East Street Hall is the place to be to experience Auckland’s diverse creative scene. It starts with the fit-out, designed by Katie Lockhart Studio: Yves Klein blue tables and rust-coloured walls make for a room unlike any that you’ve seen. The former Samoan church hall spills out the back door into a spacious courtyard, perfect for summer afternoon drinks. 

Situated just back from Karangahape Road, Auckland’s cultural hub, East Street Hall is a collaboration between Nick Landsman and Emma Ogilvie of Bar Celeste and Henry Temple of Annabel’s Wine Bar. East Street is difficult to put in any one box as it’s a bar, a club, an event space and a restaurant all in one.

A place dedicated to accessibility, with drinks that aren’t too expensive or snobby, food that isn’t too fussy, staff that is welcoming and a vibe that works whether you’re grabbing a quick drink after work, a three-course dinner, or dancing the night away. 

The creative menu is indulgent and delicious, has plenty of dips, roasted vegetables and falafels, and runs in full from 5 until 10 pm, when the space transforms - the dining tables are taken away, the room is cleared and a DJ or performer sets up. 

The ever-changing curated events programme means that no two nights are the same. East Street Hall, on any given day, might play host to a vintage clothing market, a jazz band or a drag ball. It’s the perfect venue for the beginning, middle or end of a big night uptown.