Entertainment in Wellington
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A
Happy
A loungey basement bar championing performance-focused acts from virtually all genres – expect indie folk right through to hardcore. Craft beers, sushi from Shinobi across the road and free jazz on Sundays.
reviewed
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B
San Francisco Bath House
Wellington’s best midsized live-music venue, playing host to the cream of NZ artists, as well as quality acts from abroad. Somewhat debauched balcony action, five deep at the bar, but otherwise well run and lots of fun when the floor starts bouncing.
reviewed
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C
Circa
Circa’s main auditorium seats 240 people, its studio 100. Cheap tickets are available for preview shows, and there are standby tickets available an hour before the show (anything from pantomime to international comedy).
reviewed
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D
Tasting Room
In the thick of the action, this Monteith's-sponsored gastropub features clubby décor and leather banquettes (think city-slicker hunting lodge), but it's the antler 'chandelier' that most impressed us. If you're brave, wild game is a feature on the menu.
reviewed
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E
Chow Cabaret
If you're looking for a more grown-up night out, head along to Cabaret, brought to you by the groovin' folks behind Chow restaurant. Enjoy jazz tunes, Latin grooves or songsmiths strutting their stuff, and dine from the Chow menu. Enter via the Chow restaurant.
reviewed
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F
Basement
Basement is at Base Backpackers, with a happy hour from 17:00 to 20:00 that includes around NZ$4 pints and around NZ$3 house spirits (happy indeed). There's free pool Monday night, plus regular live bands, DJs, quiz nights, and competitions to keep everyone in high spirits.
reviewed
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G
Bodega
A trailblazer of the city’s modern live-music scene, and still considered an institution despite its move from a derelict heritage building to a concrete cavern. ‘The Bodge’ offers a full and varied program of gigs in a pleasant space with a respectable dance floor.
reviewed
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H
Indigo
A live-music haunt with local DJs spinning experimental techno, plus 'themed' nights (but in the best possible way): rock on Tuesday, drum'n'bass Wednesday, comedy nights Thursday. A prime place to kick back with a beer and take in the passing parade from the balcony overlooking Cuba St.
reviewed
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I
Hummingbird
Popular with the sophisticated set, Hummingbird is usually packed – both inside in the intimate, stylish dining room and bar, and outside on street-side tables. Croony music (with regular live jazz), exciting brunch-to-supper menus, and impressive drinks including fine wines and cocktails.
reviewed
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J
Vivo
A tomelike list of approximately 600 wines from around the world, with more than 60 available by the glass. Exposed bricks and timber beams give Vivo an earthy cellarlike feel, while the fairy lights look like stars set against the dark ceiling. Excellent, inexpensive tapa-esque food (small plates $6 to $14).
reviewed
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K
Mighty Mighty
This is the hippest of the capital’s drinking and music venues. Inside-a-pinball-machine decor, pink velvet curtains, kitsch gewgaws and Wellington’s best barmaid make this an essential port of call for those wanting to tilt or bang a bumper. A colourful slice of NZ bar life.
reviewed
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L
Garden Club
Three floors of dance-music-fuelled mayhem aimed primarily at a younger crowd. Level one houses the club proper with regular live acts and DJs, while the top floor is home to Welly’s other gay bar. In between is a noxious den that pushes NZ’s smoking laws to the limit. Well run and definitely fun.
reviewed
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M
Library
Velveteen booths, books, booze and board games. A real page-turner, with cocktails you won't want to put down.
reviewed
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N
Embassy Theatre
Wellywood’s cinema mothership, built in the 1920s. Screens mainstream films; bars and cafe on-site.
reviewed
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O
Mac’s Brewery Bar
Occupying a renovated warehouse on a prime waterfront site, this microbrewery does a great job of looking seriously committed to the craft. Excellent fish and chips.
reviewed
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P
Backbencher
You might spot the odd parliamentarian on the turps at this pub opposite the Beehive, where rubbery puppets of NZ pollies are mounted trophy-style on the walls (Aunty Helen is much more beautiful in real life). Quiz nights and other events keep things lively.
reviewed
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Q
Good Luck
Cuba St’s Chinese opium den, without the opium. This is a slickly run, sultry basement bar playing multiflavoured upbeat tunes. It also mixes the best mint juleps in town, and sports a middle-of-the-mall al fresco lounge – great for watching the Cubacade.
reviewed
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R
Malthouse
Beervana. An immense array of beers (both local and international) that would make even the most fervent of hopheads quiver at the knees. New Zealand does brew great beer, and this is the place to quaff them. Check out the Forty Licks–style toilets in the gents.
reviewed
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S
Sandwiches
Get yourself a slice of NZ’s electronic artists and DJs, regular multiflavoured international acts and a great sound system. Gritty club run by a dedicated team that isn’t just in it for the bread.
reviewed
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T
Matterhorn
We're still gettin' the Horn, despite a change of ownership and some stiff competition. A perennially popular joint with three distinct but equally pleasing areas (long bar, dining room and garden bar), the Matterhorn still honours its patrons with reputable food (tapas from mid-arvo, dinner daily, brunch weekends), solid service and regular live music.
reviewed
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