About Winnie Bagoes
Winnie Bagoes is Christchurch’s legendary gourmet pizza joint and casual bar, a beloved Kiwi institution known for its quirky vibe and hearty fares. Founded in 1989, it proudly bills itself as “a Canterbury icon since 1989” (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). Over the years Winnie’s has become synonymous with Christchurch culture – a laidback centre for friends and families to gather over wood-fired pizzas, local craft beers and colourful cocktails. The venue’s style is distinctly industrial and communal: large hardwood sharing tables fill an open-plan dining hall, fostering a social “conversations-focused” atmosphere (www.tripadvisor.com ). One wall even sports the painted slogan “NZ’s Best Pizza,” a nod to local pride that the successor venue (The Assembly) preserved (metronews.co.nz ).
Historically, Winnie Bagoes has been through many Christchurch chapters. Its original downtown location was destroyed in the 2010–11 earthquakes, displacing the restaurant. The owners then reopened in 2013 in a raw industrial space at Madras and Allen Streets (in the SALT district), giving the city a 700-person capacity mid-size venue (metronews.co.nz ). That site hosted gigs and parties through summer 2019, but has since been taken over by a new venue. Today Winnie’s operates from its Welles Street address (at the corner of Welles and Lichfield), which it champions as “where it all began” (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). This downtown spot retains the same fun, funky spirit from those early days. In short, Winnie Bagoes isn’t just a pizza place – it’s woven into Christchurch’s post-quake rebirth and entertainment scene.
Signature features include an eclectic, colourful decor (exposed brick, quirky art, bright lighting), an extensive drinks menu with local beer and creative cocktails (the house-special “Bad Boy” cocktail is legendary (www.tripadvisor.com )), and a kitchen that piles on premium toppings (try their custom pizzas like chicken-cranberry-brie, or crowd-pleasing classics). The menu serves everything from legendary gourmet pizzas to shareable starters (like jalapeño bites and crispy chicken nuggets) and mains for every diet (there are gluten-free and vegan options (www.tripadvisor.com )). The result is a fun, Kiwi-perfect venue that matters to locals for its laid-back hospitality and role in reviving inner-city energy.
Events and Programming
While Winnie Bagoes is best known for casual dining, it also runs a lively events programme for groups of all kinds. The venue’s calendar includes regular themed nights and special events. For example, “Long Lunches” on Thursdays–Sundays serve up pizza feasts with pitchers of drinks for a fixed price, and “Quiz Night Tuesdays” pit teams against each other in pub quiz trivia (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). The restaurant also stages family-friendly activities like the popular “Kids Pizza School” (children make their own pizza in a fun class) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ), and even offers midweek specials (e.g. kids-eat-free on Wednesdays (www.winniebagoes.co.nz )) to draw families in. On weekends, the mood is typically vibrant but not club-like – think casual socialising rather than loud dance parties.
In the past, Winnie Bagoes hosted many live music and DJ acts, particularly when it operated at Madras/Allen Street. The upstairs performance space regularly featured touring DJs and local bands up through 2018. Drum-and-bass legends like DJ Hype & DJ Hazard have played big nights there (www.ticketfairy.com ). (These event spaces often had high-energy club shows late at night, attended by crowds in their 20s and 30s.) Despite moving to Welles Street, Winnie’s still occasionally runs live music or DJ sessions on busy Friday/Saturday nights – sometimes brought in by promoters – so one might catch a beats set or acoustic evening when touring acts swing by Christchurch. More often though, the city centre venue focuses on food-and-drink occasions rather than concert spectacles.
Recurring monthly or annual events include sports-screening parties (it’s a popular place to watch big rugby matches on TV), themed holiday parties (e.g. New Year’s Eve celebrations), and pop-up nights. The program is advertised via local event sites and Winnie’s social media. Notable past performances featured local cover bands or indie groups in lounge-style sets. If a bigger show is announced, tickets (when needed) are generally sold via the official box office or event promoter. Pricing varies widely – many quiz nights and food events are free entry or dine-in only, while standalone concerts at the venue (if any) have typical small-venue ticket prices (often $20–$30 for a headline DJ or band). Checking Winnie Bagoes’ website or Box Office announcements is the best way to know what’s on – staff also encourage group bookings for sporting events or celebrations, so you can reserve a long table for the night.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets and reservations at Winnie Bagoes follow the casual, kitchen-first ethos of the venue. For regular dining and casual nights, there is no “entrance ticket” – you simply walk in, order a table or bar seat, and pay for food and drinks as usual. The exceptions are bigger live events or private functions hosted in the space. When live shows or DJ sets are scheduled, Winnie’s typically sells tickets or door passes. In those cases, ticket prices are set by the event promoter, but are usually affordable (often in the $20–$30 range for age-18+ ticketed nights). Advance tickets (when required) can be purchased via the venue’s channels or the promoter’s site (no box office for general walk-up sales, so buy beforehand if the show advertises advanced ticketing). For example, historic listings show drum’n’bass showcases at Winnie’s had sold tickets in advance through online sellers.
For group events and function-style bookings, there is a simple process: you can book Winnie Bagoes by calling their city location directly or using the “Book Now” form on the official site to reserve a large table or private area. Reservations are recommended for busy nights (Thurs–Sat dinner) or during special events, because the restaurant fills up. For food-heavy events like quiz night or long lunches, you should book a table in advance (online or by phone) since even though it’s on a first-come basis, popular seatings can book up. If large corporations or clubs want to hire space (for example, birthday parties or team events), Winnie Bagoes offers several indoor zones with set capacities (up to ~75 when combined) and staff assistance – inquiries for those are done via their functions email or phone.
As a tip, check pricing tiers: pizza and mains at Winnie’s are generally mid-range ($18–$26 NZD for most pizzas, snacks $5–$15, drinks $5–$10). Weekly special nights (like “Kids Eat Free” or themed package deals) change the menu pricing (for example a fixed-price share platter with drink for Long Lunch). When planning an event, ask about any group set menus or function deals. Credit cards are accepted (Visa/Mastercard, some AMEX). Note that Winnie Bagoes does not use third-party ticket sites – any official tickets or vouchers will come via the venue or partner promoters. There is no commercial box office counter at the door, so report to staff on arrival and they’ll confirm your booking or ticket.
Seating and Layout
The layout of Winnie Bagoes City is open and flexible, geared towards social dining rather than private theatre-style seating. As TripAdvisor notes, the interior is a large, warehouse-like hall with communal hardwood tables that encourage mingling (www.tripadvisor.com ). When you walk in, you’ll see a mix of seating options: long banquet tables that seat many people, smaller square tables for groups of 4–6, cozy bench booths in corners, and even lounge-style couches in quiet nooks. Around the perimeter and at one end is a full-service bar filled with stools. There is also a partly-covered outdoor deck (accessible via sliding doors in the east-facing conservatory section) with patio tables for alfresco dining. The whole ground floor is on one level, with wide aisles for moving around.
Winnie Bagoes is divided into semi-defined areas (used when hosting parties). On the menu page for functions, they describe: a “Mingling Area” (up to 30 people, near the main entrance deck doors), a “Big Area” (50 people max, right in front of the bar with TV screens and game machines nearby), and a “Conservatory Area” (20+ people, sunlit and next to the deck) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). These can be booked separately or combined as the “Big Big Area” for ~75 people (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ), usually for birthdays or corporate get-togethers. That gives a rough sense of capacity: the venue seats on the order of 50–75 in dining mode, plus extra bar seats and standing room. In practice, on a busy night it feels lively but not packed to bursting.
For best views and vibes: if you’re dining with friends, the long shared table style is great for groups and encourages interaction. For a quieter seat, aim for the conservatory corner with natural light (nice for lunches). If you’re there for an event or watching sports, the Big Area near the bar has overhead screens and a bit of club energy. A few spots at the high bar rail offer a good vantage of the whole room. There is no raised stage platform here, so for shows the DJ/instrument setup is usually at floor level by the bar or front wall. Sightlines are therefore quite open – as long as you’re not right up against a pillar. Note on acoustics: the high ceilings and hard surfaces can make the room echo louder once full of chatter and music. If playing live music, the venue’s sound system fills the space but it can get noisy toward the back on busy nights. (Some guests prefer a table a bit to the side of speakers to avoid standing-room crush.)
Unique seating quirks: in good weather you may choose the outdoor deck for a breezy drink (this is where the conservatory doors open onto). It's a lift from the bar area and gives a casual lounge vibe. Otherwise, there is no formal VIP or curtain-off section; everything is integrated. All seating is general admission (unreserved) unless booked in advance as a function. Just grab a free table or let staff seat you, except on booked nights where groups have pre-allocated zones. Overall, the layout is very flexible – flexible enough that the space can shift from family dining in the early evening to a bar-party feeling at night.
Getting There and Parking
Winnie Bagoes City is at **40 Welles Street, Christchurch Central** (corner of Welles and Lichfield). It’s right in the heart of the CBD, just one block west of Cathedral Square. By car, the easiest route is via Moorhouse Avenue (south side of the CBD) or The Terrace (which turns into Welles). If coming from the east via Linwood or on the Ring Route (State Highway 75), exit onto Moorhouse Avenue, then turn north on Cambridge Terrace and East Victoria, or simply take the Welles Street on-ramp. Landmarks: you’ll see the distinctive Canberra House building nearby and a row of restaurants and bars on Welles St. GPS will have you at the right corner.
Parking in the central city can be tight. There’s some metered street parking around Welles and neighboring blocks (pay-and-display machines) – for example, Parkopedia lists a spot at 20 Welles Street for about $10 for 2 hours (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). Most nearby lots are private, but there are multi-level car parks a short 2-5 minute walk away. For instance, the Terrace car park (off Mulgrave Street) offers long-stay options, and there are undercover lots on Manchester and Colombo Streets (606 Colombo at $14/2h, 597 Colombo at $18/2h, etc) (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). On-street council parking tends to be around $2 per hour in the early evening (with some free periods late night and early Sunday). If you plan to stay late, be aware some street meters enforce until 6 or 7pm. Many locals suggest parking on a side street and walking the last block to avoid running the meter, especially at night when enforcement eases.
Public transport: Christchurch’s Metro buses circulate through the city centre. The nearest frequent routes run along Moorhouse Avenue, Linwood Avenue and Colombo Street (one block south and west of Winnie’s). For example, buses #3 and #9 (from the north suburbs) stop at Colombo & Lichfield, a 2-min walk. The city outer circuits (routes #14, #15, etc.) pass nearby on Tuam or Montreal St. To ride the tram or free shuttles: the Christchurch Tram (tourist line) stops at Cathedral Square, a 5-minute walk up Lichfield St. The Central City Commuter Bus loop (the orange “Central Shuttle”) stops at 30 Manchester just behind the casino, which is a 5-min walk from Welles. For inter-city coach travelers: the main Bus Interchange is on Canterbury Street, about 1km away (15-min walk or short bus hop).
Uber, Ola and taxis are plentiful. Rideshare drivers usually drop off on Welles Street or Lichfield Street in front of the restaurant. There’s a taxi stand on Lichfield near the zoo side, but any cab will do if hailed or booked by phone. For cycling: there are bike racks on nearby Lincoln Street (turn south at Lichfield) and at Central Library (3 min away on Cambridge). Christchurch’s flat grid means many guests simply bike or scooter into town and lock up close by. Do bring a bike lock – some people cycle through downtown nights.
Inside the Venue
Walking in, you’ll feel the friendly, bustling vibe immediately. Winnie Bagoes has a casual, laid-back atmosphere – think energetic Pizza Pub meets sports bar. By day it’s family-friendly and bright; by night it becomes a lively social space. You won’t find strict dress codes here, so most patrons wear smart-casual or weekend gear (jeans, shirts, summer dresses). The staff at the front and bar are relaxed yet attentive. Expect the usual door procedure: on busy nights or events they may check IDs for 18+ entry, but otherwise you simply walk up and take a seat. On event nights with cover charge, a host or security person will look at your ticket or ID at the door. No large bag searches are typically done unless it’s a major concert.
Security is light – it’s more of a community hangout than a hardcore nightclub. There are no traffic barriers or heavy metal detectors – instead, you’ll see smiling bartenders and waitstaff guiding people to tables. If you do attend a late-night DJ or gig, it’s normal to see a staff member near the entrance assisting patrons. Generally, as an Australian/New Zealand venue, Winnie’s abides by responsible service laws: customers must be 18+ to drink alcohol, so keep your ID handy if you plan to have a beer. Under-age guests (with guardians) can be served pizza and soft drinks happily during dinner hours.
The restaurant has a full bar area where you can order directly (there are 20+ taps of craft beer and cider, plus wines and signature cocktails). Waitstaff will also take orders at the table. The menu is extensive – expect authentic gourmet pizzas, pastas, burgers, salads, and hearty Kiwi pub snacks. Specials board often includes seasonal pizzas or limited-time offers. Parking menu boards show daily deals (like midweek pasta specials or pizzas for $16 on Sundays). There is a kids menu and high chairs are available, emphasizing its whānau-friendly (family-friendly) nature during the early part of the evening.
When dining, you’ll find cup dispensers (water?), and ask-about-anything policy: the servers are known to be friendly and chatty (it’s a local vibe, as one reviewer notes the staff “guide you and maximize your experience” (www.eventfinda.co.nz )). They cover usual courtesy rules: no outside food/drink allowed, so please enjoy Winnie’s pizzas rather than bringing your own. Photography for personal use is fine, many patrons snap pics of their meals – the walls and neon signs actually make a great backdrop for social media photos. If filming or professional photography (for a project, broadcast, etc.), you’d want to notify management.
Special features inside include multiple large TV screens (for sports bar viewing), retro video games in the bar lounges, and a wide open dance area near the bar (if a DJ or performance is going on). The lighting is often dimmed in the evening to create a fun mood, but not pitch-dark (overhead lighting is still on). Restrooms are located in the back, gendered with standard facilities; as of now there is no separate dedicated gender-neutral toilet, but staff are supportive and will accommodate if needed. A coat rack or check service is usually provided in winter months by request (NZ weather can be chilly), but otherwise you can hang jackets on the back of your chairs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout (according to Tripadvisor (www.tripadvisor.com )), so you can check your event app or share pics online. Overall expect a casual Kiwi pizza-bar ambience – an eclectic mix of friends, families, and groups chatting over big pies while upbeat tunes play.
Nearby Amenities
The Welles Street location is in a very walkable part of central Christchurch, with plenty of amenities within a few blocks. For pre-show or post-show meals and drinks, the area is full of options. Right next door on Welles Street you’ll find Welles Pizza & Bar and Welles Street Espresso (small trendy spots). At 44 Welles Street is the popular stilted bar The Last Word (good for cocktails). On Lichfield Street (one block north), there’s Stash (Thai-influenced Asian fusion), Lucca Italian Restaurant (family-owned Italian), Apollo Burger (burgers & shakes), and several Asian eateries like Mjolnir (Scandinavian bakery-café). The Southeast corner of the block has Press (modern Kiwi-European cuisine) and Daikoku Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). A bit further east (3–5 min walk) is the vibrant New Regent Street with cafes, gelato and boutique restaurants.
For your post-event drinks, the area has pubs and bars aplenty. Aside from Welles Street bar, head to The Pontoon on Antigua St for craft beer or Oxford Terrace Brewery Taproom slightly further down. Cathedral Square itself (one block east) has the classic Rydges Bar and Casino de Paris for drinks and live jazz. On Tuam Street (two blocks south) are trendy choices like Hafod Café or Whammy Bar . Hotel wise, several are within walking distance: the Rendezvous Hotel (Moorhouse Ave, ~3 min), Crowne Plaza (Victoria Square, ~5 min), Chateau on the Park (7 min walk toward Hagley Park), and various boutique lodging or backpacker hostels like Jucy Snooze on Colombo (5 min). The Christchurch Casino is two blocks away on Cambridge Terrace, offering late-night dining options (no, you can’t gamble and dine at Winnie’s – but it’s next door if you want a quick gamble).
Arriving early is often advisable. Most guests come an hour before peak dinner time (6–7pm) to get seats and relax. If you’re with friends, start with a coffee or local beer upstairs at Top pub-of-choice or grab a casual bite at The Dux across the road before things get busy. Late buses and rideshare: After events, Uber and taxis queue by the main road (Moorhouse at 30 Manchester, approx 200m away, is a common one) or you can walk to Trinity Corner (Colombo/Gressons) for more. Cadboro Street stop on Manchester also has 24h taxis. Bike riders can park out the front – Welles has a few bike racks on the pavement. Providence liquor store (bottle shop) is two blocks away if you want to continue the party at home – just kidding, please drink responsibly!
What Makes This Venue Special
Winnie Bagoes stands out for its uniquely Kiwi blend of casual dining and communal fun. Architecturally, it’s celebrated for its “industrial space” open-concept interior (www.tripadvisor.com ), which was purposely kept raw and quirky. One side of the wall famously bore a mural proclaiming “NZ’s Best Pizza,” showing a healthy dose of national pride (metronews.co.nz ). The current location preserves that industrial charm with exposed brick, cool lighting fixtures, and a spacious high ceiling, giving it a relaxed warehouse-loft feeling that’s rare among Christchurch eateries. For locals, Winston’s is steeped in history – its role in post-earthquake city life was widely noticed. Many credit Winnie Bagoes with helping to revive downtown Christchurch’s social scene by offering a “home away from home” vibe when other venues were gone (metronews.co.nz ) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ).
On stage (both figuratively and literally), Winnie’s has hosted a surprising array of events given its pizza-and-bar branding. Historically, the Madras/Allen Street era saw headline DJs and touring bands, making it a key stop on New Zealand’s club circuit. Even now, fans reminisce about past lineup posters or that wild drum’n’bass party with names like Culture Shock or Hybrid Minds (not to mention local Kiwi acts) on the bill (www.ticketfairy.com ). This performance history gives Winnie’s cultural cred that attracts artists and audiences alike. At the same time, it keeps things local: many regulars love that they can catch up-and-coming Christchurch bands here or join a community quiz night that wouldn’t exist at a national chain.
Culturally, Winnie Bagoes has earned a legendary reputation. It’s commonly called one of the city’s “favourites” (it frequently ranks high on Christchurch dining guides and TripAdvisor) (www.tripadvisor.com ). People love that the menu features a massive choice of creative pizzas (vegetarian, vegan, even gluten-free gourmet options), plus shareable platters, cocktails and craft beers. The staff and owners are known to emphasise local sourcing when possible (for example, using Canterbury ingredients like farm-fresh lamb or Mt. Somers cheeses). Community events – from charity fundraisers to the occasional art show hanging in the hallway – also underline Winnie’s place in the local scene. In essence, Winnie Bagoes matters because it was one of the first to merge an easygoing bar with high-quality “only-in-NZ” pizzas, and it’s weathered Christchurch’s ups and downs. Regulars often say, “This place feels like your living room in the city,” which sums up its unique character.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Winnie’s is ground-floor level with wide pathways, so it’s wheelchair-friendly (TripAdvisor notes it’s wheelchair accessible (www.tripadvisor.com )). There are no steps at the main entrance and spacious aisles. A disabled-access bathroom is on-site. The venue takes pride in being inclusive and family-friendly in daytime hours. For patrons with hearing or vision impairments, the open layout helps – staff will assist if needed.
What to bring/not bring: For dining only, nothing special is needed – bring your appetite! If it’s a night out, bring ID if you plan to drink. Don’t bring outside food or unopened drinks (it’s a licensed premises). Large backpacks might be asked to be kept aside on stools or chairs for safety. The venue has coat racks in winter. Flash photography or personal cameras are fine, but avoid professional video without permission. Cell phones are fine (and Wi-Fi is free). If you’re going for an event, bring printed or digital tickets and arrive early – popular nights can have lines.
Getting the seating/arrival: On busy nights, people often line up at the door. If you have a booking, mention it at the desk and they’ll guide you in. For walk-ins on busy weekend nights, it can help to arrive just as doors open (around 5pm–6pm) to avoid a wait. Otherwise, grab a drink at the bar and wait for a table. If going solo or just two, stool seating at the bar is a great way to soak in the atmosphere. Avoid peak arrival at 8pm on weekends if you hate crowds; strawberry times are usually 5-6pm or after 9pm.
Age restrictions: Children are welcome during all open hours, except that formal club-run nights (if any) are restricted to 18+ for legal licensing. Late night after 10pm, expect most guests to be adults. There is no strict dress code – smart casual is typical (think nice jeans and a top). You won’t see tuxedos here.
Mistakes to avoid: Don’t assume it’s fine to drop in without checking if something is booked. Double-check the latest opening hours – e.g. they often open late on Tuesdays/Wednesdays (as little as 4pm) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). Don’t overshoot your diet restrictions; they do have GF crusts and vegetarian pizzas, but let staff know if you have serious allergies. Also, don’t expect table service all night on ultra-busy Saturdays – sometimes it’s order-at-bar and wait for food to come. Maintain Kiwi courtesy: friends chat loudly and cheer around; aggressive behaviour won’t be tolerated (it’s still a family place).
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi means you can check brakescore or split the bill via PhloungejustfinePay. The venue’s outlets are modest, so if you need to charge a phone, it’s courteous to ask staff if there’s an outlet near your seating.
Insider notes: Locals love the midweek deal nights (like pool, darts or Disney sing-alongs that pop up occasionally). Ask staff about any current contest or social media laugh they might be running – often there’s fun stuff on their Facebook/Instagram. Always tip in NZ (10–15% customary on tables). If it’s busy and you need something quickly, waving down a server is fine (just say “excuse me” or “sorry”, we’re Kiwi-friendly).
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of food and drink are available at Winnie Bagoes?
Winnie Bagoes is famous for its gourmet pizzas in many creative flavours (try the mango-sweet chillies or the classic pepperoni with an extra cheesy crust). The menu also includes shareable starters (like crispy chicken niblets and jalapeño bites), hearty pastas, burgers, and grilled meats. They cater to special diets too – there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (www.tripadvisor.com ). The bar stocks local craft beers on tap, New Zealand wines, and signature cocktails (the house “Bad Boy” mix is a crowdpleaser (www.tripadvisor.com )). In short, you’ll find pizza, pub classics and a full bar for drinks.
Does Winnie Bagoes have vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. The menu includes a range of vegetarian and vegan friendly items. Many of Winnie’s gourmet pizzas can be made with extra veggies and vegan cheese on request. They also offer at least one dedicated vegan pizza and vegan pasta dishes. Additionally, there are gluten-free pizza bases available. In fact, TripAdvisor notes Winnie’s is “vegetarian friendly” with options for different diets (www.tripadvisor.com ). If you have a specific dietary need, just mention it when ordering and the kitchen will adapt.
Are tickets required for events at Winnie Bagoes?
Most of the time, Winnie Bagoes operates like a regular restaurant/bar with no ticket at the door – you just pay for your food and drinks. However, if there’s a special club night, live band or DJ event, entry may be ticketed (usually 18+ shows). In that case, tickets are sold in advance via the venue’s official channels or event promoters. For casual quiz nights or movie broadcasts, there’s no fee – you just buy your meal/drinks and stay. If you see an advertised gig at Winnie’s that interests you, it’s best to book a spot or get tickets early since they can sell out (past lineups have included drum’n’bass acts like DJ Hype & Hazard (www.ticketfairy.com )). Otherwise, just come by and enjoy the open seating.
Is Winnie Bagoes wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Winnie Bagoes City is wheelchair accessible. There are no steps at the entrance and the interior is on a single level with wide walkways, making it easy for wheelchair users or customers with mobility issues to move around. The venue also has accessible restroom facilities (according to user reviews, it’s listed as wheelchair-accessible (www.tripadvisor.com )). If you have any specific accessibility questions (for example, table height or service), it’s a good idea to call ahead, but in general you should find the layout very accommodating.
Where can I park when visiting Winnie Bagoes?
Parking near Winnie Bagoes is mostly on-street or in nearby paid lots. There are metered spaces on Welles Street and surrounding blocks (for instance, Parkopedia lists spaces at “20 Welles Street” for about NZ$10 for 2 hours (www.parkopedia.co.nz )). Additional paid parking is available a block or two away on Colombo Street, Manchester Street or at The Terrace car park (under CBD buildings). Evening street parking is usually metered until ~6pm, then free after that. If driving, allow extra time to find a spot, or consider parking a bit further out (e.g. in a city council lot) and walking a few minutes. Many visitors also use rideshare (Uber/Ola) to avoid parking hassle.
Is there public transport to Winnie Bagoes?
Yes. Christchurch’s bus network serves the central city and passes within a few minutes’ walk of Welles Street. The closest bus stops are on nearby streets: for example, buses on Moorhouse Avenue or Tuam Street can drop you a short walk away (the #3/3W/6 routes along Moorhouse, or #14/15 along Tuam). The inner-city shuttle also stops at Trinity Corner (400m from Winnie’s). The historic tram runs to Cathedral Square, from where it’s about a 5-minute walk west. If in doubt, aim for the Colombo/Lichfield stop or Cathedral Square – from there it’s an easy stroll down Lichfield Street one block to Welles. The restaurant’s listed address (40 Welles St) can be used in Google Maps to find the nearest transit options as well.
What are Winnie Bagoes's opening hours?
Winnie Bagoes City typically opens in the late afternoon on weekdays and starts serving from midday on weekends. The common hours are: Tuesday–Wednesday opening around 4pm; Thursday–Sunday opening at noon; Monday often closed or opening late. On weekends (Thu–Sat), they stay open “till late” (around midnight), while on Sundays they close earlier (around 9pm). For lunch on weekends they have special “Long Lunch” packages at 12pm or 2pm. These hours can vary during holidays or special events, so it’s wise to check the current schedule on their website or phone by December 2025 for the exact opening/closing times on your day of visit (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). Always aim to arrive at least a few minutes after opening to be safe.
What is the seating capacity of Winnie Bagoes?
The total capacity isn’t commonly advertised, but from the function space details we know the main dining areas seat roughly 75 people when combined (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). Including the bar stools and perhaps up to 20–30 more at smaller tables or standing room, the whole venue likely holds on the order of 100–120 patrons at once. It’s designed as a mid-sized venue – enough for a lively crowd but smaller than an arena. So it’s intimate enough that peak nights feel buzzing but not overwhelming. For big events they might hit about ~120 upstairs and out.
Does Winnie Bagoes have an outdoor seating area?
Yes. Winnie’s has a deck/beer-garden area attached to the main restaurant. Sliding glass doors in the conservatory section open onto an outdoor wooden deck with a few tables. This outside area is handy on nice days or for smokers. It’s partly covered and has heaters for cooler evenings. The outdoor seating is not large (maybe 10–15 seats) but offers a nice alfresco option. If it’s warm or you just want a breath of fresh air, ask to be seated there early (it fills up first). Note evening events (after dark) may use the deck space for mingling.
Is there a refund or cancellation policy for tickets?
Because Winnie Bagoes is primarily a restaurant, most bookings are for dining or club entry, which are generally non-refundable (standard “no refunds for no-shows” policy applies). If you purchased a ticket for a special event (say, a DJ night or theatrical performance), that ticket may or may not be refundable depending on the promoter’s policies. Winnie’s staff advise always checking the event terms at purchase: typically small shows at pubs do not offer refunds but might allow rescheduling. For restaurant/table reservations, if you can’t make it, calling ahead to cancel is polite (though usually there’s no fee for canceling a normal booking).
What is the dress code at Winnie Bagoes?
Winnie Bagoes has a very casual, Kiwi vibe – there is no formal dress code. Most guests wear smart-casual attire: clean jeans or slacks and shirts or modest sundresses. Some people dress up a bit more on Friday/Saturday nights, but you’ll see everything from T-shirts and sneakers to dresses and button-ups. High heels and business suits are uncommon. Essentially, come comfortably; even flip-flops are fine if it’s a sunny day. The only time to consider attire is if you’re attending a themed party there – the staff will usually mention it. Otherwise, ordinary social barwear is absolutely acceptable.
Can I bring my own food or drinks into Winnie Bagoes?
No. Winnie Bagoes is a licensed restaurant and bar, so outside food and drinks are not allowed. All food and beverages should be purchased on-site. This includes alcohol – BYO wine or beer would violate their liquor licence. The venue also charges for its dining experience, so it’s expected that you eat Winnie’s menu items. If you have dietary needs (e.g. gluten-free flour or nut allergy), it’s best to communicate that to staff, but don’t bring your own ingredients. There is a small exception: you may bring a non-alcoholic birthday cake if it’s your birthday dinner (some restaurants allow this for a cutlery fee), but typically you should check with staff first. In short, plan to enjoy the great pizzas and drinks they serve rather than bringing picnic stuff.
Is smoking allowed at Winnie Bagoes?
According to New Zealand law, no indoor smoking at any time. So you cannot smoke cigarettes (or vapes) inside Winnie Bagoes. However, smoking is allowed on the outdoor deck area. If you step outside onto the deck off the main dining room, you can light up (and cigarette butts are disposed of in a receptacle by the door). Staff will kindly ask smokers to keep it to the deck. If it’s a rowdy nightclub-style event with an outside space open, they may have a designated smoking corner. There is no lounge area where smoking is permitted inside.
Are children allowed at Winnie Bagoes?
Yes, kids are welcome during normal restaurant hours and family events. In fact, Winnie’s has a kids menu, high chairs, and even “Kids Eat Free” Wednesdays, making it very family-friendly up until late at night. The venue’s spacious layout and friendly vibe are great for group family dinners or birthday parties (they even offer kids’ pizza-making parties). However, for late-night events like DJ sets or club nights (especially after 9pm), the atmosphere is geared to adults and the policy then becomes 18+ entry only. If unsure, it’s best to call ahead on event evenings. But generally expect a kid-friendly environment all through dinner and early evening on regular nights.
Can I reserve Winnie Bagoes for a private event or function?
Yes. Winnie Bagoes offers private event bookings. They’ve set up dedicated function spaces inside. The site lists three zones (Mingling, Big, Conservatory) which can be combined to accommodate parties up to about 75 people (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). If you want to hire out the space, you can arrange it by contacting the venue (phone or online inquiry). They can provide group menus and arrange the room layout. Most functions are in-house events (like birthdays, corporate parties, or kids’ parties). For more elaborate functions (e.g. weddings or large gigs), the sister venue Winnie’s Ferrymead is often recommended. But yes – simply inquire at least a couple of weeks out for planning, and be prepared to discuss food packages.
What major events or acts have performed at Winnie Bagoes?
Over the years Winnie Bagoes’ Mohall has hosted a range of events. Before relocating to Welles St, the Madras Street location (2013–2019) regularly had international club DJs. For example, drum ’n’ bass artists like DJ Hype & DJ Hazard performed there (Dec 2018) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Other actslike Dimension, Culture Shock and Hybrid Minds also headlined events at Winnie’s City. Local rock and jazz bands have played benefit gigs and Sunday sessions as well. Today, acts are smaller – think local acoustic bands or solo artists at Sunday brunch, and cover bands on busy holiday weekends. So while Winnie’s isn’t a big concert hall, it has a legacy of being a lively live-music spot in Christchurch’s scene.
Is Wi-Fi available at Winnie Bagoes?
Yes. Winnie Bagoes City provides free guest Wi-Fi for customers. According to the Tripadvisor listing, “Free Wifi” is a stated feature (www.tripadvisor.com ). Simply ask staff for the network name/password or look for signage next to the bar or on your table. The connection is generally strong enough for browsing menus, sharing photos, or streaming music (with a reasonable data limit). Feel free to check live sports scores or post a picture of your pizza online during your visit.
