OGB

OGB is a charming slice of old Christchurch in the centre city. The Neo-Renaissance building it calls home was built back in the early 1900s, giving the bar a real sense of history. The staff here are dressed as if they live in the era, wearing crisp white shirts, tailored black trousers, suspenders and newsboy caps. But nothing about OGB feels themed or make believe – just a charming, authentic step back in time.

Grab a seat in the intimate bar or head outside for some al fresco dining (it’s the perfect place for watching the tourists and tram roll on by). Inside, the walls are painted a deep dark green and works perfectly set against the oak tables, rimu light shades and brass instruments – and the lighting? It’s something to behold!

And for the ladies (and gentlemen if invited by a lady) there’s Parlour – a dimly lit, opulent cocktail lounge which feels like something straight out of Mad Men. Parlour is a recent addition to OGB and is “a space where ladies can go to talk about the gentlemen.” There’s a set of rules here – you must wait to be seated, behaviour must be respectful and women are welcome to strike up conversation with men, but not vice versa. The cocktails are sophisticated and the chairs are lined with maroon velvet – need we say more, Betty Draper?

Night time food options at OGB include platters, olives and tempting snacks. During the day OGB is open for breakfast and lunch with plenty of delicious options. The highlight of day service is the coffee window serving Sailor and Son coffee with Nature Matters milk to busy office workers from 6.30am.

OGB is a timeless bar which feels like it has been here forever, and luckily for us, is adding a generous sprinkling of class back to the city.