleys, but said they're ready to move away from the spotlight and focus on their young families.

The bar has had a rollercoaster ride: one of the most popular clubs in the country, highlights have included visits by international celebrities.

Lowlights have included a patron's fatal heroin overdose and - owners have revealed for the first time - problems with women's drinks being spiked.

The country was in the depths of the credit crunch when the bar opened its doors but quickly became the drinking hole of choice among sports stars, celebrities and socialites including Shortland St star Kimberley Crossman, TV3 presenter Samantha Hayes and Fashion Week's Myken Stewart.

Troubled radio personality Tony Veitch once said the bar hosted the most beautiful women he had seen.

Director Richard Bagnall was modest about its status: "It's not a flash, plush night club," he said. "It's the kind of place they can come with their friends and hang out. They're just your normal people." With queues of patrons waiting outside the door on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the owners said they were "realistic" about the amount of extra business the World Cup would bring.

The deadline for expressions of interest is July 14.