About Longroom & Longshot
Longroom is a sprawling multi-level bar and gastropub on Ponsonby Road with a connected day-time cafe called Longshot. Together they form one venue at 114 Ponsonby Road. The design brings the outdoors in – a covered atrium-style courtyard and sun deck with fireplaces create a lush, moody-chic ambience (www.ticketfairy.com ) (wanderlog.com ). Pam Izzard’s recent redesign added intimate booth seating and bar stools for a sleek, modern Kiwi bistro feel (ponsonbynews.co.nz ). By day Longshot serves Allpress coffee and creative breakfast and brunch dishes (open from about 6:30am to 3pm on weekdays) (ponsonbynews.co.nz ). By evening it transforms into Longroom, a trendy pub and cocktail bar. The total capacity is large – around 450 people standing – with different sections (sun deck ~50 cocktail, Short Room ~80, back dining 70–120) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). In short, Longroom & Longshot is a landmark Ponsonby venue famous for its day‐to‐night energy and stylish indoor-outdoor setting (www.ticketfairy.com ) (wanderlog.com ).
Events and Programming
Longroom/Longshot hosts events any time of day. Daytime “Courtyard Sessions” (Sun–Tue afternoons) combine casual drinks and music, while evenings feature rotating DJs and live acts. TicketFairy notes DJs spin Thursday–Saturday (often until 3am on weekends), with Sunday night music as well (www.ticketfairy.com ). Popular weekly themes include “Elevate Fridays” from 5pm and sports watch parties – for example, All Blacks rugby games streamed on big screens (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are also branded nights and promotions (Hennessy tasting events, a playful “Manny-kin” statue party, etc.) keeping the calendar lively (www.ticketfairy.com ). Major holidays and festivals draw big parties here; for instance, an annual all-white New Year’s Eve “Longroom En Blanc” bash routinely attracts hundreds of partiers (www.ticketfairy.com ). In summary, the venue “mixes casual dining and drinks during the day with upbeat dance nights, sports screening events and private functions in the evening” (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Most nights are open to the public with no cover charge (www.ticketfairy.com ), especially early in the week. However, big events or peak-time parties often use advance tickets. For example, holiday parties or guest-DJ nights will require buying tickets in advance through ticketing sites (brands like Eventfinda or others) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue itself doesn’t have a box office; instead, the official site suggests booking online or contacting them for groups. Many visitors book private functions or large tables via Longroom’s website form (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s wise to reserve well ahead for popular events since seating and space can fill up fast. (Insiders tip: sign up for Longroom’s “longPOINTS” loyalty program for perks – you even get early access to event tickets and bonus drink vouchers (www.longroom.co.nz ).)
Seating and Layout
The venue’s layout is highly flexible, combining standing and seated areas. The main courtyard and sun deck are open-air/covered spaces used primarily for standing or cocktail arrangements (sun deck ~50 people cocktail-style (www.sharedspace.co.nz )). The back and indoor dining areas have tables and chairs (the back restaurant plus sundeck can hold about 120 cocktail guests (www.sharedspace.co.nz )). A private “Short Room” upstairs offers an exclusive space (up to ~80 cocktail) with its own bar, balcony and AV system (www.longroom.co.nz ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). In practice, popular spots for live music or DJ shows are on the main level – front and center near the performance area is best for an immersive view. Tables along the sides and in the back room are great for seated dinners or relaxing away from the crowd. In general admission setup there aren’t fixed “good seats,” but closer to the stage (or DJ booth) means better sightlines, whereas higher tables along the perimeter offer more comfort. For VIP or private parties, the Short Room or reserved tables can be booked in advance for a semi-private experience.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Longroom & Longshot are at 114 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland (postcode 1011). This central spot is about 3km from the CBD. Public transit: Auckland Transport buses run along Ponsonby Road. Frequent route 20 (St Lukes ↔ Wynyard Quarter) stops right on Ponsonby Road (at.govt.nz ). Several other routes (such as 18 or 11) also pass nearby; notably the late-night 11T runs via Ponsonby to the city until about 2:30am on weekends (at.govt.nz ). Parking: Street parking is available on Ponsonby Road and side streets, but it’s limited. Pay-and-display machines charge about NZ$2 per hour (two hours for $4) on weekdays (www.parkopedia.co.nz ); after 6pm and on Sundays it’s usually free. Commercial parking lots are nearby (for example, Wilson Parking at 40 Vermont Street charges roughly $4 per half-hour, up to $10 for 12 hours and about $6 overnight (www.wilsonparking.co.nz )). Because Ponsonby’s on-street spots fill up early, it’s wise to arrive ahead if you plan to drive. Rideshare/Taxi: There’s usually Uber and taxi activity on Ponsonby Road; drivers can drop off passengers directly in front of the venue. There’s no formal drop-off zone but the curb allows short stops. Walking: The area is very walkable. Ponsonby Road itself has many cafes, shops and bars if you arrive on foot.
Inside the Venue
On arrival, expect standard bar security and ID checks (New Zealand law requires valid ID for alcohol service). During busy nights staff will likely scan IDs and may do bag checks as needed. The vibe inside is lively and stylish: reviewers call it a “vibrant and popular spot” with a friendly, energetic atmosphere (wanderlog.com ). The bartenders are professional (guests even name specific mixologists) and there is staffed security on larger events (wanderlog.com ). Food is a highlight – Longroom serves modern Kiwi fare and share plates. Diners praise dishes like the Korean Fried Chicken Bowl, fried calamari, black-garlic steak and wagyu beef dumplings (wanderlog.com ), and mains are generally in the mid-$20s range (wanderlog.com ). Gluten-free and healthy options are available on the menu (www.theurbanlist.com ). Drink-wise, the back bar displays premium spirits beautifully (ponsonbynews.co.nz ), and expect a full cocktail list, local beers and wine. Service is attentive – one review even commends dedicated bartenders and staff for keeping everything running smoothly (wanderlog.com ). Inside you’ll find multiple bars (at least one long main bar and a Short Room bar), plus a sound system and TVs for events. Free Wi-Fi is provided for meetings and corporate bookings (www.longroom.co.nz ). Restroom facilities are on-site, including at least one accessible restroom. Overall it feels polished yet comfortable – spacious with greenery and fireplaces (wanderlog.com ) (wanderlog.com ). (One frequent tip: the courtyard can get crowded and a bit warm when packed, and parking is tight, so many recommend arriving early (wanderlog.com ).)
Nearby Amenities
Ponsonby is a vibrant dining and nightlife precinct. Within steps of Longroom you’ll find dozens of restaurants and cafés spanning many cuisines. (For example, just down Ponsonby Road are Pacific-Asian spots like The Blue Breeze Inn, upscale bistros, pizzerias, and trendy cafes.) Pre-show dining is very popular; options range from casual pubs and burger joints to sushi bars, Thai restaurants and modern Italian eateries. After a visit, nightlife choices abound too – bars like Kittyhawk and brewpubs are on neighboring streets. If you need accommodation, note there are few hotels right in Ponsonby; many visitors stay in central Auckland or nearby suburbs. The CBD is only 10 minutes away by car (or a short bus ride), where full-service hotels are available. For groceries or snacks, a Countdown supermarket and bottle store are within a few blocks. In short, the venue is surrounded by amenities that cover every budget and preference, all within walking distance of 114 Ponsonby Road.
What Makes This Venue Special
Longroom & Longshot has become a Ponsonby institution for multiple reasons. Its unique architecture and decor – a blend of indoor and outdoor space with stylish booths, a light-filled atrium and a leafy courtyard – stands out in Auckland (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ponsonbynews.co.nz ). The venue’s founders even commissioned a quirky life-size “Manny-kin” statue (a play on bartender Manny) which has become a local talking point (www.longroom.co.nz ). In 2017 it drew national media when the owners introduced an “R22” policy (suggesting patrons be 22+ on busy nights) to manage its nightclub vibe (restaurantandcafe.co.nz ). Locals know Longroom for iconic events: for example, the funky annual white-clothing New Year’s party (“En Blanc”) is famous for drawing crowds from across the city (www.ticketfairy.com ). Its dishes and cocktails have won fan praise (note the crowd-favorite chicken bowl, steak and dumplings (wanderlog.com )). Even in journalism and social media, Longroom pops up: one writer fondly recalled “dancing into the small hours… at Longroom… to thick beats” as emblematic of Auckland’s club scene (thespinoff.co.nz ). In sum, it’s special for its all-day ALLnight versatility, stylish design, loyal following and the sense that anywhere from brunch to midnight, there’s always something fun happening under its roof.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The main bar, dining areas and courtyard have level entry from the street, and an accessible restroom is available (www.ticketfairy.com ). Note that the upstairs Short Room and sun deck are reached by stairs and are not wheelchair-accessible (www.ticketfairy.com ). Dress Code: Smart-casual attire is recommended. Longroom advises guests to avoid beachwear or very sloppy clothing (no swimsuits, flip-flops or dirty trackpants after dark) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Before You Go: Carry valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport) for alcohol service – especially on busy weekend nights, as the 22+ age guideline is enforced (www.ticketfairy.com ). For children: daytime brunch is family-friendly, but minors should be aware the R22 rule applies on crowded evenings, so those under 22 may meet an enforced policy on late nights. Payment: Credit/debit cards and cash are accepted. Tipping is at your discretion (service is generally good). What to Bring: Personal items are fine but large bags may be searched for safety. Outside food and drink are not permitted. Feel free to bring a smile and an appetite – the menu and bar are a big part of the experience. Wifi & Seating: Free Wi-Fi is offered (especially at tables), but service speeds may slow when busy. Seating is mostly communal; you can reserve tables or event spaces in advance. Getting There: During busy times, plan to arrive early to secure parking (lots fill up by happy hour (wanderlog.com )). If driving, pay parking costs apply on weekdays (often $2–4/hr) and limited free parking after hours. Late-night buses (e.g. the 11T on weekends) run past the door, and taxis/rideshares can drop off in front. LongPOINTS: If you plan to come often, sign up for their loyalty program (longPOINTS) on the Longroom website for perks like a free birthday drink, cash-back on spend, and early access to event tickets (www.longroom.co.nz ). By following these tips, visitors can navigate Longroom & Longshot with ease and make the most of its lively atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets to enter Longroom or Longshot?
Generally no. Most nights are open access with no admission fee. You can usually just walk in. However, on very popular nights or big events (holiday parties, special DJ shows) the venue sells advance tickets. If an event is ticketed, tickets must be purchased online beforehand; free entry applies only on normal nights.
Where is Longroom & Longshot and how do I get there by public transport?
Longroom & Longshot are located at 114 Ponsonby Road (corner of Ponsonby Road and Country Lane) in Auckland’s Ponsonby suburb. It’s central – route 20 buses (City Centre↔St Lukes) stop on Ponsonby Road in front of the venue. Other buses (such as 18 or 11) also run nearby. If taking the late-night 11T bus, it serves Ponsonby on weekends until around 2:30am.
Is there parking available, and what does it cost?
Street parking is available along Ponsonby Road and side streets, but spaces are limited. Paid metered parking runs on weekdays (often about NZD 2/hour; e.g. up to 2 hours for $4) (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). After 6pm and on Sundays most street parking is free. A paid lot at 40 Vermont St (Wilson Parking) is one block away, with rates roughly $4 per half hour, up to $10/day and ~$6 overnight (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Arrive early or use rideshare to avoid the parking rush.
Can I reserve a table or lounge at Longroom & Longshot?
Yes. You can make reservations through the Longroom website or by phone. The venue’s site includes a booking form for groups and events. Small walk-in tables are also possible in quieter hours, but for larger groups (or private use of the Short Room) booking in advance is recommended. During busy times it’s best to book early if you want a specific table or space.
What is the dress code at Longroom?
Longroom recommends a smart-casual dress code. For evening events, avoid very casual beachwear or sports attire. Sequins, nice jeans, or dresses are fine. The venue specifically asks guests not to wear swimsuits, flip-flops or dirty sweatpants after dark (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, dress as if going to a nice bar – neat and casual is the rule.
Are children or pets allowed inside?
Longshot (the cafe) is kid-friendly during daytime brunch and lunch hours. After dark, Longroom functions as a bar/club, so children are typically not present then. Pets (except service animals) generally are not allowed indoors. If in doubt, contact the venue directly, but expect it to be predominantly an adult space at night.
Is Longroom & Longshot wheelchair accessible?
The ground floor (main bar, restaurant area and courtyard) is wheelchair accessible with level entry from street. There is an accessible restroom on site. However, the upstairs Short Room and sun deck are only accessible by stairs, so those upper sections are not wheelchair-friendly (www.ticketfairy.com ). Parking and street access may also require curb ramps on Ponsonby Road.
What are the age restrictions at Longroom?
By law you must be 18+ to enter an Auckland bar after hours. In practice, Longroom enforces a “recommended 22 and over” policy on busy weekend nights (www.ticketfairy.com ). This is not an absolute ban, but younger guests have reported being discouraged if under 22 on Friday/Saturday. Always bring photo ID (driver’s license or passport) after 8pm, as staff will check age during peak times (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What kind of food and drinks do they serve?
Longroom & Longshot serve modern New Zealand bistro cuisine. Expect hearty mains (steaks, burgers, share plates) with creative twists – dishes like the Korean Fried Chicken Bowl and wagyu dumplings are popular (wanderlog.com ). The menu includes gluten-free and healthy options (www.theurbanlist.com ). On the drinks side, there’s a full bar: local craft beers, international wines and an extensive cocktail list (their premium spirits are prominently displayed at the bar (ponsonbynews.co.nz )). Longshot also offers espresso coffees, juices, smoothies and brunch cocktails in the morning. (ponsonbynews.co.nz )
Are coats or bags checked, and is Wi-Fi available?
There is no formal coat check. Guests may hang coats on nearby racks or chairs, but beware of taking large overnight bags – security may search oversized bags for backstage events. Small day packs should be fine. Longroom provides Wi-Fi for diners and corporate bookings (www.longroom.co.nz ). Note that phone coverage is good, but connections may slow when the crowd is large, so Wi-Fi is a bonus for meetings or checking work on a lunch visit.
Do I need to arrive early for events at Longroom?
If you have tickets or a reservation, arriving about 30 minutes before showtime is usually enough. For general admission nights, early arrival (before 9pm on weekends) can help you grab a prime spot. Note that parking and seating can fill up quickly for big events. As one review advises, booking or coming early is wise if the event is sold-out or very popular (wanderlog.com ).
Does Longroom have a loyalty program?
Yes. The venue offers a loyalty scheme called longPOINTS. Signing up (via their website) gets you rewards like a free drink on signup, a $50 birthday voucher, and a rebate on spending (www.longroom.co.nz ). LongPOINTS members also get perks such as early access to ticket sales for events. It’s free to join and can be useful if you visit frequently.
What is the ‘Manny-kin’ statue I hear about?
“Manny-kin” is a playful life-size mannequin statue introduced by Longroom. It’s a quirky piece commissioned by the owners (dressed in Mandarin Gin promo gear), and it often makes rounds on social media. You’ll find it in the bar area as a fun photo opportunity – it reflects the venue’s tongue-in-cheek style. (Keep an eye out; it’s mentioned among the venue’s signature oddities (www.longroom.co.nz ).)
What are the Longshot cafe hours and menu highlights?
Longshot, the breakfast/lunch cafe side of the venue, opens early (often 6:30am on weekdays, 7am on weekends) and runs until about 3pm daily (ponsonbynews.co.nz ). It serves a variety of creative brunch dishes and all-day breakfast items (think Scotch eggs, specialty burgers, sweet pastries) with Allpress coffee. Their weekend French toast or avo-smash are popular. It’s a casual, family-friendly setting in the covered courtyard – a sharp contrast to the nightlife vibe of Longroom.
