About Stranges Lane
Stranges Lane is a modern laneway entertainment precinct at 219 High Street in Christchurch’s central city. It opened around 2014 as part of the post-earthquake rebuild, in the award-winning Stranges & Glendenning Hill building by Sheppard & Rout. The design was engineered to IL4 seismic standards, with its steel frame proudly exposed for “visual reassurance” of strength (trendsideas.com ). A new pedestrian laneway and sheltered courtyard was cut through the block, connecting High Street to Lichfield Street with bars and restaurants spilling onto it (archipro.co.nz ). In fact, the development won New Zealand’s top architecture award (the NZIA Sir Miles Warren Award) in 2015 (www.sheprout.com ). The name honors the historic *Strange’s & Co.* department store that stood on the corner through the early 20th century; designers even preserved parts of the old stone facade as a “textural backdrop” to the new bar-lined alley (trendsideas.com ). Today the Craft Embassy Group runs several venues here: Soul Quarter (a full-service restaurant), Cascade Bar & Courtyard (a bar and casual dining venue), and Strange & Co. (a late-night cocktail bar). Combined, the spaces comfortably hold a few hundred guests (Cascade about 250 on the ground floor and up to 300 including the courtyard, plus a 50-person upstairs room; Soul Quarter seats around 100 (www.sharedspace.co.nz )). These venues are notable for their industrial-chic interiors (exposed brick, steel beams) warmed by timber booths and fairy lights in the patio. The Stranges Lane project was one of the first permanent rebuilds in the CBD after the quakes, and it set a new standard for Christchurch’s laneway culture (archipro.co.nz ) (trendsideas.com ).
Events and Programming
Stranges Lane is most active in the evenings and weekends, with a mix of live music, DJ nights and private events. Cascade Bar hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night, featuring local bands or DJs covering genres from funk and soul to house and rock (www.cascadebar.co.nz ). For example, recent lineups have included vinyl soul nights (Soul Con-X-ion DJs spinning Northern soul on 45s (www.cascadebar.co.nz )) and special pub crawls like the Rails & Ales tram tour that ends at Cascade. Strange & Co (inside Stranges Lane) stays open until 3am daily (findchch.com ) and regularly brings in dance DJs and electronic acts into the wee hours. Soul Quarter itself is primarily a dining venue, but it occasionally hosts music (e.g. jazz nights or acoustic acts) in its dining room or courtyard. In short, there’s something on most weekends: from casual open-mic or quiz nights to ticketed club gigs. The venue promotes its weekly schedule on social media, and upcoming events (ticketed shows, parties or tap takeovers) are often announced through the Cascade Bar or Soul Quarter pages. Most entry to these nights is free (just show up before the venue fills), though special concerts or festivals may have advance tickets on sale via event promoters.
Tickets and Booking
For general visits to Stranges Lane, no tickets are needed – you can usually just arrive and enjoy the bar or restaurant on walk-in basis. Table reservations are available for dinner service, especially on busy nights: both Soul Quarter and Cascade Bar take bookings through their websites or by phone. Many nights remain first-come-first-served, so it’s best to arrive early for popular times. If a performance is ticketed (for instance, a big DJ or band), tickets are generally sold online by promoters or at related outlets, not at a box office on site. Most themed club nights and live shows have modest cover charges (often NZ$15–30) as advertised on local event sites. Pricing for food and drink varies: for example, happy hour specials might be around $10 for a pint or cocktail (www.cascadebar.co.nz ), whereas a regular beer or cocktail on a weekend could be in the mid-teens. In general, expect mid-range city-bar pricing – cocktails often NZ$15–18, craft beers NZ$8–12, and share-plate snacks or meals from about $15 upwards.
Seating and Layout
The venue is designed as an open laneway with multiple interconnected spaces. Cascade Bar has a ground-floor drinking and dining area with plush booth seating and a long bar. There’s also an upstairs loft area with more tables overlooking the fairy-lit courtyard (www.cascadebar.co.nz ). Soul Quarter offers indoor dining (booths and tables) plus patio seating in the Stranges Lane courtyard – all separated by a glass lobby that blocks the wind (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). Strange & Co has a ground-floor bar plus a private mezzanine lounge above, giving a semi-secluded spot to perch with a drink (findchch.com ). The courtyard courtyard itself is lined with lights and heaters for al fresco seating. During shows, seating is mostly general admission. There are no reserved “rows” – people stand around the bar or picnic tables, or grab a booth if available. For music acts, the best listening/viewing spots are on the floor level near the performers; standing room is abundant. Upstairs areas and the courtyard provide quieter vantage points if you want to avoid the crowd. (Acoustically, the downstairs floor has the main speakers; the upstairs’s distance means slightly lower sound.) Staff often place stage speakers toward the center of the floor so most of the laneway fills with sound.
Getting There and Parking
Address: Stranges Lane is reached at 219 High Street in central Christchurch (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). The glass entry lobby is on High Street (next to Soul Quarter), and the lane runs through to Lichfield Street (near Strange & Co’s entrance at 89 Lichfield).
Public Transit: The Christchurch Bus Interchange is just a block away (at Lichfield/Colombo) and is served by all city routes, making buses the easiest way to reach the centre (busmaps.com ). Alternatively, T2 and T3 taxi stands and rideshare drop-off zones are located on high-traffic nearby intersections. Several bus stops along High Street (at Cathedral Square, Lichfield, and Linwood) are also a short walk. For those cycling, there are bike lanes on High and Lichfield, and you can lock up at street bike racks around the city mall area.
Driving & Parking: Street parking in the CBD is limited and ticketed (metered from about NZ$2–4 per hour), so many visitors opt for nearby car parks. For convenience, Wilson Parking’s multi-storey at 180–186 High Street (a one-minute walk north) offers 12-hour parking for about NZ$10 (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Another option is The Crossing car park at 71 Lichfield Street (entry off Lichfield) with roughly $4.50 per hour rates (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Both are within a couple of minutes on foot. Several other Wilson lots (e.g. 138–142 Lichfield or underground at 33 Lichfield) surround the area as well. Rideshare drivers can pull up on High Street right at the Stranges Lane entrance, or on Lichfield near Strange & Co.
Inside the Venue
Entering Stranges Lane, you’ll find a warm yet industrial space. Exposed brick walls and timber beams are paired with modern furnishings and fairy lights. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed during the day to lively at night. On most nights, you simply walk up and grab a spot — the venues have friendly casual dress codes (think neat jeans and shirts). After entry, the main counters for Cascade Bar and Soul Quarter serve as ordering points. The bar keeps a full selection of local craft beers on tap and bottled, plus premium wines. The staff pride themselves on house cocktails made from scratch (many with seasonal twists). The menu at Cascade is share-plate style, featuring items like burgers, tacos, fried chicken waffles and tapas (www.cascadebar.co.nz ). Soul Quarter offers a more extensive sit-down menu: a fusion of modern Louisiana, French and Latin-influenced dishes prepared with fresh Kiwi produce (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). Both kitchens accommodate dietary requests, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Peak dinner times can be busy, so ordering 15–20 minutes before a show is wise.
Security is typical of a city bar. There will often be a bouncer or foyer host on busy weekend nights. They may check IDs (New Zealand photo ID, driver’s licence or passport) and do a routine bag scan on admission. After-hours (late evenings especially), the 18+ age limit is enforced strictly. Restrooms (toilets) are indoor and step-free. Coat hooks or a small cloakroom area are usually provided near the entrance. In the courtyard, outdoor heaters keep cool nights comfortable, and all smokers must step outside once inside. You can take cell-phone pictures for personal use, as long as you remain discreet and respectful of others. (Pro video or audio recording devices may require permission.)
Connectivity-wise, the venue generally provides free Wi-Fi (often linked through the Craft Embassy loyalty app), and there are USB charging outlets at some tables. A unique feature is the venue’s loyalty program: guests can download the Craft Embassy *Leosphère* app and collect rewards points on each visit (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). The multilevel setup (Cascade downstairs, lounge upstairs, Soul Quarter converti; covered courtyard) offers varied spaces. If you want a quieter cocktail, try Strange & Co’s upstairs mezzanine (findchch.com ); for people-watching, grab a table in the courtyard under the lights. Merchandise is minimal (perhaps branded glassware or T-shirts at times), and no separate cloakroom beyond hanging jackets by the front door. Overall the vibe is unpretentious and social — staff are attentive (Soul Quarter is known for excellent service (www.tripadvisor.co.uk )), tend bar efficiently, and often pour a quick “half-pint” for a try.
Nearby Amenities
Stranges Lane sits amid Christchurch’s revived inner-City hospitality scene. In fact, Soul Quarter and Cascade themselves fill the immediate food/drink need. Within a few blocks you’ll find dozens of cafés and bars hot on their heels: for example, Revolution Espresso (for brunch) and Hello Sunday (coffee/brunch) on High Street, or Riverside Market a short walk east for artisanal eats. There are also lively pubs and bars nearby – The Band Room Pub (a gastropub) on Cashel Street, and the Fox & Ferret on High Street, are local favorites. Cocktail lounges like Little & Friday or Citizen Wine Bar in the Boxed Quarter (~5min walk) offer late-night drinks as well. Hotels and accommodation abound: the Rendezvous Hotel (at 250 Lichfield St) and Ibis Styles (High/Lichfield) are about 1–2 blocks away, and the Novotel/Crowne Plaza on Cathedral Square is a 5 min walk. Taxi stands and car/ride-share drop-offs are on High Street and at the nearby City Centre Bus Interchange. If you arrive early, there are also several casual eateries – Pomeroy’s on Oxford Terrace, Hello Sunday, The Terrace (The Craft Embassy’s other venue), or even a 24/7 pizza shop – for pre-show dining. For late-night options, a few kebab shops and fried-chicken joints around Manchester St stay open after the bars close. Simply put, everything from coffee and dinners to Ubers and parking are readily accessible within a short walk.
What Makes This Venue Special
Stranges Lane stands out for its blend of cutting-edge design, historic connection and social energy. Architecturally it was a pioneer – as the first mixed-use post-quake building, it set a blueprint for city recovery (archipro.co.nz ). The IL4-lifted structure, with its distinctive ‘egg-shaped’ concrete core and curved glass corner, not only won national architecture prizes (www.sheprout.com ) but also won locals over with a friendly laneway atmosphere. It effectively reintroduced the laneway bar concept to Christchurch, much like those in Melbourne or Wellington. Culturally, it filled a gap in the central city by creating a safe, inviting “all-ages-to-after-midnight” space. Famous Christchurch personalities and visiting bands have performed here, knowing it’s one of the few venues that transition from early-evening diners to late-night clubbers. The heritage tie-in adds charm: many patrons appreciate the subtle reminders of the old Strange’s department store, embodied in the restored Bonnington facade wall and the venue name itself (trendsideas.com ). The venue’s atmosphere is another highlight – friendly bartenders serve locally themed cocktails (e.g. jamsed on native Quentin Tarrag. fig?). Visitors often mention the “fairy-lit courtyard” and warm brick walls as uniquely cosy. Local media and reviewers have noted that Soul Quarter’s welcoming ambience and Cascade’s lively vibe make Stranges Lane a trendsetter in Christchurch nightlife (www.cascadebar.co.nz ) (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). In short, it reshaped the Christchurch city scene: it brought back foot traffic between High and Lichfield Streets, offered late-night fun in the heart of town, and became a social hub beloved by both locals and visitors.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you’re planning a visit – whether for dinner, drinks or dancing – here are some quick pointers. (www.soulquarter.co.nz ) (www.cascadebar.co.nz )
Access and Times: The main entrance is on High St (just across from Domino’s pizza). Hours are generally mid-afternoon through late night: Cascade Bar is open from noon (Tue–Thu until 11 pm, Fri–Sat until 1:30 am) (www.cascadebar.co.nz ), while Strange & Co typically runs 12 noon–3 am daily (findchch.com ). Soul Quarter (the restaurant) serves lunch and dinner (closed Sun–Mon). Always double-check online or call for any special hours on event days. ID and Age: Bring photo ID if you plan to drink alcohol. By law, you must be 18+ to enter after certain hours (typically 9 pm) or if you head into the bar area. Children are allowed only in the dining areas (e.g. Soul Quarter by 8pm); after bars open up, the space is 18+ due to licensing. Dress Code: Dress is smart-casual in the evenings. Nothing too formal is required, but avoid sportswear or beach gear. Jackets and collared shirts are fine. What to Bring: Carry a small bag, wallet, and ID. Large backpacks or suitcases are discouraged (staff may inspect bags). Cash or cards are both accepted; most people use tap-to-pay credit/debit, but there’s an ATM a couple of blocks away if needed. Don’t forget a light jacket or sweater if you plan to spend time in the courtyard. Earplugs can be wise for very loud gigs, and your phone camera for photos (no flash if someone’s performing). Booking: For dinner at Soul Quarter or group seating at Cascade, it’s smart to book ahead for busy nights (especially Friday/Saturday). Walk-ins are welcome too, but early arrival (6–7 pm) improves chances of getting a booth. If you have a large group or corporate event, inquire about full-venue hire – the venue team handles private parties and can close off areas exclusively (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). Accessibility: The entire ground floor is wheelchair-accessible (level entry from High St). Soul Quarter’s entrance lobby is flat, and Cascade’s main area has no steps. An elevator provides access to the upper floor mezzanine. An accessible restroom is available. Smoking and Vaping: Indoor smoking is banned (NZ law). If you smoke or vape, please step outside into the courtyard or on the street. Weather: The courtyard has heaters and a covered roof in parts; it’s usable in light rain or cold. In very bad weather, seating will be moved indoors. Keep this in mind if attending an outdoor performance. Timing: For events or peak nights, doors often open about 15–30 minutes before showtime. If there’s no ticket for your night, arriving early (8–9 pm) helps avoid crowds and get a good spot. Fridays and Saturdays fill up fastest – get there by 9 pm if you want a front-table. Late nights tend to peak around 10:30–11 pm when the music is strongest. FAQ Highlights: Do chairs get assigned? No – seating is first-come. Is there cover? Usually free unless advertised. Can I bring my own drink? No – by law only venue drinks are allowed (no BYO). Will I get internet? Yes, free Wi-Fi is generally open (logged in via the venue’s portal). Loyalty App: A small insider tip – sign up for the Craft Embassy “Leosphère” loyalty app (it’s free). You can collect bonus points on each tab that redeem for drink or food vouchers later (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). Many locals use it to save on brunches after a night out.
Do I need to buy tickets to enter Stranges Lane or Cascade Bar?
Typically no. For everyday nights, Cascade Bar and Soul Quarter have open entry (you just walk in and order). There’s no box office or advance ticket required unless attending a special ticketed event or concert. In those cases, tickets are usually sold online beforehand. In general, most music and club nights at Stranges Lane are free entry; you pay only for drinks or food.
How can I make a reservation or book a table at Cascade or Soul Quarter?
Both Cascade Bar and Soul Quarter take bookings for food service. You can reserve a table via their websites or by phone (check their "Book A Table" options). It’s recommended to book at least a few days ahead for weekend dinner, especially for larger groups. If you just walk in without a reservation, seating is on a first-come basis, which often works fine on weeknights or early arrivals.
What is the capacity of Stranges Lane venues?
The spaces are moderately sized. Cascade Bar has about 250 seats on its ground floor and a 50-seat mezzanine (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). Including the outdoor courtyard, it can host roughly 300 people. Soul Quarter can seat around 100 guests. Strange & Co (the late-night bar) is cozier – roughly 80–100 capacity (exact layout varies). In total, the entire Stranges Lane complex can serve a few hundred visitors at once (www.sharedspace.co.nz ) (findchch.com ).
Are children or under-18s allowed at Stranges Lane?
Yes and no. Before 8pm the venues operate like restaurants, so children are welcome in dining areas (especially at Soul Quarter) under parental supervision. However, after evening hours (and in the bar/club areas), an 18+ rule applies by law. Nighttime events and club nights are strictly adults-only. Always carry photo ID if you’re close to the age limit, as staff do check on busy nights.
Is there a strict dress code at Stranges Lane venues?
No formal dress code – the vibe is smart-casual. Dress comfortably but neatly (jeans with a shirt or blouse, smart sneakers or shoes). Tourists and locals alike usually wear casual evening attire. The management just asks guests not to come in beachwear, tank tops or overly scruffy clothes. For upscale events or functions, the dress code may be noted on the invite, but everyday nights at Soul Quarter or Cascade are fairly relaxed.
What parking options are closest to Stranges Lane?
Paid parking is available nearby. The nearest public car parks are Wilson Parking at 180–186 High Street (entry via High Street) and The Crossing car park at 71 Lichfield Street (entry off Lichfield). Wilson’s High Street lot charges around NZ$10 for a 12-hour ticket (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). The Crossing (71 Lichfield) is about NZ$4.50 per hour (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Street parking is very limited (metered zones apply). Rideshare or taxis can drop you at High Street or Lichfield St near the entrance.
What transport and bus routes serve Mal Stranges Lane?
The central bus interchange is one block away, so nearly all city buses pass within a couple minutes’ walk. Catch any downtown or northbound route to Lichfield Street (Cathedral Square Interchange) and head east to High Street. Some buses also stop directly on High Street at the square corner. Once downtown, most visitors find that buses or walking is easiest. The Christchurch Metro website and on-street schedules can plan the exact route.
What is the policy on photography or filming inside?
Taking casual photos or videos on your phone for personal use is generally allowed, as long as you’re not obstructing or disturbing others. Many people snap selfies in the dimly lit courtyard or at the bar. Professional photography or videography (with tripods, large cameras or flash) is not permitted without prior permission. Flash photography during live performances is discouraged. If in doubt about filming a band or DJs, just ask a staff member.
Is Stranges Lane wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue was built with accessibility in mind. The High Street lobby entrance is step-free (glass doors lead directly into the courtyard) (www.soulquarter.co.nz ). There is an elevator to upper levels, and at least one accessible toilet. All main dining and bar areas on the ground floor can be entered in a wheelchair. Tables can be rearranged to accommodate wheelchairs. As a modern building, it meets NZ accessibility codes for new construction.
Can I host a private event or function at Stranges Lane?
Yes. The owners have a dedicated events team (Craft Embassy Group) that can arrange group bookings. Soul Quarter can host formal sit-down dinners for up to ~70 guests, and Cascade Bar (plus its courtyard) can be reserved for 100–250 people (for cocktail parties or casual functions). You can inquire through the restaurant or bar’s website under “Functions”. They handle everything from menus to AV gear. Many companies and wedding parties book out parts of Stranges Lane for private celebrations (www.soulquarter.co.nz ).
What time should I arrive for shows or events?
For dining, arrive 15–30 minutes before opening to get the first seating. For music events, doors usually open about 30–60 minutes before the advertised start time. For example, if a show is at 9:00pm, people often start lining up at 8:30pm. If it’s a popular club night on a weekend, being there early helps secure seating. On busy nights the venue may reach capacity, so arriving earlier means less waiting. Late arrivals (after 10pm) are common for dancing but may find it harder to find a good spot.
Are outside drinks or food allowed?
No. New Zealand liquor laws forbid bringing your own alcohol into licensed premises. Likewise, outside food (like take-away) is generally not permitted. All drinks and food must be purchased from the venue. If you have dietary restrictions, you can discuss it with the staff in advance (they are usually helpful) – but you can’t sneak in snacks.
What is the music policy or sound system like?
The sound system is professionally installed. Expect high-energy music: bass is strong and volumes are appropriate for a live/bar setting. DJs use a central booth/stage area with front-facing speakers. The ceiling and walls are partly treated for acoustics, but it still has a lively bar-room echo. Staff prefer dance music (electronic, hip-hop, etc.) on weekend nights, but live bands or jazz can appear on weekday evenings. If you have concerns (ear sensitivity), bring earplugs; you can always step outside for quiet.
Is Wi-Fi available for patrons at Stranges Lane?
Yes, the venues offer free guest Wi-Fi. You can connect via the “Craft Embassy Group” network (the parent company), typically by logging in with your email or phone number. The login page may also promote their loyalty app. Wi-Fi speeds are decent enough for checking messages or socials, but for streaming videos it can be a bit slow during peak crowd use.
