The Hoi Polloi Bar and Bistro — Restaurant in Christchurch

We arrived for dinner last night and were greeted and taken to our table straight away but as soon as we sat down we were asked what we wanted to order. We said we needed a few minutes to decide and the waiter was back not even 2 minutes later. We said we still need a minute and when she came back we gave her our drinks order. She then asked what we wanted to eat which at this point we hadn’t even been there for 5 minutes. We said we hadn’t even had a chance to look at the food menu yet when she replied the kitchen is closing. Our table was booked for 8pm on and Friday night. We said, okay give us 5 minutes please. As we were looking at the menu more people came in for dinner which were hotel guest's, they were not told the kitchen was closing. As we were eating our lovely bangers and mash and the chicken burger, more tables arrived. Not once were we asked how our meal was. Our main meal 5/5 but the cheesecake for dessert was not nice and didn't eat it, which we let the waiter know at the end. We just felt uncomfortable and it’s not a nice feeling when other guests are treated...

An outstanding bar in a super-central location!

It was only by chance that we found this warm and welcoming establishment. A serious of unfortunate events saw me stranded in Central Christchurch without my wallet (dropped enroute) and any accommodation (booked for a wrong date)... James the Barman showed the subtle, consummate skills of a true hospitality professional. He was welcoming, intuitive and sympathetic (without being intrusive). He helped to turn my bad mood around and ultimately saved our holiday!

The service was so good that we consequently visited again the next day before experiencing incredible music at the Christchurch Town Hall (very close - about 2 blocks away).

Their bar menu (tapas style) is awesome. I'd highly recommend the Arancini mushroom balls and the pate' was next level.

Their happy hour prices are awesome as well! $10 for the tap beer, with several options poured in huge 500ml glasses! 4pm - 6pm most days and then extended 4pm - 7pm on Friday...well worth making this place part of your visit to...

On a recent visit to Christchurch and after a quick google scan, The Hoi Polloi looked attractive for its close proximity and the enticement of a fast approaching happy hour. A friend and I entered the bar side & were welcomed by the friendly barman. We were presented with a complimentary bowl of nuts as we enjoyed our first round. Not long after I ordered some bar snacks as we continued the friendly banter and ice cold beverages sitting at the bar. James the barman, was a true professional with attentive bar service, obvious skill and knowledge. Truly an asset to this place. Personally, I ate breakfast in the bistro two mornings in a row and whilst the staff were most friendly and welcoming, the service could have easily been a little more swift. I had to ask to have my order taken for example. The food was of a high standard, but I must say the evening menu was a little more bang for buck than breakfast. I would have rated 5/5 for food had the poached eggs of my benedict were runny. A prerequisite...