New Regent Street, Christchurch's top night spot (and it's good by day too)

Many claim that New Regent Street is New Zealand’s prettiest street, they could well be right. It certainly stands out from the crowd when placed next to many other mundane city streets. New Regent Street dates back to the 1920’s and the time of Art Deco. Its terraced buildings are two storey and are painted in pastel colours that make for a pretty background as you stroll along. The cobbled walkway also adds to the historic atmosphere. The street is pedestrian only except for the tram lines that run along one side – the Christchurch tram trundles through the heart of the street on its circuits of the central city.

The street is home to a number of excellent cafes, bars and eateries. There is even an ice-cream parlour which I’ll talk about in another blog (believe me it deserves its own blog).

Queues outside Rollikin Gelato - the ice cream parlour that deserves its own blog

There is pavement seating with attractive benches and tables aplenty. There are several shops, selling an array of items including jewellery, old records and even a cookie store. Whilst it’s a lovely spot to visit during the day it really comes alive at night. The cafes close up and the bars and restaurants buzz. First there is ‘Gin Gin’ a trend setting cocktail bar which even produces its own gin. It has a fully stocked bar of just about every gin type a gin-alcoholic can imagine.

There are some good food options to if you are feeling a bit peckish. Tables are found both upstairs and down in the small space. There is also a scattering of bench tables outside if it gets too crushed inside. A short stroll from ‘Gin Gin’ is ‘27 Steps’ a restaurant that has been popular for a number of years now and continues to be outstanding. The bar area downstairs is buzzing and has its own menu, but upstairs the area opens up into a light filled space with window seats aplenty. It is always packed, and bookings are a must. Think hearty dishes such as Tai Taupo Venison with red win jus, lamb fry and blue cheese cheesecake, my mouth waters just thinking about it. Along from ‘27 Steps’ is ‘Institution’ another tiny wine bar, come cocktail lounge. Tables are made up from old school desks with blackboards and chalk to scribble on. ‘The Nook’ is another treat, a small Thai restaurant that offers great meals and is a long-standing favourite. As is ‘Casa Republica’ found at the very end of New Regent Street. A South Amercian restaurant and bar which is dark, moody, and has a rum list like no other. Its meals are served in some entertaining ways, make sure you order the guacamole. Across the road a short distance away is the ice cream bar I will mention later and next door to that is ‘The Last Word’, a top spot for whiskey - its list is enormous with representations from all over the world. It also produces some excellent cocktail option and has a wine list showcasing local Canterbury Vineyards. Follow the creaky staircase and the room upstairs is furnished with the sort of quirky furniture you would have expected to find in your grandma’s house, lots of candles and lampshades. Downstairs is small and cosy, with a busy bar area opening up to outdoor tables and chairs for a lovely spot for a night-time tipple in the heart of New Regent Street. They don’t provide heat pumps, but they do offer you a blanket.