The Church Pub — Restaurant in Christchurch

We were in Christchurch meeting up with friends and decided to try The Church Pub for dinner. As you would expect from the name of the establishment, this building was a Church, first thing you see as you enter is a magnificent organ and the pews have been removed and of course replaced by tables and chairs which were mostly filled. There was a duo performing on the stage consisting of a very accomplished pianist and a vocalist performing a good mix of songs. A few of our group felt the volume was too loud but it is a live music venue, so no complaints from me. There was a good range of beer which made me happy, and plenty of choices for everyone else. The prices were on the upper level but in the middle of a city, with live music and quality food, that is to be expected. The dinning options were sufficient and everyone found something to please them. My wife and I had the brisket burger with slaw (coleslaw) and chips, and it was delicious! Chips were obviously made on site from scratch and were crispy on the outside and sumptuous inside (we love our chips and appreciate simple things done well), so there were none left on the plate. In fact there was nothing left on the plate! Everyone enjoyed their meals and had no complaints, except for the people who ordered pizza. There was an event that night in the function room, and they had pre-ordered sixty pizzas. We were told it would be a forty five minute wait for the pizzas, and about forty minutes after ordering the gang were getting a little antsy and asking staff when the pizzas were coming. “We did tell you there was a forty five minute wait”. ”Yes, but that was forty five minutes ago!” As that was being said, the first pizza was placed on the table 😃. Staff were all friendly and welcoming and I would gladly go back and recommend The Church Pub for great meal, music and...

Located in the heart of Christchurch, The Church Pub offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Originally an old stone church, it has been transformed into a vibrant and atmospheric bar while preserving its stunning architectural heritage. The high vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and the original pipe organ give the space a majestic and almost sacred ambiance—yet with the warm lighting and lively music, it exudes an intriguing contrast of reverence and modern charm.

The food here is impressive. Whether it’s a classic steak, fish and chips, or a hearty burger, each dish highlights New Zealand’s fresh local ingredients and generous portions. The BBQ platter and hand-cut fries are especially recommended—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor, best enjoyed with a cold pint of beer. The drink menu is extensive, featuring not only international favorites but also a fine selection of locally brewed craft beers from the South Island, each with its own distinctive aroma and character.

The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, always ready to recommend beer pairings and menu favorites, making even first-time visitors feel instantly at home. As night falls, the colorful glow from the stained-glass windows creates a magical and romantic atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a casual night out with friends, a date, or a quiet solo drink, you’ll find it a memorable experience.

Overall, The Church Pub is more than just a bar—it’s a journey through history, architecture, and taste. Blending the solemn beauty of a church with the lively energy of a modern pub, it stands as one of Christchurch’s most distinctive landmarks and an essential stop for anyone seeking a...

My husband and I recently went to The Church for a drink after dinner and had an unsettling experience I wanted to warn other women of. When we approached the entrance around 8:30 PM, the bouncer immediately made me uncomfortable. He looked at me up and down, condescendingly questioned what I had been doing that night, and how much I had to drink. I’d only had two glasses of wine over a couple of hours.

Looking confused, as I wasn’t remotely intoxicated, he aggressively challenged me further as if I had no right to feel taken aback. It felt unnecessary and embarrassing in front of a line of people waiting.

Eventually we were ‘allowed’ in. Over the next hour we watched the same bouncer interrogate many more women. Groups of men, however, were allowed in no questions asked, despite being visibly intoxicated.

We talked to others inside who said that this bouncer has a reputation for being obnoxious and rude to women. As we left, another woman (also with her husband) who looked very sober was being given the same treatment.

The Church is a great bar but the behaviour of their security staff made me and others feel extremely unwelcome. I’ve never experienced such targeted and overt misogyny before. Even more concerning is that it was from someone in a position of authority at a bar who women should feel comfortable around.

I really hope they take this feedback onboard and they improve their treatment of guests so everyone feels...