About The Slate Room
The Slate Room was a lively pool hall and sports bar located at 160 Lichfield Street in Christchurch’s downtown SALT District. It opened around mid-2019 as part of the revitalised “Southern ALTernative” precinct and quickly became known for its fun, casual vibe. Customers praise its “cool and funky” atmosphere with colourful graffiti art, low nightclub lighting and a long bar (the-slate-room.wheree.com) (thefamilycompany.co.nz). The interior featured a large lounge area alongside multiple pool tables and sports screens. In fact, the venue advertised having “9 x 9ft slate tables, 3 x 7ft slate tables, and] 6 huge screens playing all the sports,” as well as free pinball machines ([www.eventfinda.co.nz) (thefamilycompany.co.nz). Reviews describe The Slate Room as one of Christchurch’s only true club venues amid an otherwise “dull nightlife,” with attendees calling its club nights a “lights and sound extravaganza” and noting that “the venue itself is huge” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). It built a reputation for friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks and an energetic party atmosphere. (Note: As of 2025, most public listings indicate The Slate Room is permanently closed (www.tripadvisor.co.nz), so visitors should verify current status before planning a trip.)
Events and Programming
The Slate Room’s programming focused on club nights and live DJ sessions, especially in electronic music and drum & bass genres. When open, it hosted regular weekend parties and one-off concerts featuring both local and international DJs. For example, Christchurch fans saw overseas acts like UK drum’n’bass producers Hedex and Maduk perform headline events (“A Night of Drum & Bass” in late 2019) (www.ticketfairy.com). Club promoters also staged branded dance nights (Sub180, etc.) and returning series of events. Most shows were age-18+ evenings starting around 9–10pm, often running until late. While some pop-up or low-key nights had free entry, bigger events typically charged a door fee or required advance tickets. Box office and online tickets were sold in advance through the venue’s ticketing channels, and door sales were possible on the night if not sold out. Reviews suggest cover charges were generally modest – the owner even once waved travelers through without charge at a sold-out drum’n’bass show! – and drink prices were friendly (one reviewer mentioned “very reasonable” prices and beer “buckets” deals (www.tripadvisor.co.nz) (thefamilycompany.co.nz)). In short, The Slate Room mainly offered DJ-driven club gigs and dance parties a few times a week, plus occasional special events. Audiences could expect local funk, hip-hop or rock nights sometimes, but it was most known for late-night R18 dance music.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for events were usually available via the venue’s official channels (website and social media) or through local online ticketing services. Popular shows often went on sale weeks in advance, and advance purchase was recommended. Advance tickets typically ranged from around NZ$15–$25 depending on the act, with concession or door prices similar (if available). For the biggest club nights, it was wise to arrive early or buy online before the show in case of sell-out. On busy nights there could be a line at the door, as one review noted local promoters had toured “some of the largest names in the biz through this establishment” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). The venue’s box office was on-site at Lichfield Street, but many events simply used all-ages ticketing with ID checks at the door (see policies below). If a show wasn’t sold out, last-minute and door sales were possible, though waiting until the night sometimes meant a cover charge or listening fee. In summary, tickets were best booked early via official ticket providers or at the venue’s box office; otherwise walk-ups risk being turned away if capacity was reached.
Seating and Layout
The Slate Room was an open-plan ground-floor venue with mostly general admission standing room. There was no fixed theatre-style seating. The interior was arranged more like a pool hall lounge: a long counter-style bar ran along one side, with high tables and stools scattered around the room. Pool tables occupied a central or rear area, and groups could hang out there or use the lounge couches along the walls. Because the focus was on sports viewing and gaming, there were plenty of flat-screen TVs on the walls so patrons could catch multiple sports at once. Sightlines were generally good – standing at the bar or near the tables provided a solid view of the DJ booth or stage area. Acoustic notes: with a high ceiling and open space, the sound system could get loud (as in any nightclub), so those sensitive to sound might want earplugs. There were no formal VIP boxes, though staff could reserve a group table if needed. Patrons noted good nightlife atmosphere throughout the floor, so there weren’t awkward “back corners” to avoid – the vibe was essentially “every spot is lively.”
Getting There and Parking
The Slate Room sat on Lichfield Street in the SALT District, just south of the central city. It’s only a couple of blocks west of the Christchurch Arts Centre and north of the stadium precinct. The exact address was 160 Lichfield Street. For drivers, parking is very handy: reviewers mention a multi-story car park immediately next door, so arriving by car is straightforward (thefamilycompany.co.nz). Public parking lots nearby include the Wilson Parking garage at 138 Lichfield Street (a short walk away), which charges a casual rate (around NZ$7) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz). Another option is Central Park’s Riverside car park at 23 Lichfield (beside the Riverside Market) offering about NZ$4.90 per hour or $10 overnight (www.centralpark.nz). Street metered parking on Lichfield or cross streets is also available but fills up quickly at night. If taking public transit, several bus routes pass within a block of SALT District. The main city bus interchange is about a 5–10 minute walk via Lichfield or Madras streets. Any bus heading toward the Arts Centre/stadium or Tuam/BD intersection will drop you close by. For visitors using rideshare or taxis, a convenient drop-off spot is right in front on Lichfield Street. Just be aware buses on Lichfield may run until midnight; plan return transit accordingly or book a ride share ahead.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, guests walked through a standard night-club entrance with bouncers/ID check on late-night events. Being an R18 club at night, a photo ID was required for anyone looking over 25. After entry, you step into a spacious bar room. The decor mixed industrial with street-art flair – walls covered in graffiti murals, low neon lighting and exposed brick gave it a distinctly edgy feel. The ceiling often had party lights and lasers during shows. Along one wall was the service bar stretching around 10 meters long. Drink options were typical for a modern bar: a variety of beer on tap (including local craft on occasion), house wines, spirits, cocktails and nonalcoholic mixers. Beer specials were noted as very good value – one reviewer mentioned getting a bucket of four beers for $24 (thefamilycompany.co.nz). There was also a small kitchen or food window offering bar snacks. Menu highlights mentioned by patrons include pizza and nachos, which reportedly “were tasty and good size servings” (thefamilycompany.co.nz). Seating included a few high-tops and lounge benches around the perimeter, but most people stood or milled about, especially during busy nights. The venue even had free pinball machines and a couple of pool tables for casual play before and between events (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Restrooms were located at the back, as is common, and kept clean. Coat-check was usually available on request. Inside nightlife fans found a very social scene – at peak times the floor was packed with dancing patrons and party-goers, whereas earlier hours or sports nights were more relaxed. Overall it felt like a large “bar with games” or pool hall vibe that really came alive with music and lights.
Nearby Amenities
The Slate Room sat in Christchurch’s up-and-coming SALT District, rich with food, drink and entertainment options nearby. Directly across the street is the trendy Boxed Quarter (270 St Asaph Street), a small courtyard with craft breweries, cafes and a restaurant – good for a pre-drink or craft beer before a show (www.chchcentral.com). Just around the corner on High Street is Little High Eatery (181 High Street), a modern indoor food court featuring multiple eateries (pizza, burgers, ramen, and more) under one roof (www.chchcentral.com). Other local venues within walking distance include Dice & Slice (board-game pub with pizzas and local beer) (www.saltdistrict.nz), and casual bars like Bacon Brothers (burgers and beer) on nearby St Asaph. For dinner or lunch, the entire block of High Street and Lichfield/St Asaph streets has dozens of restaurants and cafes (coffee shops, bistros and bar food). If you need a bottle of wine or snacks, there are also nearby bottle shops and convenience stores in the area. Tourists can find several hotels within walking distance: hotels around Cathedral Square (Novotel, Rendezvous) are a 5-10 minute walk, and the Ramada Suites is just a block away, making late-night returns easy. For late-night rides, rideshare pick-ups at the corner of Lichfield and St Asaph or bookings from the city center are common. In summary, patrons have many neighbours: bars, cafes, eateries and even laneway art to explore before or after veteran.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Slate Room’s unique charm came from its hybrid vibe of sports bar and underground club. Unlike most Christchurch pubs, it was designed around the pool and gaming culture – the name “Slate” itself refers to pool-table slates – and blended that with big sound and light shows. The interior artwork and playful neon lighting gave it a “boutique club” feel, yet it still ran sports on screens and had a friendly pub aspect. Patrons loved that it was a “local’s hangout” with a fresh feel: graffiti by local artists adorned the walls, and the music mixes leaned Kiwi and international. It also had a few legendary moments; one reviewer recounted a surprise drum’n’bass gig with local talent and an international DJ impromptu, highlighting the venue as one of the rare places touring DJs would play in Christchurch (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). In the context of Christchurch nightlife, The Slate Room stood out as one of the few inner-city late-night dance venues since the earthquakes. It helped put SALT District on the map as a night out destination. Musicians and party-goers alike appreciated its layout (open dance floor, good stage sightlines) and party-ready sound system – international DJs have remarked it was a great sounding-room for drum’n’bass. All these factors – the pool tables, big screens, safe atmosphere, and events – combined to make The Slate Room beloved by locals who wanted more than just a quiet bar. In short, it offered a rare mix of punked-up pub energy and actual nightclub acts, which kept people talking and coming back.
Visitor Tips and Information
Opening Hours: Before closing, The Slate Room’s schedule was typically limited to late afternoons/evenings. According to published hours it used to open Sun 1pm–1am, Wed 4pm–11pm, Thurs 4pm–midnight, Fri 3pm–3am and Sat 1pm–3am, while Mon–Tue were closed (thefamilycompany.co.nz) (thefamilycompany.co.nz). Always double-check current hours, as they could vary for special events.
Age & ID: The venue was 18+ for almost all events (the only exceptions were very early afternoon Sundays where it sometimes opened casual). Expect ID checks every night from 6pm onward. Organizers strictly enforced the R18 rule (one event page explicitly notes “Doors open 9PM, R18” (www.ticketfairy.com)). Bring a valid photo ID (passport or driver’s licence) even if you look over 30.
Dress Code: Dress was generally casual. Smart-casual attire is fine; jeans and a nice shirt are common. Since it was a pool club atmosphere, there was no suit-and-tie standard or formal requirement. Sneakers or casual shoes are expected (no flip-flops or beachwear). If you’re going for a DJ night, many patron’s dress up slightly for nightlife – e.g. collared shirts or blouses – but nothing overly formal is needed.
Security and bags: Security wand or visual searches were occasionally done at the door. Small bags and purses were allowed, but large backpacks or strollers might be discouraged when events were busy. If you bring a coat or large item, a coat-check service was usually available at the entrance. Standard club policies applied: no weapons, no outside alcohol or food, no drugs. Phone cameras were fine for personal use, but professional filming or flash photography might be asked to stop during shows.
Pool Tables: If you want to play pool, tables could be hired by the hour. Reviewers indicate it was about NZ$12 per hour per table (thefamilycompany.co.nz). Tables were first-come, first-served unless you reserved in advance. On busier nights the room noise was high, so playing pool was often a casual, background activity. The chalk and ball stand was by the tables.
Nearby: Arrive early if you plan to dine first. As mentioned, Little High Eatery and Boxed Quarter are 5–10 minutes’ walk and have great grub (pizzas, burgers, sushi, beers, etc.). If you’re crashing at a local hotel, keep the hotel’s late-night transport (shuttle or taxi) contacts handy, since last trains don’t run from the inner city after midnight.
Special Note: Finally, please note that at least one directory and review site documents The Slate Room as “permanently closed” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). That status reportedly happened around 2023. If planning a visit, confirm whether any new reopening or replacement has occurred. When it was open, however, many insiders treated it as a go-to spot for Christchurch clubbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity or size of The Slate Room?
The venue occupies roughly a 354–356 m² ground-floor space (www.bayleys.co.nz). There was no official seating capacity published. In practical terms it could hold a few hundred people when packed (standing-room style). The open layout means capacity depends heavily on how the event is set up.
How can I buy tickets for an event at The Slate Room?
Tickets were sold through the venue's official channels (website or social media) and local ticketing outlets. For big shows, shows often listed advance sale via online ticketing agencies. Popular club nights sometimes sold out, so it was wise to purchase early. If a show isn’t sold out, you could usually pay at the door in person (cash and card were accepted at the bar box office).
Are there reserved seats or is it general admission?
The Slate Room was mostly general admission. There were no fixed seats; people stood or sat at high-tables and benches. For a party or concert, entry was first-come, first-served. Groups could ask staff about reserving a table or booth for a fee, but most events meant mingling on the main floor. You could also play pool at tables while you waited.
What transportation options are available to get to The Slate Room?
It’s centrally located in Christchurch, so multiple options exist. The nearest bus stops are just a block away; buses on Lichfield, Tuam or St Asaph streets will drop you close. If you’re at the central bus interchange, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk. Driving is easy too – the venue sits next to a large Wilson parking garage (138 Lichfield St) and a Central Park lot (23 Lichfield St) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz) (www.centralpark.nz). Taxis or rideshares can drop off at Lichfield St directly in front of the door.
Is The Slate Room wheelchair accessible?
The venue’s entrance was at street level, so in theory it could be accessed without stairs. The interior floor was flat. However, not all older bars have full modern accessibility features (like wide restrooms). The best advice if you need accommodations is to check directly with the venue beforehand. Since many venues now comply with NZ building codes, basic access is usually provided.
Is there parking available, and how much does it cost?
Yes. As noted, there was a public parking building adjacent to the venue. For example, Wilson Parking at 138–142 Lichfield Street charged about NZ$7 for casual parking (www.wilsonparking.co.nz). Another lot (Central Park at 23 Lichfield) charged around $4.90 per hour or a $10 overnight flat rate (www.centralpark.nz). Street parking is also available but often metered or limited. Being next to a carpark was convenient; one reviewer explicitly mentioned the venue was “right beside the carpark building,” which many patrons found handy (thefamilycompany.co.nz).
What are the venue’s typical opening hours?
When open, The Slate Room was primarily an evening/night venue. Listings showed hours such as Sun 1pm–1am, Wed 4pm–11pm, Thu 4pm–midnight, Fri 3pm–3am, and Sat 1pm–3am (thefamilycompany.co.nz) (thefamilycompany.co.nz) (closed Mon–Tue). In practice, times could shift for events. Always check current hours or showtimes online before going.
Are there age restrictions at The Slate Room?
Yes. For almost all events it was age 18+. Evening club nights and concerts were strictly R18. You needed a photo ID (like a driver’s licence or passport) to enter. Some very early Sunday sessions might have been more relaxed, but generally expect 18+ rules. Booking sites for its shows explicitly noted “R18” on the tickets (www.ticketfairy.com).
What is the dress code for visiting The Slate Room?
The dress code was casual to smart-casual. Jeans and nice tops were common. Since it was a cool pool/bar scene, cocktail attire was not required. However, dress like you would for a nightclub – avoid beachwear or very sloppy outfits. During high-energy nights people often dressed a bit sharper (e.g. leather jackets, fitted shirts), but there was no formal attire requirement.
Can I bring a camera or video recorder inside?
Personal cameras and phones were generally allowed; many people took photos and videos of the action. Flash photography might be discouraged once a DJ was playing. Professional video cameras or tripods probably needed prior permission. In short, recording memories is fine for personal use, but avoid intrusive filming of the stage without checking with staff.
Does The Slate Room have food options on site?
Yes, it offered bar food. The kitchen menu was modest but included favorites like pizza and nachos. Patrons report the food was “tasty and good size” (thefamilycompany.co.nz). The bar also served bucket deals and snacks to keep partygoers fed. Of course, large meals were not the focus – most people ate light pub fare or grabbed a bite at a nearby restaurant beforehand.
What drinks were available and were prices affordable?
The Slate Room carried a full bar selection: beer on tap, wines, spirits, mixers and cocktails. They often ran drink specials. Reviewers noted the offerings were well-priced – one even highlighted a beer bucket (four beers for $24) as very cheap by Christchurch standards (thefamilycompany.co.nz). The venue was praised for having “well priced drinks” (thefamilycompany.co.nz), especially on everyday staples like beer and house wines.
Is there a coat check or storage for belongings?
Yes, there was typically a coat check available at the entrance during evenings. Large bags and coats could be checked for a small fee. Smaller personal items like purses or jackets could also be hung up. This helped free up space on the busy dance floor and around the tables. If you’re in doubt, just ask the door staff on arrival.
Are there any nearby hotels or accommodations?
There are several hotels within walking distance. The Ramada Suites (on Lichfield just a block north) was perhaps the closest. Otherwise, Christchurch city-center hotels like Novotel or Rendezvous on Cathedral Square are a 5–10 minute walk away. Street stops and Central City shuttles from these hotels make late-night return trips easy. Always pre-arrange late transport as buses can be sparse after midnight.
Is The Slate Room currently open for business?
As of mid-2025, The Slate Room is reported closed. A travel listing notes “This location was reported permanently closed” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). It appears to be shuttered (the building has been put up for lease again). It’s best to check if any replacement venue has opened, but the original Slate Room itself is not operating.
What kinds of events does the SALT District host aside from The Slate Room?
The SALT District is Christchurch’s creative hub with many event spaces. Aside from The Slate Room’s past club nights, the area has art galleries, craft breweries and laneway markets that host evening events and festivals. For example, the Boxed Quarter runs brewery pop-ups and live music, and Little High Eatery holds pub trivia or live bands. So even if The Slate Room has closed, SALT still offers vibrant night activities nearby.
Are phones or chargers available inside?
The venue did not advertise public phone chargers. It was recommended to come with phones charged or bring a small power bank if you need your device for late-night messaging or rideshare apps. There were likely some electrical outlets for staff use behind the bar, but no dedicated charging station for guests. Keep that in mind if planning to use your phone a lot.
What other nightlife spots are nearby if The Slate Room is closed?
Around SALT District there are several alternatives: for dance music you might try new clubs or bars in the city (although Christchurch has few true clubs). Closer by, other bars like Dux Central (rich beer selection) and something like The Laboratory on Worcester Boulevard offer live music or DJs on weekends. Also, the nearby Riverside Market and Little High Eatery sometimes host late-night events. In short, operators have turned to new venues, but SALT remains the prime spot for nightlife.