Gay Bars & Clubs LGBTQ+ Friendly

darkroom

Google (376) 4.6

Tripadvisor (6) 4.0

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What reviewers say

Visitors praise Darkroom as a great, inclusive venue for live music, especially for local and underground artists, and appreciate its comfortable vibe and safe space for the queer community. However, some customers have experienced consistently rude customer service from one of the receptionists.

/ 100

GayOut Score

G4.6 🦉4.0

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Address

336 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

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Website

darkroom.bar

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About this place darkroom

darkroom is a small bar on St Asaph Street in Christchurch's rebuilt central city, best known locally for live music and an independent, low-key crowd. It is a mainstream bar that is gay-friendly, not a gay venue. It rates 4.6 on Google from nearly 400 reviews, which for a bar of this size points to a loyal local following. Opening times are not listed here, and gig nights vary, so check the website for the current programme before heading over. Christchurch's dedicated LGBTQ+ nightlife is very limited, so mixed venues like this fill much of the gap.

Features

Safe space Dance Underground Themed parties Gay-friendly (straight venue) Live music

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Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

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4.6

★★★★★

376 reviews

Based on 376 Google reviews.

Liam McGurk Jun 2026

★★★★★

Awesome place to get yo boogie on

Jonathan Kerr Jun 2026

★★★★★

Just went to see Crisis band at Darkroom and they were fire. What a great vibe and crowd. The place is comfortable and there was lots of free water and seating if needed around the venue.

tater Potaaato May 2026

★★★★★

Great venue, nice staff, pretty safe, good space for queer ppl!

Morning May 2026

★★★★★

Best local entertainment in town whether it's fantastically entertaining stage shows or exhibitions highlighting local artists! Truly a treasure of a venue that fosters and supports all the underground creative and performer communities you wish you knew about

Nick Smith Apr 2026

★★★★★

Awesome venue. Great night out seeing amazing kiwi bands.

Ethan Apr 2026

★★★★★

Very disappointed with the customer service. There are two receptionists, and one of them (I believe the heavier-set lady) has been consistently rude during my visits. Her attitude made me feel uncomfortable, as if I owed her something. This has happened more than once, which is quite frustrating. I chose this workshop because of its reputation, but the front desk experience really needs improvement. I hope management can take this seriously and improve the customer service.