Austin Club












MondayClosed.
TuesdayClosed.
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 St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
Midnight Shanghai

Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.
Inati

Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.
CoCA

CoCA is a slick and ultra-modern art gallery space in the centre of Christchurch.
Earl

An enduring cornerstone of Christchurch’s East Block, Earl is a locally owned and loved institution that first brought European bistro culture to the city in 2018.
Similar Places
General Post

You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them. This small neighbourhood cafe has tonnes of practicality and style.
Woods Cafe

Tucked away on the corner of Normans and Strowan Road, Woods Cafe is a warm and inviting neighbourhood spot serving first-class coffee using Allpress Espresso and delicious,...
Evil Genius

Evil Genius Bar, Restaurant & Lair is a destination you need to get to know. Open from dawn ‘til way past dusk, it has everything from coffee to cocktails.
Truffle Café

You may think of truffle as clandestine but this Merivale café - with the same name - is anything but.