Imōto Lounge Bar

Looking for your next fun night out in Christchurch? Well, there’s someone we’d love to introduce you to. Translating to “little sister” in Japanese, Imōto is the playful younger sibling to join Bar Yoku’s family tree, located just a few steps away at The Welder.

Inside, Imōto is low-lit and cosy, a dream date-night setting illuminated by the glint of bottles lining the bar shelf. Much of the fitout is dark, sleek and understated, making room for the bold manga art mural wrapped around the bar’s exterior. It may be petite, but they know how to make the most of space here. Along one wall, bi-fold windows open up to extend the bar environment into The Welder and create a new place for customers to perch. It’s a clever design decision that adds a great buzz to this boutique inner-city complex.

Ready to order? Let’s take a look at the menu. Imōto goes big on cocktails, with a creative and daring list that is totally unique to the bar. Take the Umi-chan for example: a bold twist on a gin basil smash, enhanced with green tea umeshu (aka plum wine), seaweed gin, yuzu soda and matcha salt. We highly recommend seeing what these mixologists are capable of, but you’ll also find a top-tier selection of predominantly local wine and beer, premium Japanese whisky and sake.

What would a great drink be without the company of a delicious dish? The stylish menu of small sharing plates reimagine Izakaya favourites, injecting a combination of Kiwi, Japanese and Euro influences. Think chips served with old-school kiwi dip (perfect paired with an Asahi in our opinion), luxurious truffle toasties, crumbed prawn with lime mayo, raw wagyu, cheese and charcuterie boards… And that’s not the half of it.

Opened in October 2024, Imōto Lounge Bar adds a good dose of energy to Ōtautahi’s nightlife. If you’ve booked in for dinner over at Bar Yoku, this little bar across the way provides the perfect place to perch for a drink before – and after – your meal. However, with its own menu of sharing plates and adventurous cocktails, you could just as easily hang out here all night long.