About Micky Finn’s
Micky Finn’s is a bustling Irish-style pub and music venue in Christchurch’s CBD, part of the heritage Rockpool building on Hereford Street. It dates back to 1995, making it one of the city’s longest-running gastropubs (www.therockpool.co.nz ). As the venue’s own publicity notes, it’s become a Christchurch icon – a community favourite known for welcoming locals into its wood-paneled interior and roaring fire (www.therockpool.co.nz ). The pub features classic Irish decor with a twist: live rock bands, DJs and an open dance floor replace the usual quiet pub vibe. In fact, it’s promoted as “Christchurch’s finest Irish pub” thanks to nightly live entertainment and a selection of local ales and spirits (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Signature features include multiple pool tables (games are famously only $1 each) and a large bar/dance area (www.therockpool.co.nz ) (www.therockpool.co.nz ). Its menu focuses on hearty pub comfort food — and since 2024 even includes Thai-inspired dishes (a “Thai twist” introduced by the Rockpool team) (www.therockpool.co.nz ). In short, Micky Finn’s stands out as an unpretentious, community-spirited venue with a mix of Irish-pub charm and upbeat live-music energy (www.therockpool.co.nz ) (www.centreofitall.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
Micky Finn’s is primarily a live-music venue, especially on weekends. Regular events include Friday and Saturday night band gigs and DJ sets, often featuring local rock, blues and indie bands as well as cover bands. One write-up describes it as hosting live rock acts “every night of the week” and “sure to rock you until the small hours” (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). In practice, the focus is on weekend shows: most weeks you’ll find live bands on Fri/Sat (and sometimes Thurs or Sun) playing classic rock, blues, reggae or country-tinged pub tunes. DJs may spin tunes late at night on other evenings, creating a nightclub atmosphere. The venue has hosted everything from local tribute bands to afterparties for touring DJs – for example, it was the official Christchurch afterparty venue for Netsky & Friends in Feb 2023 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Throughout the year Micky’s runs recurring events like themed weekends or holiday parties, and it often partners with community events in the central city.
Generally, most regular nights have no cover charge for entry (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Small door charges apply only for special big-name events or club nights. If a gig is ticketed, tickets are usually sold via the promoters or at the door on the night. Whenever there is an upcoming ticketed show, the venue’s social media or local gig listings will specify advance sales. Otherwise, most nights you can simply turn up (with photo ID for entry) – the usual strategy is to arrive early on busy nights to grab a good spot or table.
Tickets and Booking
Most live nights at Micky Finn’s are free or very low-cost. In fact, the venue itself notes that admission is usually free on most nights (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Special events or high-profile DJs might carry a modest ticket price (often under NZ$20), but these are the exception rather than the rule. Tickets for those bigger gigs are sold through local ticketing outlets or online platforms – check festival or promoter announcements for details. There is no dedicated box office at the pub, so tickets are not sold directly by Micky Finn’s on a regular basis.
If you want to reserve a table or book a group function, you can contact the venue directly (they do take bookings for large groups, private parties or corporate events). Smaller shows don’t require reservation, but on a packed evening you might want to call ahead. Keep an eye on the venue’s official pages or local event listings (e.g. community gig guides) for show announcements. In short: for most nights, no advance ticket is needed – just show up with ID; for ticketed events, buy through the advertised outlet.
Seating and Layout
Micky Finn’s has an open, flexible layout typical of an old-style city pub. There are no fixed theatre seats – instead you’ll find scattered pub tables and stools, some lounge seating in corners, and a wide dance floor in front of the stage. The raised stage is set against one wall, so the best standing/viewing spots are in the central floor area facing the band or DJ. Bar counter seating runs along another wall. Many patrons end up standing or milling around rather than sitting, especially when the music is playing. The overall capacity is modest (on the order of a few hundred at most) – the space feels lively but not huge.
Because of this informal layout, the “best” spot depends on your preference: if you want to see the performers up close, pick a space near the front by the stage. If you prefer chatting and drinking, sitting on one of the booths along the sides or near the pool tables is wise. The one consistent issue is sightlines – keep in mind that support pillars or the bar setup could block a few seats off to the sides. In practice, early arrivers often grab a side table and move to the front once the music starts. There are no VIP sections, box seats or assigned seating – it’s all general admission, first-come.
Getting There and Parking
Micky Finn’s is located at 85A Hereford Street in central Christchurch (www.centreofitall.co.nz ), just a block north of Cathedral Square. Being in the CBD, it’s very accessible by public transit. Numerous city buses pass within a block of Hereford Street: for example, routes 1, 5, 7, 17, 28 and others all have nearby stops (moovitapp.com ). You can get off at the Hereford/Colombo or Hereford/Gould Street stops and walk a minute to the door. (Christchurch no longer has trams in daily use, and there is no train station downtown – buses are the main public option.)
If you’re driving, paid parking garages are available. The closest is the Wilson Hereford Street carpark (158 Hereford St, only ~2 blocks away), which has over 200 spaces and casual rates from about NZ$2 per hour (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Nearby multi-story lots on Oxford Terrace or Armagh Street are also options, though those tend to be pricier (around $8–10 for 2 hours). On-street parking exists but is limited by meters or city parking rules after 6pm, so relying on a secure car park or alternative transport is best. Taxi and rideshare drop-offs (Uber/Lyft are not present, but taxis or chromebook-called cabs function similarly) can be done directly outside on Hereford Street. Rideshare or taxi vehicles usually queue on nearby streets like Hereford or Lichfield, or can pull in front of the entrance if brief. Late-night travelers should note that city buses run until around midnight on weekdays (later on weekends) and also night shuttles service the CBD on weekends back to outlying suburbs.
Inside the Venue
When you step inside Micky Finn’s, expect a classic pub atmosphere with a party vibe. The bar is fully licensed, offering a range of beers (including local craft beers) and spirits. Notably, they brew their own “Micky’s Ale,” which is often mentioned as a house signature (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Guinness, Kilkenny and New Zealand lagers are on tap, and there’s an extensive whiskey selection (Irish and local), reflecting the “Irish pub” theme. You can also get wine or soft drinks at the bar. The kitchen serves pub staples (pies, cold sandwiches, burgers, fish & chips) and nowadays also Thai-inspired dishes and thin-crust pizzas (www.therockpool.co.nz ). Menus are displayed at the counter; food is available from late afternoon until the kitchen closes in the evening.
The layout includes a mix of seating and open space. Pool tables line one corner (remember they are only $1 per game (www.therockpool.co.nz )) and there’s often a poolkeeper on duty. Restrooms are located at the back of the upstairs level (signage will guide you). The venue is cash and card friendly – credit cards are widely accepted for food and drink. There is no formal coatcheck, so prepare to hold onto jackets or leave them at your seat. Free Wi-Fi is not advertised, so assume little internet connectivity inside (you’ll rely on mobile data). The staff at the door may do a quick ID check after dark (it’s an adult venue), and security is present on busy nights, but the vibe remains friendly and informal. Many patrons stand to watch bands, mingle around the bar, or play pool between sets. The lighting is dim and colored when music is on, creating a nightclub feel; during the day it’s your typical pub lighting. Overall, it feels like a casual but lively nightspot – expect upright bar stools, small tables, and plenty of elbow room for dancing.
Nearby Amenities
Micky Finn’s sits in Christchurch’s inner core, so there are plenty of amenities close by. For pre-show dining or drinks, the building below the pub is The Rockpool Restaurant & Bar, which offers an extensive menu including breakfast and Thai dishes (you can actually eat at Rockpool and then move upstairs to Micky’s) (www.therockpool.co.nz ). On the same block, you’ll find other eateries such as Italian and Asian restaurants. Just a few minutes’ walk (along Hereford or city mall streets) are dozens of bistros, cafés and bars – ranging from casual cafes alongside Cathedral Square to late-night bars on Lichfield and Cashel streets. After a show, you might head to nearby late-night spots like central nightclubs clustered around Colombo or switch to street-side food vendors around Cathedral Square.
Hotels are also nearby. Budget and mid-range accommodations (backpackers and motels) are common within a 10-minute walk, and higher-end hotels like Novotel Cathedral Square or Ibis are just slightly further. If you’re staying central, no long commute is needed. For late-night returns, buses still run through the city, and taxis often circle Cathedral Square — just flag one down along the street. There’s not much in the way of open 24-hour stores right by the venue (the city quiets down after 3am), so plan transportation in advance or book an Uber/taxi to your hotel in advance of closing time.
What Makes This Venue Special
Micky Finn’s stands out for its mix of old and new. Architecturally it’s housed in a classic heritage building, but the experience is thoroughly contemporary. Its longevity – surviving Christchurch’s earthquakes and inner-city rebuild – has ingrained it in local culture (www.therockpool.co.nz ). Locals appreciate that continuity: the pub sets itself up as a grassroots hub, frequently hosting community and charity events and always featuring New Zealand musicians. The ethos of supporting local is emphasized in their messaging (www.therockpool.co.nz ). Another unique trait is the combination of Irish-pub charm with unexpected elements: for example, one regular attraction is the “nostalgic teapot” dance tradition (a quirky pub custom dating back to the Rockpool days) where a teapot frequently makes its way onto the dance floor (www.therockpool.co.nz ). The presence of a kitchen serving Thai-Asian flavors in an old Irish pub is also a novelty. With its cheap pool table games and late-night hours, Micky’s maintains a classic party vibe that appeals to a broad crowd – from office workers winding down after hours to students and live-music fans. Musicians and DJs love playing there because of the enthusiastic crowds and solid sound system (it’s one of the few remaining small pubs in town that still books live acts). Famous bands from Christchurch have played here early in their careers, and local audiences love the no-frills, energetic atmosphere. All of these factors – historic roots, lively events, and a friendly community spirit – combine to make Micky Finn’s a cherished landmark on the Christchurch pub circuit.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The pub is upstairs at 85A Hereford and is only reachable by stairs. There is no elevator, so it is not wheelchair-accessible. The ground-floor Rockpool pub (same address) is accessible, but the Micky’s room above is not. (No disabled toilets are available upstairs.)
What to Bring: Bring photo ID and wear sensible shoes for dancing and standing. The dress code is very casual (jeans and a tee-shirt are fine). If you plan to play pool, carry some coins or small bills for the $1 games. You won’t need umbrellas inside, as it’s fully covered. Phones/cameras are generally fine for personal photos (professional flash photography is discouraged without permission).
Security & Policies: The venue is licensed, so outside food or drinks are not allowed. You will be asked to show ID if you order alcohol and may be subject to a quick bag check on busy nights. Outside of major events, re-admission during late-night hours (3am) is typically not allowed. There is no coat check, so any jackets/gear go on your chair or under your feet.
Music & Event Night Tips: Arrive early (usually by 8–9pm) on event nights, especially Fridays and Saturdays, to secure a table or good spot. On big nights the pub fills up, so earlier is better. For DJs or club shows, expect a dance-party vibe that often goes past midnight. Keep an eye on social media or local gig calendars for any special theme nights (St. Patrick’s Day is big here) or band lineups. If you’re into pool, come with a few dollars to spare – locals say you’ll get more play for your money than anywhere else!
Transportation: If driving, consider the Hereford Street carpark (NZ$2/hr starting rate) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ) or other paid lots; street parking is scarce after dark. Taxis and rideshares can drop off on Hereford right outside the venue. Late-night buses run nearby (bus routes 1, 5, 7, etc. stop a block away (moovitapp.com ), though service ends around midnight on weeknights). Cathedral Square’s central location also means you can often grab a midnight shuttle or taxi from there back to the suburbs.
