About Hornby Club
Hornby Club (often the Hornby Working Men’s Club) is a large licensed social and events venue in Hornby, Christchurch, New Zealand. Founded in 1956 , it has grown into one of the region’s biggest community clubs. In late 2022 the club re-opened after a multi-million-dollar rebuild, unveiling a modern two-storey facility with high timber beams, exposed glulam columns and extensive glass walls . The expanded club spans about 5,000 m2 , including a new 450-person Events Centre for conferences or concerts, plus multiple bars and dining areas . It is also known for a massive membership (over 10,000 local people ), making it a key local hub in Christchurch’s social scene.
Signature features include its contemporary timber-glass design and family-friendly focus. The Pavilion area has kids’ playgrounds and Sunday buffet dinners , while the core sports bar is centred on a giant 5×7 metre video wall for live sports broadcasts . That “big screen” is reportedly the largest TV setup in the Southern Hemisphere , making Hornby Club a popular spot for All Blacks rugby matches and other big games. In the upgraded venue you’ll also find three bars, a café, a pool/snooker room, TAB betting facilities and private dining/meeting rooms – all set under modern NZ-made LED lighting for a warm, welcoming atmosphere . In short, Hornby Club blends modern event infrastructure with a genuine local community vibe: a place for families, live music and local traditions under one roof.
Events and Programming
Hornby Club’s calendar is packed year-round with a mix of member-focused socials, live music and special events. Weekly socials include morning bingo every Tuesday and a club quiz on Wednesday evenings , as well as “Chase the Ace” raffles on Thursdays. On weekends the club often hosts dances or live-band nights. For example, recent line-ups have featured themed tribute shows to legends like ABBA, Queen, Bee Gees, Neil Diamond and Pink Floyd . The club bookers bring in a range of acts – local cover bands, genre tributes, country music nights and even comedy acts – with concerts often scheduled on Friday or Saturday nights.
Weekly events: Bingo (Tuesday morning), Quiz Night (Wednesday) and Chase the Ace raffle (Thursday) .
Live music: Tribute bands (Queen/80s nights, Neil Diamond, etc.) , local rock or country bands, jazz and retro dance shows.
Special events: Stand-up comedy nights, author talks and charity fundraisers. The Legends Bar’s massive screen is regularly used for live sports broadcasts (All Blacks rugby, cricket, horse racing) often paired with breakfast or brunch meal deals .
Notable recent events include a 2025 tribute concert line-up with Kiwi country singer Gazza and entertainer Eddie Low, plus a drag-show bingo fundraiser in 2024 . The club also hosts community functions like its annual memberships drive (a gala opening in Dec 2022 saw 2,500 visitors ) and private events (weddings, birthdays, corporate functions). Ticket prices range from very low-cost (often free or under $10 for club game nights) up to about $30–50 for major tribute concerts. Popular shows do sell out, so it’s wise to book early or arrive at the door early.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets to events at Hornby Club are generally available through the club itself. The simplest way is to buy directly at the club’s box office or through their official website/app. Many patrons choose to become full members (currently a one-off $34 NZ joining fee ), which gives early access and lower ticket prices for members. Keep an eye on the club’s event listings – shows often go on sale weeks in advance. For popular concerts (such as tribute bands or touring acts), it’s best to book early, as these events can sell out quickly. Ticket prices are modest: local club nights may be free or under $15, while major tribute shows typically run $30–$50. Note that Hornby Club handles its own ticketing and does not use outside platforms.
To book tickets or memberships, you can call the club at (03) 349 9026 or visit during normal opening hours. Membership applications can also be done on-site . If a performance still has seats available, walk-up tickets are usually sold at the door (cash or EFTPOS accepted). For large groups or functions, talk to the events team in advance – they can arrange group bookings, seating plans and catering packages.
Seating and Layout
Hornby Club is an informal club venue rather than a formal theatre, so seating is generally open and flexible. The main live-entertainment space, called the West View Lounge, has a raised stage at one end and an open dance floor in front . Seating here is cabaret-style: round tables and chairs are arranged facing the stage, but audience members are free to move around or stand. The large Events Centre (conference/concert hall) can be set up in various ways (banquet rows, theatre chairs or open floor) to suit each event . Upstairs, a mezzanine bar overlooks the sports bar downstairs, providing additional casual seating.
Seats are generally unreserved. For live music or comedy shows, the best spots are up front by the stage or near the centre of the room (for clear sightlines). In the Legends Bar area, tables face the big screen for sports. Arrive early to grab prime tables or the best dance-floor views. For family occasions, seating near the indoor playground is convenient for kids. Avoid sitting too close to speakers on stage (sound can be very loud). The timber and concrete interior actually dampens echoes, so the acoustics feel warm. Overall, anywhere in the centre of the hall gives a good experience – you can stand by the dance floor for the lively action, or sit at a side-table for a relaxed view.
Getting There and Parking
Hornby Club is located at 17 Carmen Road, Hornby, Christchurch – at the corner of Carmen Road and Main South Road in western Christchurch. It’s easily reached by car: the venue is only about a 10–15 minute drive from the city centre or the airport . There is ample on-site parking for members and guests: the club boasts roughly 300 carpark spaces , most of which are free to use. Some spaces in the front carpark are marked “HWMC” for the club’s patrons .
By car: Follow State Highway 1 (Main South Road) south of the city, turning into Carmen Road at the Hornby Junction lights. The club entrance is just off Carmen Road. Allow a few extra minutes if traffic is busy on match days or weekends.Parking: Large free car park on-site (300 spots) . Drop-off is available at the front entrance. For alternative parking, The Hub Hornby centre has additional spots (though these fill up quickly).Public transport: Metro Christchurch buses serve this area. For example, the Metro 125 route (Redwood via Hornby) stops at Main South Rd/Carmen and on Carmen Rd near Waterloo – each is a short walk to the club . Other routes (such as the 115 and 140 routes) run along Main South Rd near Hornby, so check local bus maps for exact stops.Shuttle: Hornby Club offers a courtesy shuttle for members or large groups on select nights . This van can pick up from parts of west Christchurch – see the club’s website for the latest schedule. Taxis/rideshare: Taxis and Uber/Lyft can usually drop off right at the Carmen Road entrance. The main roads are well-lit at night, but always take usual care when traveling late.
Inside the Venue
The Hornby Club has several distinct areas. Upon entry you’ll typically come through the foyer into the Legends (Sports) Bar. This main lounge features plenty of tables and stools around the giant screen (perfect for watching sports) . Off to one side is the bright Pavilion Café – a rustic glasshouse space for breakfast, lunch or coffee with cabinet-style snacks and even a kids’ menu . Adjacent is the Chalmers Restaurant, a family-friendly dining room with an a la carte menu, an honest carvery buffet on Sundays and an enclosed children’s playground nearby . Other bars and lounges (including an upstairs mezzanine bar) are scattered throughout the building, so you never have to walk far for a drink.
Entry is straightforward. Club members simply show their card at reception; non-members may pay a small guest fee or buy a temporary membership. Staff may check photo ID at the bar (anyone appearing under 25 will be asked to prove age). The atmosphere is casual – wear what you like (no strict dress code), and large coats can be hung on racks by the door. Photography is allowed with smartphones or small cameras (for personal use); professional cameras require permission. Note that Hornby Club is fully licensed, so BYO food or alcohol is not allowed . Instead, all food and drink is supplied by the club’s own kitchens.
For food & drink, Legends Bar serves pub classics (burgers, fish & chips, steaks, etc.) alongside local beers on tap. The restaurant offers full meals (from weekday lunches to steak dinners) and buffet specials. The Pavilion Café offers breakfast/brunch and cabinet food (cakes, sandwiches, etc.) in the mornings. Cash and EFTPOS card payment are accepted at all outlets. Restrooms (including a wheelchair-accessible toilet) are located on each floor. Free Wi-Fi is typically available for guests in the lounge areas. In short, Hornby Club’s interior feels like a spacious, friendly pub-restaurant: concrete and wood floors, sports on TV, warm lighting and a buzz of activity wherever you go.
Nearby Amenities
Hornby Club sits in a small commercial strip, so amenities are within easy reach. Almost next door is the Hub Hornby shopping centre (418 Main South Road), which has a variety of cafes and take-out eateries. For example, the Hub includes a **Zambrero** Mexican burrito/healthy bowl restaurant and a Columbus Coffee café, plus outlets like Burger King and pizza shops – handy for a quick pre-show bite. Along Main South Road (a block away) you’ll find fish-&-chip shops, Chinese/Indian takeaways and the Hornby Trust Hotel pub if you want a takeaway meal. On-site at Hornby Club, the Legends Bar and Chalmers Restaurant serve full meals and snacks, so many visitors actually come early to eat before a show.
For accommodations, there are several motels and hotels not far from Hornby Club. Within a couple of kilometres are familiar names: for instance, the **Golden Star Motel** and the **Hotel Elms Christchurch (Ascend Hotels)** are nearby . These and similar motels (often just a 5–10 minute drive away) offer simple, comfortable rooms. The Christchurch city centre (with many more hotels) is around 15 minutes’ drive from Hornby Club. If you do stay in Hornby, you can easily grab a taxi or bus to reach the club on event nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
Hornby Club’s combination of community roots and standout features gives it a unique character. Architecturally, the new building is eye-catching: it was designed by RM Designs in a modern “mass timber” style, using Alaskan Yellow Cedar cladding and large glazed surfaces . This warm wood-and-glass construction sets it apart from typical pubs, and the multi-level layout (with a high-ceilinged central atrium) feels more like a light-filled lodge. Inside, you can literally walk across that hardwood floor to the huge 5×7m video wall – something you won’t find at any other local venue . The sports bar’s giant screen and games (pool, darts, TAB betting) combine to make it a lively entertainment complex rather than a simple bar.
Culturally, Hornby Club has been a home base for west Christchurch for decades. Longtime residents recall their parents socialising here for weddings, big birthdays or simply a Saturday night dance. At the 2022 reopening, they even celebrated a member who had belonged since 1956 – a sign of the club’s heritage. Today the club still markets itself as the suburb’s community centre: its Sunday family brunches, Cup Week breakfast parties and all-ages quiz nights are ingrained as local traditions. Music-wise, Hornby Club has carved out a niche as the retro/tribute hub of Canterbury – one event promoter called it “a major player in Christchurch’s retro-entertainment scene” . In short, Hornby Club blends big-city entertainment (rock shows, race screenings, etc.) into a warm neighborhood setting, which is why both visiting fans and locals love it.
Visitor Tips and Information
ID and membership: This is a members’ club. You or a guest must have a Hornby Club membership to order drinks, or pay a one-off guest fee/temporary membership at the door. Membership application is done at reception for ~$34 . Always bring photo ID (driver’s licence or passport) as you’ll need it for any alcohol purchase.
Children: Families are welcome in the public dining/café areas (children’s playground and kid-friendly menu). Under-18s can attend earlier events, but after around 9–10 PM the club becomes adults-only (gambling areas close and no minors are allowed).
Dress: The atmosphere is casual. Come dressed in smart-casual attire (jeans and a shirt are fine). If you plan to dine at the buffet or restaurant, you might wear something nicer than daywear. Remember this is an indoor venue, so you do not need rainwear indoors.
Bag and Items: Small bags and cameras are allowed. Expect a quick check at the front door during busy nights. As mentioned, outside food or alcohol is not permitted . If you need to bring anything for a baby (diapers, formula), staff are generally accommodating.
Arrival: For most concerts, doors open about 30 minutes before showtime. If seating is unreserved, arriving early (45–60 minutes in advance) lets you secure a good spot or table. For sports screenings or big games, crowds can fill in early, so plan accordingly. Parking close to the door is usually available but may require a short walk at peak times.
Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair-accessible throughout. There are ramps and an elevator to the mezzanine. All main restrooms have handicapped stalls. The club will gladly assist guests with special needs – call ahead if necessary to arrange any extra help.
Miscellaneous: The club has a midnight liquor licence, but live entertainment will typically end by then. Check the schedule for last-bar times. Smoking is only allowed in outdoor areas. There is usually free Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, though speeds can vary. Finally, tip staff if they’ve been helpful! Hornby Club has a friendly, home-town vibe – common etiquette is to be polite and patronise responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hornby Club located?
Hornby Club’s address is 17 Carmen Road, Hornby, Christchurch . It sits at the corner of Carmen Road and Main South Road (State Highway 1) in the western suburbs.
What are the club’s usual opening hours?
The club is open seven days a week. Typically it opens its doors at 9 AM daily. Closing times are around 9 PM Sunday–Tuesday, 10 PM Wednesday–Thursday, and 11 PM Friday–Saturday . (Restaurant and café hours may end earlier for serving meals.)
Is there free parking at Hornby Club?
Yes. Hornby Club has its own carpark with roughly 300 spaces . Parking is free for guests. A number of spots close to the entrance are marked “HWMC” for Hornby Club patrons . If the lot is full, overflow parking is often available nearby (for example in The Hub Hornby shopping centre carpark).
Can I take public transport to Hornby Club?
Yes. Several Metro bus routes serve Hornby. For example, the Metro 125 (Redwood via Hornby) stops at the Main South/Carmen intersection and on Carmen Road near Waterloo – both just a short walk from the club. (Other routes such as the 115 and 140 also operate along nearby Main South Road.) Be sure to check the latest bus schedules on the Metro website or app.
Do I need to be a member of Hornby Club to attend?
Hornby Club is a licensed members’ club, so membership is generally needed to buy drinks. If you are attending an event and aren’t already a member, the club offers on-site membership (currently a one-time fee of about $34 ) which allows you to enter and make purchases. Some events sell tickets to non-members as well, or allow day-membership at the door. Always bring a valid ID with you.
Can I bring my children to Hornby Club?
Yes – Hornby Club has family areas where children are welcome. The restaurant has a fenced play area and the café is child-friendly . Children can attend earlier evening events. However, after late afternoon the atmosphere becomes strictly over-18 (no minors in gaming/pool areas). Always supervise children around our buffet and stay in designated family zones.
What is the capacity of Hornby Club?
The new Events Centre (main hall) can hold up to about 450 people in a mixture of seating and standing . In addition, the Legends Bar, Pavilion Café and other lounges can accommodate several hundred more in total. Altogether, the venue can serve well over 500 patrons when all areas are open (depending on seating setup).
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No. Hornby Club is fully catered by its own kitchen and bars, and external food or beverages are not permitted . You are welcome to order from the on-site restaurant, café or bars. If you have special needs (for example, baby formula or dietary supplements), please mention this to staff and they will advise.
Is Hornby Club wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. The venue was rebuilt to modern access standards. Entrances have ramps, and there is an elevator to the upper level. All public areas, including the restrooms (with a disabled stall), are accessible by wheelchair.
How do I become a member of Hornby Club?
Membership is open to anyone. You can apply either online (through the Hornby Club website/app) or in person at the reception . You’ll fill out a simple form and pay the joining fee (about $34) . Once a member, you receive a membership card and access to member benefits (including drink discounts and event sales).
Are there dining options at Hornby Club?
Yes. Hornby Club has a full restaurant and bar menus. In the Pavilion Café you can get breakfast and lunch staples (sandwiches, salads, cakes and coffee) . The Legends Bar serves pub food like burgers, fish-&-chips and nachos . The Chalmers Restaurant offers cooked meals (roasts, steaks, pasta) and a buffet on certain days. The menu prices are typical of suburban pubs – very reasonable for the portion sizes offered.
Is there a dress code for events?
No strict dress code applies. The environment is generally casual. Patrons usually dress in smart-casual clothes (jeans, polos, blouses, etc.) especially if dining. For theme nights or formal parties, the club will state if specific attire is needed. Otherwise just dress comfortably for a nightclub or pub – things to consider are comfort for dancing and appropriate coverage if it's a cooldown night.
Can I take photos or video inside Hornby Club?
Personal photography is generally allowed – feel free to use your phone or small camera to capture memories. If a show is in progress, keep flash off so you don’t disturb performers or other guests. Professional photo/video equipment or streaming (e.g. tripods or broadcast cameras) require prior approval from the club management.
Does Hornby Club have Wi-Fi for guests?
Yes, there is usually complimentary Wi-Fi available in the main bar and café areas. This is a courtesy network for guests. Performance halls may not have strong Wi-Fi, so don’t rely on streaming during shows. Password details can be requested at reception if you need to connect.
What payment methods can I use inside the club?
Most areas of Hornby Club accept both cash and EFTPOS (bank cards). Bars and the restaurant will take Visa/MasterCard. Some smaller kiosks (like the gaming room kiosk) may be cash-only. It’s wise to bring a card if possible, as most patrons use cards for convenience.
