On the southeastern shores of New Zealand, the largest city on South Island, Christchurch, is experiencing a resurgence of an old-era trend that is sweeping its nightlife landscape – the growing trend of speakeasy bars.
The speakeasy concept, dating back to the Prohibition era in the United States (1920–1933) when the sale of alcohol was illegal, is essentially an unlicensed establishment selling alcohol clandestinely. These were hidden venues that provided a haven for those who wanted to imbibe and socialise, away from the prying eyes of law authorities. The speakeasy trend riveted the world with its charm, mystery and intimate settings that invariably offered expertly crafted cocktails, sophisticated decor, and an atmosphere laced with intrigue. Today, worldwide, there is a resurgence of these clandestine bars, rediscovering the fabled speakeasy, with Christchurch marking its spot on the map with a growing number of such establishments.
Christchurch’s bar scene over the past few years has increasingly seen more and more of these bars crop up, cleverly hidden within plain sight. These modern-day speakeasies are all about recapturing the essence of the Prohibition era, transforming back-alley entries, unassuming doorways, obscure basements or hidden rooms in restaurants into portals to the past with a cocktail in hand. Deemed as a little thrill for those in the know, these secretive bars provide a distinctive experience that has quickly become revered amongst locals and tourists alike.
One such place is The Last Word, a whisky & cocktail lounge located in the heart of Christchurch. A charming location of low-light ambiance, handing you an encyclopedic list of whiskies from around the bar christchurch world, and vintage cocktails that are so refined they have become the talk of the town. Another gem is RedLight Bar, which maintains its exclusivity by requiring patrons to find their unmarked door and call from a phone booth for entry. Its unique mystique is complemented by an elaborate cocktail menu which screams of inventive mixology, making it an essential stop for cocktail enthusiasts.
Catering to those who crave an ambience soaked in old-world charm, bordello-style bar O.G.B. Bar & Cafe, located in the Old Government Building, with its retro music, vintage decor and bartenders clad in suspenders, is another crowd-favourite. These venues are thriving by offering a refined drinking experience that exudes nostalgia, intimacy, and utmost sophistication.
In essence, these speakeasies, by leveraging their very own appeal of secrecy, allure, and the old-world charm, have infused new life into Christchurch’s nightlife. It’s about delivering an immersive experience – a speakeasy is not just a place to drink, but a space where every detail counts, from the secrecy of its location, the plush and thematic decor, to the artisanal, imaginative cocktails on offer.
The popularity of these bars in Christchurch signals a culture shift. It points to an inclination towards the sophisticated and the curated, towards inimitable experiences remixed with a vintage touch. Undoubtedly, the growing trend of speakeasy bars bring with them a uniquely enthralling vibe, propelling Christchurch into the limelight as a vibrant city with a flourishing and dynamic nightlife scene.