Cosy up this winter at the best bars in Christchurch. Photo / Cellar Door
Cosy up this winter at the best bars in Christchurch. Photo / Cellar Door
Colder weather is rapidly approaching and that makes a cosy bar or pub all the more appealing. Here are eight of the best bars in Christchurch to warm up.
The temperatures are dropping and if you’re heading south, it’s probably worth packing a few layers, especially if you’re from the North Island, where - let’s face it - we’re all a bit wimpier.
But merino and jackets aren't the only way to stay warm in a city; one of the best ways to ensure you don't catch a chill is to hole up somewhere toasty, preferably with a glass of something wonderful and tasty bites to accompany it.
If you’re heading to Christchurch this definitely won’t be a problem - cosy spots abound, and you’ll be truly spoiled for choice. Here are a few local favourites.
Enjoy the best brunch in Christchurch at Miro. Photo / Miro
Right by the river, Miro is in one of the few heritage buildings left in Ōtautahi (originally built in 1934). With high ceilings and two roaring fires, the iconic brunch place is a crowd favourite for Christchurch locals to get their mid-morning pick-me-up.
Miro’s menu features both classic and intriguing brunch options, like eggs benedict, passionfruit bircher, and smoked brisket. Paired with your beverage of choice, it’s a great spot to lounge around and cosy up on a cold winter’s day.
If you have a slightly bigger budget, try the Trust the Chef experience and enjoy a curated three-course menu and champagne pairing. Can’t decide what to get? The brunch board is a foolproof option.
Don’t forget to make a reservation and secure a spot by the fire.
Get to know four different wines with Cellar Door's incredibly clever wine flights. Photo / Cellar Door
Indulge in a seasonal menu and wine tasting at Cellar Door
In 1992, Annie Edmond built Christchurch’s legendary wine and dine spot: Annie’s Wine Bar. Years later, after the earthquake, Tim Ogle and Kate Hide continued Annie’s legacy and reopened the doors to the Cellar Door.
Set in the historic School of Art building in the Arts Centre (Te Matatiki Toi Ora), Cellar Door is a fabulous place to taste wine, chat and share a bite. As the new owners vow to continue the tradition of warm hospitality, fine wine and good food, Cellar Door is now a home of incredibly clever wine flights - grouped in fascinating ways. Combos like four gamays, four North Canterbury pinots, four biodynamic wines, four Mediterranean reds, four aromatic whites, four black sheep (lesser-known varieties) and other unique curations.
In winter, the Cellar Door’s walls are filled with guests sipping on reds, and munching on warm sourdough and cheese, sourced from local producers across Canterbury. If you’re looking for the ultimate wine and dine experience, their rich seasonal menu is perfectly curated to pair with the cellar’s wine offerings.
The Cellar Door takes reservations seven days a week and operates on a scheduled booking. Take note that the largest party they can accommodate is a maximum of eight people, and outside seating is upon availability.
Cosy up and get the best beers at Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn. Photo / Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Grab a beer at Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn
Anyone who has visited, or lived in, the UK will know the joys of a good British pub - and Pomeroy’s recreates the ambience despite being 18,000km from England.
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn is a family-run establishment that makes sure beer lovers are well looked after. Patterned carpet, comfy leather sofas, checked curtains, exposed brick and a good selection of ales - if it weren’t for the Kiwi accents, you could almost imagine you’re in a London pub.
At night, when the lights are dimmed, the fire’s crackling, and you have your own little nook, a table full of Three Boys English IPA, Cassels English Bitter or Pomeroy’s own Porter is the best way to warm up. Don’t worry about running out of options: from lager to IPA to wine and cocktails, there’s plenty to sip on.
Book your table in advance for dinner. If you’re only stopping by for a quick drink at the bar, walk-ins are always welcome.
292 Kilmore St, Christchurch Central City
Opens 3pm every Monday to Thursday, 12 noon every Friday to Saturday
Bar Yoku's sake collaboration with Zenkuro is something you shouldn't pass on. Photo / Bar Yoku
Experience Japanese Izakaya at Bar Yoku
It’s hard to say what makes Bar Yoku so cosy. Maybe it’s the dim moody lighting, maybe the option of sunken izakaya-style seating, or possibly the theatre of the open kitchen with intermittent bursts of flame as yakitori and kushiyaki are cooked to perfection.
To make the most of Bar Yoku, secure a booth where you can watch the food being prepared. Partake in a classic Japanese izakaya experience, and on a winter’s day, a shot from their sake offerings. Paired with a variety of Yakitori sushi tacos and beef dishes, you’ll soon feel warmed up. It’s a great spot to cosy up with a bunch of friends and indulge in some seriously good Japanese food.
If you’re a sake lover (or you just want to try something new), order a glass of their Zenkuro collaboration and taste the rich flavours of their Junmai Ginjo sake.
Book a table at Salut! Salut! and warm up with their amazing wine selection. Photo / Salut! Salut!
Clink your wine glasses at Salut Salut
In the same complex as Bar Yoku (the Welder - where there are multiple great places to eat and drink) is Salut Salut. Locals love it not only for its super cosy neighbourhood vibe, but in the colder months, guests enjoy its addictive Spanish-style tapas and wines by the fireplace.
Though the food menu is on the shorter side, the beverage list is extensive. With the help of its owner, Tessa, who is extremely passionate about wine, you’ll easily find the perfect drop to warm you up on a winter’s night.
Make sure you book a table - the tables are limited here.
Invite the whole gang to Six Ounces and enjoy the cosy atmosphere. Photo / Six Ounces
Treat your pets to a relaxing time at Six Ounces
If you’re looking for a one-stop place for brunch during the day and wine at night, Six Ounces is the one.
Though fairly new to the ‘must-do’ scene, the refurbished furniture, vintage lamps, and relaxed atmosphere at Six Ounces have gained popularity with locals over the years. With its cosy atmosphere, top-quality Switch coffee, and a long list of wine, beer and cocktails, it has turned into a neighbourhood cafe favoured amongst Christchurchers. Enjoy freshly baked French pastries in the morning, homemade focaccia sandwiches by lunchtime and in the evening, tuck into an array of meats and cheese boards.
If good food and good booze aren’t enough to entice you in, they also welcome your fur friends with a doggy water station and a jar full of treats.
178 Papanui Rd, Christchurch 8014
Open 7.30am every Monday to Friday, 8.30am Saturday to Sunday
The Last Word’s owner, Alex Ricketts, is a certified whisky geek, and with over 600 whiskies on his shelf, it makes sense why.
This hole-in-the-wall whisky place is a true hidden gem. It’s a small and intimate place, filled with friendly staff. Aside from the warm and welcoming atmosphere and several hundred 600 whiskies, there are also whisky and chocolate pairings and delicious cocktails, which can be personally recommended by the mixologist.
The Last Word is a table service-only venue. If you’re up for a more unique experience, indulge in their Whisky Tasting experience, where you are invited to try six different whiskies: a whisky cocktail, an international whisky, and four Scottish single malts.
