Downstairs Bar

Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

Tuesday4:00 – 11:00 pm.

Wednesday4:00 – 11:00 pm.

Thursday4:00 – 11:00 pm.

Friday4:00 pm – 1:00 am.

Saturday2:00 pm – 1:00 am.

SundayClosed.

16/22 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 366 2727

What do you get when you marry the cosy vibes of an intimate pub with the sophistication of an inner city wine bar? You end up with the best of both worlds and the result is Downstairs on New Regent Street.

With an ever-changing food menu and wine selection, welcoming space and chic interior, it is quite easy to spend an entire afternoon or evening in this aptly appointed ‘wine pub’.   

New Regent Street is no stranger to hospitality venues picking a specialisation and excelling at it. After all, Downstairs is the sister venue to Twenty Seven Steps, a beloved central city restaurant that is known for its modern and sophisticated approach to dining. Owners Emma and Paul, have taken this same tact with Downstairs and their passion for excellent service and creating an atmosphere that is full of old-world charm is apparent in every detail here. 

What strikes you when you first walk up to the bar is the blackboard advertising an extensive list of wines by the glass. On any given day there are about 40 different glass pours on offer and the Downstairs philosophy on what they serve is quite simple - “it’s always wines we like made or sold by people we like”. With this approach, there’s always something new to try from both local and international labels and a range of styles from champagne to pet nat’s, traditional classics and funky naturals. 


Once you’ve settled on your pour of choice, peruse the food menu, where the focus is on celebrating local ingredients and making them shine on the plate. Whether you’re after something snacky like an antipasto platter or something more hearty like the slow braise of the night, there is the perfect pairing to be found for your wine.

Open Wednesday - Saturdays, make this warm and inviting spot part of your regular after-work or weekend catch up routine.

Words by Julia Rutherford & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

16/22 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Rascal

Hands holding a bowl of food made at Rascal in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Located in the heart of the CBD on Christchurch’s High Street, Rascal is a modern bistro offering innovative food and exceptional cocktails.

Central Deli Sandwiches

A large Central Deli Sandwiches poster framed on a wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Central Deli Sandwiches is a permanent daytime pop-up within Christchurch's New Regent Street restaurant Story.

PLUME

Racks of clothes on display in the centre of the clothing store.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Makes a strong case for the enduring value of a bespoke and compelling retail experience.

Earl

Couple enjoying plates of clam pasta, salad and steak alongside a glass of red wine
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Earl is a local for inner-city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.

Similar Places

Frances Nation Café

Shelves lined with pantry goods inside a cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.

Bar Yoku

The colourful entrance to Bar Yoku Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special.

Foundation Café

Two people eating at a table in front of a window.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Foundation is fully licensed, serving up flavoursome fare seamlessly integrated into Otautahi’s world-class library, Tūranga.

The Welder

A woman holding her baby in amongst the plants inside The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon. Restaurants key icon.

The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.