About 7 Fort Ln
7 Fort Lane is the address of Roxy Restaurant & Lounge, a chic multi-level bar/restaurant in Auckland’s city centre. It occupies the historic Imperial Buildings at Fort Lane/Queen Street (imperial lane development) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (fearonhay.com ). Opened in 2009 on the former Roxy Cinema site, it blends heritage brick and steel with a modern “New York vibe” interior (www.ticketfairy.com ) (fearonhay.com ). The space features plush lounge seating, a full bar and even a retractable-roof rooftop deck looking over the downtown skyline (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). With capacity on the order of a few dozen to a couple hundred guests (www.sharedspace.co.nz ), 7 Fort Ln stands out for its intimate size and stylish decor. Its lobby and laneway facade retain old brickwork and original trusses, highlighting the 19th-century architecture of Fort Lane while updated with modern lighting (LED “MaxiWoody” fixtures) and art (fearonhay.com ) (ecc.co.nz ). In short, 7 Fort Ln (Roxy) is notable for marrying vintage cinematic heritage with upscale club ambience in the heart of Auckland.
Events and Programming
Roxy doesn’t have a daily show schedule, but it hosts occasional special nights, DJ parties and private functions. It often ties into Auckland’s laneway festivals – for example, Roxy was one of the venues participating in the 2023 Fort Lane Live block party (elemental AKL), adding its DJs and bar to the street-festival line-up (www.muzic.nz ). The venue’s own events tend to be one-off club nights featuring live DJs or bands, usually on weekend evenings. For instance, on 19 May 2023 Roxy held a “TGTHR” dance event late into the night (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acts range from electronica and hip-hop to indie and funk, reflecting the alley’s underground club roots (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.muzic.nz ). Roxy is often promoted as a “premium club” within the laneway scene, complete with top local and international DJs (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). On non-event nights it operates as an upscale bar/restaurant for dinner crowds. In short, visitors can expect occasional high-energy parties, plus a picturesque upstairs deck for quieter drinks, but no regular nightly show schedule at 7 Fort Ln.
Tickets and Booking
There is no box office at 7 Fort Lane, so tickets for shows must be bought in advance online through the event promoters (www.ticketfairy.com ). Major Roxy events (or shared-lane block parties) typically go on sale via Auckland entertainment sites or the Roxy website. For example, tickets for the 2023 Fort Lane Live festival (which included Roxy) were sold online starting at about NZ$69＋fees (www.ticketfairy.com ). In general, prime-time club nights at Roxy tend to sell out, so it’s wise to follow local event listings and secure tickets as soon as they’re announced (www.ticketfairy.com ). VIP or guestlist options may be available for big events. On the cheaper side, casual drop-in nights or free-entry specials can occur, but these are trom rarer. To avoid disappointment, plan ahead: treats like Elemental AKL often publish schedules weeks in advance, and tickets must be purchased from authorised outlets only (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
Roxy’s layout spans two levels plus the rooftop. The main floor is an open lounge/dance area with low couches and bar stools lining the walls. There are no fixed assigned seats – it’s mostly general admission standing plus a few lounge tables. An upper mezzanine overlooks the dance floor, and a spiral stair leads to the glass-covered rooftop deck (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). Best spots depend on your goal: to dance, stand up front by the DJ, or along the walls near the bar; to chat, find one of the booth-style lounges. The rooftop offers scenic city views and the chance to get some fresh air during a show. Acoustic-wise, sound carries strongly (it’s a club), so if music volume is a concern you might stay near the deck or mezzanine. There are no permanent balcony boxes or VIP cages, but the atmosphere is the key: reception and reviews note its “sleek retro-Hollywood” style and plush vibe (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, there isn’t a bad seat at 7 Fort Ln – it’s an intimate club space where most areas have a clear sightline to the DJ or bartenders.
Getting There and Parking
7 Fort Ln (Auckland 1010) is centrally located between Fort Street and Queen Street in the CBD. The official address is 7 Fort Lane – some sources also list 44 Queen Street as the entrance point (www.nzherald.co.nz ). It’s about 5 minutes’ walk from Britomart Train Station or the downtown ferry terminals. Bus routes running on Queen or Fort Street (for example, routes 11W, 18, 209, 27H and 72X) will drop you very close (moovitapp.com ). If driving, park off-site: there’s no private venue parking. The nearest multilevel car park is Wilson 27 Fort Street, where casual parking starts around NZ$16 per session (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). (Other nearby council car parks or street parking can be expensive or limited.) Rideshare/taxi drop-offs are easiest on Fort Street at the Fort Lane corner. Overall, public transport or a city shuttle is recommended – the area is highly walkable and well-served by buses, trains (Eastern/Western/Southern lines) and harbour ferries (moovitapp.com ).
Inside the Venue
Inside 7 Fort Ln you’ll find a modern-industrial lounge atmosphere. The entry leads into a dimly lit bar/lounge decorated with upcycled brick, timber beams and plush leather banquettes. The house style is a mix of vintage glamour and contemporary design (fearonhay.com ). Expect cocktails, wines and craft beers from the bar; on restaurant nights the menu is high-quality (one review noted $27 appetizers and rich flavours) (www.nzherald.co.nz ). During club events, a full sound-and-light rig transforms it: house DJs spin in a lowered stage area and special lighting highlights the dance floor. There is a restroom on-site. Cellular reception is usually fine; Wi-Fi is not typically advertised (it's a small venue, so mobile data is safest). Coat-check is generally not available (carry small bags only). Security is present for late-night events: expect ID checks for R18 nights. The overall vibe inside is upscale yet relaxed – casual seating with standing room – true to its club-restaurant hybrid identity.
Nearby Amenities
Fort Lane is part of a lively precinct. Immediately adjacent are other food and drink spots: next door at No.5 was the Cassia Indian restaurant (now closed/refurbished), and on the corner is the Cantina (Italian bar-restaurant). In the same block you’ll find a coffee bar and a small Asian eatery. A half-block north is Jean Batten Place with more cafes and eateries. The entire downtown has an abundance of choices: Queen Street and surrounding laneways host restaurants from fast casual to fine dining. For drinks before/after, cantina-style bars (like Everybody’s and Frisky Green on Snickel Lane) and rooftop bars on Queen Street are within sight. Mid-range and budget hotels abound in the CBD: think Grand Millennium/Backpacker centres on Queen, or waterfront hotels like Sofitel in a 5-10 min walk. Britomart’s restaurants and bars are only a block away (a short stroll down Fort Street). In short, 7 Fort Ln is surrounded by ample dining and lodging – you can easily have pre-show dinner, an after-party drink, or grab local street food without leaving the block.
What Makes This Venue Special
7 Fort Ln (Roxy) is special because it marries heritage, design and nightlife in one package. Its home – the Imperial Buildings complex – was lovingly restored to mix old and new: award-winning architecture preserved century-old brick and timber while cutting in glass/steel staircases and a new dashed-through laneway (fearonhay.com ). This gives Roxy an authentic urban-laneway feel that’s rare in Auckland. The venue’s styling is decidedly glamorous and nostalgic: reviewers highlight its “retro-Hollywood” décor and boutique club feel (www.ticketfairy.com ). The retractable rooftop deck (arguably among Auckland’s best city-view decks) is a standout feature (www.ticketfairy.com ). Naming itself after the classic Roxy Cinema on this corner ties it to local lore (www.ticketfairy.com ). Culturally, it helped energize the Britomart area’s revival into a nightlife hub. In practice, locals love that it feels like stepping into an underground speakeasy – a venue beloved by DJs and partygoers as “the city’s premium club” with top clientele (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). Overall, its unique architectural pedigree and combination of events, dining and art (including lane-wall murals) make 7 Fort Ln a memorable Auckland venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The ground floor of 7 Fort Ln is mostly level (the laneway area was rebuilt with pedestrian priority (fearonhay.com )). Wheelchair access is available to the main lounge/bar and restrooms. However, note that the rooftop deck is reached by stairs only. If you require step-free access upstairs, check with the venue first. What to bring: For club nights you must bring photo ID (driver’s licence or passport) as most events are 18+. Small clutch or wallet is best; large backpacks or outside food/drink are usually not allowed. (Any bag may be subject to search.) Dress neatly – upscale casual is the norm. Arrival & Security: Doors often open by around 6–7pm for dinner or around 10pm for club sets. For busy events arrive early; the venue can be at capacity. Security personnel will do routine bag checks during big nights. Don’t forget: Sunscreen or a jacket, since the roof can open to the elements. Earplugs can help if you’re sensitive to loud music. Cash isn’t usually needed, most bars are card-friendly. Finally, remember this is a trendy laneway spot – being patient in line and polite to staff helps ensure a smooth visit. Overall, plan ahead (table reservations or tickets), arrive on time with ID, and enjoy the creative and historic vibe that makes 7 Fort Lane unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of 7 Fort Lane in Auckland?
The venue is located at 7 Fort Lane, Auckland 1010 . (It is also listed as 44 Queen Street, since it spans that corner.) This is at the downtown Britomart end of Fort Lane, just off Fort Street. You’ll see it next to Queen Street near the Imperial Buildings complex (www.nzherald.co.nz ). Public transport can drop you at Queen or Fort Street within a block of the venue.
How do I get to 7 Fort Lane by public transport?
7 Fort Ln is in the Auckland CBD. The easiest way is to take a train to Britomart station (on the Eastern, Western or Southern lines) then walk ~5 minutes. Quant bus routes also run on Queen St and Fort St just a short walk away (for example, AT routes 11W, 18, 209, 27H, 72X) (moovitapp.com ). If coming by ferry, steamer terminals at Queens or Princes Wharf are <10 minutes’ walk. Many central buses stop near Custom St East or Queen St around Fort St, which leaves you right by the venue.
Is there parking available near 7 Fort Lane?
7 Fort Lane itself has no on-site parking. The nearest car park is Wilson Parking at 27 Fort Street (around 50m away) where casual parking is charged (roughly NZ$16＋GST as a base rate) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). On-street parking in the city centre is metered and very limited after hours. Other nearby options include the Civic/Victoria Street council car park or the Downtown open-air lot on Customs Street (all a few minutes’ walk). If possible, public transport is often simpler for CBD venues.
How much do tickets cost for events at 7 Fort Lane?
Ticket prices vary with the event. For large festivals or DJ nights hosted at 7 Fort Ln (like an Elemental laneway party), expect around NZ$50–100 each. For example, a 2023 festival event with Roxy in the line-up had tickets starting at about NZ$69 plus fees (www.ticketfairy.com ). Smaller club nights may be less, but usually events here are paid. Some casual evenings might be door-charge-only or even free, but check the promoter’s site. Generally plan on around ŃZ$50–$80 per person for prime-time events.
Can I buy tickets at the venue’s box office?
No. 7 Fort Lane has no public box office or ticket window. All event tickets must be purchased in advance online through the official promoters or ticket outlets (www.ticketfairy.com ). (The venue is a laneway club/restaurant, so there is no permanent ticket counter.) If tickets sell out online, there typically are no guaranteed tickets available at the door. In summary, book ahead via the advertised links or promoter.
What is the seating arrangement at Roxy (7 Fort Lane)?
Roxy’s seating is informal lounge-style. There are booths and bar stools along the walls and around the bar, but you cannot reserve fixed seats like in a theatre. For dining, tables are first-come (or reserved in advance by booking). For evening club events, it’s mostly standing room mixed with sofas. The venue is spread over two floors plus a roof deck (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). The best vantage for music is near the stage or central floor, whereas the booths and rooftop are great for conversations or city views. In short, assume general admission.
What’s the capacity of 7 Fort Lane (Roxy)?
Roxy is relatively small and intimate. Venue listings show the floor space is roughly 80–100 m² and can hold on the order of 50 to 200 people, depending on layout (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). It’s much smaller than a stadium or large theatre – think of a night club or lounge size. Hence large events may sell out quickly, and the atmosphere is cosy.
Is 7 Fort Lane wheelchair accessible?
The main floor of Roxy is wheelchair-friendly (the laneway and entrance are flat rather than stepped). After the 2011 rebuild, these streets were made into ‘shared spaces’ with level entry (fearonhay.com ) (www.scribd.com ). The restrooms and bar on the ground level should be accessible. Note that the rooftop patio is only reached by stairs, so wheelchair users would stay on the ground/mezzanine levels. If you need special access, it’s best to call the venue ahead.
Are there dress code or bag policies at Roxy?
Roxy has an upscale crowd. Dress smart-casual for dinner or evening events – no beachwear or torn clothes. Men often wear collared shirts or jackets; women smart tops or dresses. For bag policies: regular handbags or small backpacks are usually ok, but large travel bags may be refused. Outside food or drink is not allowed. Security may inspect bags at the door during big events. No formal code, but plan to look neat and city-appropriate.
Can I take photos or record video inside?
Personal smartphone photos/videos for social media are usually fine in a lounge/restaurant setting. However, during club nights professional cameras or tripods may be prohibited (standard venue policy). There’s no policy publicly posted, so assume common-sense “No flash photography on stage” and respect any signage or staff instructions. The venue itself doesn’t allow outside photography equipment during private events without permission.
Is it true 7 Fort Lane used to be a cinema?
Yes. The name “Roxy” references the historic Roxy Cinema that once stood here. In 2009 the old Imperial/Roxy Theatre complex was redeveloped into the current bar/restaurant (www.ticketfairy.com ). So while 7 Fort Lane is now a modern club-restaurant, its roots are in Auckland’s vintage movie theatre scene.
Are there food and drink options inside 7 Fort Lane?
Yes – 7 Fort Lane (Roxy) operates a full-service bar and kitchen. Expect a trendy cocktail menu and a dinner menu of upscale bar-food and entrees. Reviews note specialty dishes and a well-stocked bar (www.nzherald.co.nz ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). If you visit for dinner, table service is provided. During late-night club events you can still purchase drinks at the bar. In short, Roxy serves both food and beverages onsite (no outside drinks allowed).
Does 7 Fort Lane have a bathroom or cloak check?
There is a restroom for guests on the premises, so no need to leave the building during your visit. As for cloak check, Roxy does not advertise a formal coatroom. On casual evenings you can likely keep a coat on your chair; during big events there may be a stand at the door (unconfirmed). It’s safest to travel light – carry only what you need, as storage is minimal.
What are the age restrictions at 7 Fort Lane events?
Most night events at Roxy (7 Fort Ln) are 18 years and over. The venue typically enforces an R18 policy for evening club nights and parties (www.aucklandnz.com ). You must show valid photo ID to enter. If you’re dining early in the evening it may be more family-friendly, but always check the specific event’s age limit. Under-18s are generally not admitted after hours.
**Sources:** Auckland Council/AT publications, Metro/Elemental/Heart of City features, Ticketing site descriptions (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ecc.co.nz ) (heartofthecity.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (moovitapp.com ) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ) (www.nzherald.co.nz ), etc.
