About Longroom
Longroom is a large multi-level bar and gastropub on Ponsonby Road in Auckland, known for its indoor-outdoor layout and busy, friendly vibe . The venue spans several sections – including a covered atrium-style courtyard, a north-facing sun deck, a back dining room and a private “Short Room” – that together can hold hundreds of guests. In fact, Longroom markets itself as “one of Auckland’s premier event venues and the largest venue for hire along Ponsonby Road” . Its entire floor plan can accommodate up to about 450 people standing (roughly 120 in the main restaurant/courtyard area and 70 in the back room for cocktail parties ). During the day and early evening it doubles as a casual eatery (open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner), while late nights see DJs, screens and dancing. The interior was revamped by designer Paul Izzard to evoke a “moody, chic” atmosphere , with new booth seating, sleek bar stools at the front counter and a de-cluttered back bar. Together with its sister cafe Longshot, Longroom is a staple of Ponsonby’s dining and nightlife scene, offering an upmarket-yet-relaxed setting that locals and visitors flock to from morning through the small hours .
Events and Programming
Longroom is best known as a nightlife and events hub. Regular DJ sessions and parties light up the venue most nights. According to its “What’s On” schedule, the outdoor Courtyard Sessions run daily (extended late on weekends), and a rotating DJ lineup spins tunes Thursday through Saturday (often until 3am on Friday and Saturday) . Sunday evenings often feature live music or DJs as well . Weekly themes include “Elevate Fridays” from 5pm and sports watch parties (the All Blacks rugby games are shown live on Longroom’s big screens ). Happy hour specials and branded events (for example, Hennessy tastings or a novelty statue “Manny-kin” day) keep the calendar lively. On major occasions like New Year’s Eve, Longroom hosts large themed parties – for instance, the annual “Longroom En Blanc” NYE celebration (a night in white) drawing hundreds of partiers www.ticketfairy.com www.ticketfairy.com . It has even hosted unconventional tech gatherings (one Auckland report called an NFT art launch at Longroom “exclusive [and] chaotic”) . In short, the program mixes casual dining and drinks during the day with upbeat dance nights, sports screening events and private functions in the evening.
Tickets and Booking
Most Longroom nights are open to the public with free entry (especially early in the week). However, special events or peak nights may require tickets or a reservation. For blockbusters like national holiday parties or famous guest DJs, tickets are usually sold in advance via local promoters (such as Eventfinda or Ticket Fairy) – check those listings or social media for info. The venue itself doesn’t have a traditional box office; instead, the official site encourages booking online or via enquiry for large groups. Many bookings (group dinners, office parties, celebrations) are handled through a venue hire inquiry form on Longroom’s website . It’s wise to book ahead for popular shows and dinners, as seating can fill up. The site notes that spaces (including private rooms) can be reserved for events, with group deposits and minimum spends negotiable . In summary, casual drop-ins usually don’t need more than checking the event listing, but if you’re planning a birthday, corporate function or a New Year’s bash, contact Longroom or buy advance tickets to secure your spot.
Seating and Layout
Longroom’s floor plan is open and flexible. The main entry opens into a lounge-style area with a fully stocked bar along one side and booth seating lining the walls. The central hall leads to the covered courtyard, which brings an “outdoor indoors” feel with its high ceiling and planter greenery . Beyond that is the sun deck – a sunny north-facing mezzanine deck that catches all-day light. The back of the venue houses a separate dining room, which remains semi-quiet during the day and transforms into additional standing/dance area at night. Upstairs or to the side is the Short Room, a private function space with its own small bar, balcony and a top-notch sound system . Seating-wise, there are booths and leaners for dining, plus stools around the bar. For shows with music or DJs, much of the crowd stands or moves between spaces (most events are general admission). For a dinner with a view or to catch the sun, try a table on the sun deck or in the courtyard. For a livelier dance vibe, the area directly in front of the DJ booth and bar is best. Be aware that sound levels rise at night – speakers are set for parties – so if you want to talk, the back dining room or booths are quieter. Overall, the layout encourages mingling between indoor and sheltered outdoor zones.
Getting There and Parking
Longroom’s address is 114 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 (just a couple of kilometres west of the city centre). Ponsonby Road is a major thoroughfare, so the venue is easy to find on most maps. On-site or dedicated parking is limited, but there is some free off-street parking and metered street parking nearby . You might find a spot on Ponsonby Road itself (paid parking Mon–Sat) or side streets like Ponsonby Terrace or Mackelvie Street (some areas allow free parking at night and weekends). Commercial car parks (for example the Ponsonby Road car park off Taverner or the Wilson parking lot near New World supermarket) are within a few minutes’ walk if needed. Given the busyness of Ponsonby, many guests use rideshare or taxi services; a drop-off can be made at the venue entrance or on a nearby side street (Elias Street and Bartlett Street have passenger zones). Buses run frequently on Ponsonby Road – routes such as the 27 (Onehunga to CBD) and 28 (Brake Street to CBD) stop on Ponsonby Road just outside Longroom. The nearest train station is about a 25-minute walk (Kingsland or Mt Eden station), so most people come by bus, bike or car. In any case, factor in some walking distance if you plan to park on a nearby side street.
Inside the Venue
Expect a vibrant, social atmosphere inside Longroom. During the day it feels like a modern casual eatery – natural light filters through the courtyard roof and plants soften the edges . By night it becomes a lively bar/club space. The interior décor uses dark timber and foliage accents for that “moody, chic” look mentioned in local press . Upon entering, the long bar is a focal point – guests can sit on stools up on a slight riser at the front counter. Otherwise, banquette booths and tall communal tables fill the rest of the floor. A row of bar leaners along the window allows alfresco café-style dining in the evening breeze. The sound system is tuned for party DJs in the back; you’ll know when the bass kicks in, and the open plan means music carries to most corners. Lighting is subdued with spot and strip accents – dance lights only come on for events, while at other times the space is softly lit and cosy.
The kitchen serves a modern New Zealand menu of tapas-style plates, burgers, salads and brunch items (including some vegetarian options). It operates from morning through dinner, so you can arrive anytime to eat. Their cocktail list is extensive and includes local craft beers, boutique wines and creative mixes (specials like Hennessy cocktails pop up for themed promos). Staff are generally friendly and on-point: bartenders are efficient (note that a redesign made behind-the-bar work flow faster ), and servers wear casual uniforms. On busy nights there may be a hostess or bouncer at the door checking IDs (Longroom enforces a minimum age, see visitor tips below).
Facilities-wise, restrooms are located to one side of the main room; there are toilets for men, women and an accessible/unisex stall. There’s no formal coat-check, so large coats or bags can be stowed on empty chairs or behind the bar area. Free Wi-Fi is often available (ask a staff member for the password, as many New Zealand venues provide basic guest Wi-Fi). If you need anything special (fitting event AV gear, charging ports, etc.), planning ahead with the events team is recommended. The venue has multiple flat-screen TVs around for sports or promotions, and even smaller AV support in the Short Room (a 42″ TV and wireless mic are included with its hire ). Merchandise racks are uncommon here – save your appetite for the bar.
Nearby Amenities
Ponsonby Road is one of Auckland’s best dining precincts, so there are plenty of options for pre- or post-show dinners and drinks. Adjacent to Longroom are casual eateries like Vietnamese street food, Argentinean grills and sushi bars. Upscale dining is also steps away (for example, Thievery or Ponsonby’s acclaimed Italian and Pacific-fusion restaurants). On the same block you’ll find cafes (Longshot Café, the sister spot), craft cocktail spots and wine bars. If you want a quick bite before opening hours, the local bakery or coffee shops nearby can serve breakfast.
For post-show libations, Ponsonby’s evening scene continues beyond Longroom. Just a short walk brings you to bars like Portland (bbq & craft beer), Countdown Pub (classic pub grill), or 12 Bar. If you prefer something late-night, there are 24-hour dairies on Ponsonby Road and vodka bars in Ponsonby Central (the shopping complex a few blocks away).
Optionally, visitors can explore nearby attractions before they go out: Lake Road has boutiques and the Western Springs park is a 10-minute drive away. Nearby hotels include the distinctive Paradox hotel (in Parnell, about 4 minutes by car) or serviced apartments in Grey Lynn and Ponsonby. There are also budget inns and inns around nearby suburbs; however, many gig-goers simply stay in central Auckland hotels and take a quick taxi or bus to Ponsonby.
Transit-wise, it’s wise to plan your ride home, especially after late shows. Taxis and rideshares queue up on Ponsonby Road or down on Richmond Road. The 24/7 bus services continue along Ponsonby throughout the night, but evenings can run less frequently (check the Auckland Transport app for the last bus times). For driving, be aware that Ponsonby Road can get busy, so allow extra travel time on Friday and Saturday nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
Longroom stands out in Auckland’s nightlife for its blend of historic charm and modern style. Architecturally, the covered courtyard and sun deck bring an alfresco, Mediterranean-style vibe to a city location – you can practically feel the sunlight even behind glass. The recent interior overhaul gave it boutique bar flair without losing comfortable hospitality . This combo of open-air dining spaces and a well-appointed indoor bar makes Longroom unique: it’s equally fitting for a lazy Sunday brunch on the deck or a high-energy DJ set in the lounge.
Culturally, Longroom is a Ponsonby institution. It has been a go-to spot for decades – a place where friends sipping cocktails spill out on the sidewalk, where you can find both families enjoying dinner and clubbers dancing till dawn. Local writers reminisce about “dancing into the small hours” on its dance floor . Longroom also has had its share of offbeat moments: one Auckland media story even titled a 2022 event “NFT party at Auckland’s Longroom,” highlighting how the venue has hosted everything from burlesque shows to tech launch events.
From the audience perspective, customers love how Longroom can serve multiple moods – it’s an energetic party scene on Friday night and a cosy brunch spot on Saturday morning. Artists and DJs appreciate the professional setup (the Short Room’s sound system and multiple bars make for seamless private gigs) and the enthusiastic, young-but-mature crowd. Ponsonby road itself is a historic hospitality strip, and Longroom anchors that tradition by offering a complete experience: good food, great drinks, and the ease of moving between indoor and outdoor areas. Longroom’s blend of outdoor sunshine, stylish interiors, communal tables and late-night beats makes it genuinely stand out among Auckland’s bars .
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Longroom has street-level entry at the front on Ponsonby Road. The main dining and bar area and the courtyard are wheelchair accessible. There is at least one accessible toilet on the premises. If you have specific accessibility needs (like a ramp onto the sun deck or seating by the door), it’s a good idea to call ahead and discuss with staff.
Age and Dress Code: Because of licensing, patrons must be of age. In fact, since 2017 Longroom has enforced an R22 policy – no patrons under 22 are allowed . ID is checked diligently at the door on busy nights. For dress, the vibe is smart-casual. Beachwear or very sloppy attire (like dirty jandals or sports singlets) isn’t appropriate for late-night hours. Neat shorts, nice jeans and shirts are fine by day; consider going up a notch for weekend evenings.
Reservations: For dinner or large groups, booking a table or space in advance is recommended (especially on Friday/Saturday). Popular times fill fast. You can ring up or use the online booking system on Longroom’s website (the site notes that bookings are now available online ). Walk-ins are welcome when it’s not peak time. On party nights there are usually two sittings (e.g. 6pm and 8pm), so after 8pm is more standing-room.
What to Bring/Not Bring: Bring a valid ID if you look under 30. Bags are sometimes searched or tagged on entry – only small to medium bags are advisable. Don’t bring outside food or drink (the bar has its own kitchen and licenses). Cameras are generally fine for casual photos, but be discreet with professional gear during late-night parties. Smoking is only allowed outside (step into the courtyard or outside on Ponsonby Road).
Planning Your Visit: The décor is dimmer at night, so if you have vision needs, seat yourself near the front. If you are going for sports, arrive early to claim a seat near a TV. If you hate crowds, note that 10–11pm on Fri/Sat is peak – for a calmer experience, come early or choose a weekday night. And always check the events calendar: sometimes Longroom changes hours for special events (for example, closing some areas for a private party or opening earlier for a rugby final).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Longroom?
As a whole venue, Longroom can hold up to about 450 guests standing . In practical terms, the main indoor/outdoor restaurant area and sun deck together handle roughly 120 people cocktail-style (60 seated), the back dining room about 70 (45 seated), the Short Room about 80, and the Sun Deck about 50 . For booked events, layout and seating can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Where is Longroom located and what is the address?
Longroom is at 114 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland (postcode 1011). It sits on the north side of Ponsonby Road, just outside the city centre. Trams and trains don’t go directly to Ponsonby, so most people arrive by bus, car or taxi. The venue is easy to find on maps by its address and neighbour cafes.
What are the parking options at Longroom?
Street parking is the simplest option, though it's metered on Ponsonby Road (check the sign for hours) . There are some pay-and-display car parks a short walk away (for example the Ponsonby Road Carpark on Taverner Street or Wilson Parking near New World). On Sundays and evenings many side streets allow free parking. Rideshares/taxis can drop you at the door if parking is tight.
Which public transit serves Longroom?
Several Auckland Transport buses run along Ponsonby Road. For example, buses like the 27 (Onehunga–CBD) and 28 (Morningside–CBD) stop right on Ponsonby Road near the venue. The nearest train station is Kingsland or Mt Eden, about 3km away (a taxi or short bus ride from there). Use AT’s journey planner or Google Maps to find the best route from your location.
Do I need to buy tickets for Longroom events?
Most regular nights at Longroom are free entry (especially early in the week). However, big events (like New Year’s Eve parties or guest DJ nights) often require tickets which are sold in advance through ticketing sites. Check Longroom’s social media and local event listings for “Longroom” or the event name. For private hire events you would coordinate directly with the venue.
Is there a dress code at Longroom?
Longroom is fairly casual during the day – shorts and flip-flops can be fine for lunch or a Sunday BBQ. At night, especially on weekends, it pays to dress smart-casual (e.g. neat jeans and a shirt). Avoid beachwear or very sloppy attire after dark. Staff may turn away overly casual or disruptive guests. In short, come as you would for a friendly bar outing, but no swimwear or dirty joggers for evening events.
Are there age restrictions at Longroom?
Yes. Longroom enforces a minimum age policy due to its liquor license. In fact, it has a 22-and-over rule – patrons must be at least 22 years old to enter . (This policy was adopted in 2017 to reduce licensing risks). You will need valid ID (passport or driver’s licence) at the door for nights when it’s busy.
Is Longroom wheelchair accessible?
The main bar and dining areas on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible, with level entry from Ponsonby Road. The covered courtyard is also accessible. There is an accessible toilet available. Note: the upstairs Short Room and sun deck involve stairs, so those areas are not wheelchair accessible.
Are dogs or pets allowed at Longroom?
Generally, standard nos. Longroom is an urban bar/restaurant, so pets are not allowed indoors. Service animals (guide dogs) should be permitted per law. For outdoor areas like the courtyard, some patrons do bring small dogs under control (double-check with staff, especially for events, if you need confirmation). Always keep animals leashed and consider other guests.
Does Longroom serve vegetarian or vegan dishes?
Yes, the menu at Longroom includes vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. They offer share plates and mains such as plant-based burgers, salads, vegetable sides and other dishes. If you have a strict diet, check the current menu online or ask the server – kitchen staff are generally accommodating of allergies and preferences.
Does Longroom have free Wi-Fi?
Longroom typically offers free Wi-Fi for customers. If you need it, just ask a staff member for the network name and password. (Public venues in Auckland often provide basic guest Wi-Fi.) Keep in mind that internet speed may be slower during peak hours with many guests.
When is Longroom open?
Hours vary seasonally. In summer Longroom aims to be open 7 days a week (brunch through late night). In Auckland’s winter, it usually closes on Mondays (or opens later on Mondays) and runs from Tuesday to Sunday. Daily hours often start around breakfast (9–10am) and go until late: usually midnight or later on weekends. During major sports events or holidays the venue may adjust hours, so it’s best to check Longroom’s Instagram or Facebook for the current schedule.
Why does Longroom enforce the R22 age rule?
The citation R22 refers to Longroom’s policy (since 2017) of only allowing patrons aged 22 or above. This wasn’t a random rule but a business decision: according to media reports, the owners introduced an R22 limit because they found that heavily intoxicated under-22 customers were putting the bar’s liquor license at risk . So, you must be 22+ with ID to gain entry.
Does Longroom show live sports games?
Yes. Longroom often broadcasts major sports events on its big screens. It’s especially known for showing New Zealand rugby games (All Blacks matches) – you’ll often see “Catch all the action live” on their promotions . On game days Longroom fills with fans; expect a buzzing pub atmosphere. Arrive early for a good spot on those nights.
What time should I get to longroom for a busy event?
If it’s a big event (e.g. a sports final or popular DJ night), longroom can get busy by 7–8pm or earlier. For best seating during dinner, arrive right when dinner service starts (around 6pm), or book a specific time. For a standing-room party, several hours before the headline act or game usually means less queue. Note that weekend shows often reach capacity, so arriving well in advance is wise.
Does Longroom do corporate or private event hires?
Yes. Longroom is a popular venue hire location for corporate meetings, office parties, birthdays, engagements and more. Spaces can be rented from early morning until after dark. According to the venue literature, it can accommodate intimate gatherings of 20 or banquet dinners of 45 in a section up to 450 people for a full-venue event . To book, you’d typically contact Longroom’s events team via their website or phone to discuss date, headcount and catering options.
