The Last Word

Nestled on Christchurch’s New Regent Street, whisky and cocktail lounge The Last Word is the type of place you’d struggle to visit just once. In fact, with its relaxed feel, friendly staff, extensive drinks list and moreish snacks, it’s the type of place you’d like to visit every night of the week.

Whisky and cocktails are The Last Word’s main game and with 320 whiskies available, owner Alex Ricketts confession that he is a whisky “geek” makes a lot of sense. Geeky in the best way though – Alex’s passion for the spirit is a passion he wants to share through tastings, chocolate pairings (think a Whittaker’s Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with a Springbank 10 year old Scotch whisky) and conversation between staff and customers – a main reason for making the venue table service only.

And as for the cocktails, The Last Word has a contemporary yet classic approach. There are the usual suspects done beautifully – negroni, Aperol spritz, bloody mary, old fashioned – and some delicious additions like their Not an Espresso Martini made with tequila or their namesake tipple The Last Word made with gin, Chartreuse, Maraschino and lime.

Despite their whisky and cocktail focus, The Last Word offers a great range of craft beers and a wine list dominated by delicious New Zealand drops. On the snacks front, they’ve really nailed it with delicious food that pairs perfect with a drink or two such as garlic bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese platters and even a slice if whisky fruit cake, if you’re in the mood.

Compact as it may look from the street, The Last Word is a two room wide, two-storey bar with plenty of seating out the front. Despite the ample space, the bar remains an intimate venue with a relaxed buzzy atmosphere, the perfect spot for a tipple or two next time you’re in town.