Tucked away in the dynamic heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch City boasts a rich history of hospitality evident in its robust collection of pubs and bars. Christchurch’s oldest bars, steeped in history and tradition, have evolved from mere watering holes into iconic establishments. They have seen Christchurch through times of both hardship and prosperity. Here we delve deep into the fascinating narratives of Christchurch’s oldest bars.
One such sites is The Bog, an Irish bar that was originally established in 2000. While the bar may not date back centuries, its spirit is undeniable, drawing inspiration from the ‘Bogs’ – traditional public houses found in Ireland. The Bog has gathered a community of loyal patrons owing to its cosy yet vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service. It had to change locations following the earthquakes of 2011, but the owners’ relentless spirit resolutely reintroduced it to the public in 2014 in Victoria Street.
A little over a decennary oldest than The Bog stands the iconic Pegasus Arms. Forming part of the old Pegasus House, formerly the Canterbury Club Livery Stables, the history of Pegasus Arms stretches back to 1985. Retaining its original charm with an open fireplace and rustic beams, Pegasus Arms creates a warm ambiance that harks back to its equestrian past. Fascinatingly, this bar holds a little-known secret- it’s rumoured to have a network of hidden tunnels which were used for smuggling and secret society meetings, buried deep beneath its premises.
Christchurch’s oldest licensed bar, however, is the legendary Provincial Hotel established in 1875. This pub is iconic for maintaining its original Victorian style, seamlessly fusing the old-world charm with modern trends. Pubs were essential components of Canterbury’s social scene in the 19th century, and The Provincial was no exception. With an illustrious history spanning nearly one-and-a-half centuries, this bar lived through the gold rush, two world wars, and the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Yet, it remains, standing tall and proud, oozing undisputed allure to patrons of every ilk.
Riding close behind The Provincial is the Oxford On Avon, previously known as Hotel Oxford, which opened its doors in 1876. Bearing witness to Christchurch’s transformation over nearly a century and a half, this bar carries a wonderfully vintage appeal. With its decorated tin ceilings and exposed brick walls, this bar has an enchanting aesthetic that entices beer enthusiasts and historians alike.
Finally, one cannot forget the immortal Clarendon, a bar that mirrors the bar christchurch evolving drinking culture of Christchurch. Established in 1902 as a hotel, it was later revamped into a bar. Clarendon survived the seismic quakes and continues to attract patrons with its distinct charisma.
Christchurch’s oldest bars are not just drinking establishments. They are rich tapestries that depict the city’s journey from a colonial outpost to a modern metropolis. Each carries its unique stories, reflecting the changing societal norms, and endured humanity’s trials and tribulations. Through the patrons they serve and the ages they transcend, these bars are living testaments to Christchurch’s resilience and remarkable spirit. Their enduring presence is a beacon of familiarity, echoing a shared past and welcoming an untold future.