Events at Starters Bar, Dunedin

About Starters Bar

Starters Bar was a well-known student pub and live-music venue in Dunedin, located at 157 Frederick Street (corner of Frederick and Clyde Streets) in the North Dunedin “studentville” area (www.odt.co.nz). Housed in the old Oriental Hotel building, it was sometimes called “The Ori” due to its origins as the Oriental Tavern (www.odt.co.nz) (natlib.govt.nz). As purchased by Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) in 2018, it was marketed as one of the city’s last traditional student pubs, with a casual bar-food menu and a reputation for pumping live and DJ nights (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) (www.odt.co.nz). The venue’s character rested on its mix of open indoor-outdoor spaces: an indoor public bar with tables and a pool table, an attached marquee/garden bar courtyard with outdoor seating and fire-pit, plus a dedicated club/function room with a stage and sound system (oneagency.nz). In its heyday it could hold on the order of a few hundred patrons – local musician Robert Scott recalled that Starters “could fit 300 in a squeeze” when packed full of fans (www.odt.co.nz). Notably, Starters also offered three fully-stocked bars (the Main Bar, the Garden/Marquee Bar, and the Club Room Bar) to serve its crowds (publocation.co.nz). This historic corner building had retained much of its late-1800s character right up until its 2025 demolition, making Starters a quasi-heritage pub building (though it was never officially heritage-listed (www.odt.co.nz)).

History and Significance

The venue was originally known as the Oriental Tavern (nicknamed “The Ori”) and was already iconic in the Dunedin music scene by the 1980s (natlib.govt.nz) (www.odt.co.nz). It thrived in the 1980s and 90s as a key stop for what became the “Dunedin Sound” of indie rock, hosting local legends like The Chills, Sneaky Feelings, Straitjacket Fits, The Bats and The Verlaines (www.odt.co.nz). The National Library notes it was a popular music venue from the late-1970s through circa 1991, emphasizing its heyday in the 1980s (natlib.govt.nz). In 2018 OUSA revived the old Oriental site by securing the lease and renaming it Starters Bar, aiming to give new students a “safe entertainment option” in North Dunedin (www.odt.co.nz). The refurbished Starters Bar opened for Orientation Week 2019 and became known for its busy quiz nights and student events without losing the live-music spirit (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) (oneagency.nz). However, structural issues soon intervened. The building was deemed an earthquake risk in 2021, leading OUSA to close Starters Bar permanently (www.odt.co.nz) (www.odt.co.nz). By late 2023, after “exhausting all options for reopening on the current site,” OUSA formally gave up the lease (www.odt.co.nz). In April 2025 the building was torn down, marking the end of an era noted by heritage and music figures in Dunedin (www.odt.co.nz) (www.odt.co.nz). Thus, Starters Bar bridged generations of the Dunedin student and music community, from its roots as a 19th-century hotel to its final days as the city’s last student-run pub (www.odt.co.nz) (www.odt.co.nz).

Events and Programming

Throughout its life, Starters Bar hosted a wide variety of events. While functioning as a pub nightly, it also regularly held music concerts, club/DJ nights, comedy shows, quiz nights and private functions. In the days of Starters Bar (2019–2021), local and touring bands – often from the drum & bass, EDM and hip-hop scenes – played on the function room stage. For example, in July 2021 Starters hosted an international DJ/Grafix from the UK as well as local acts like A.M.C and Inja (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). The bar also ran weekly quiz nights (often sponsored by OUSA), comedy nights featuring NZ comedians, and late-night club nights featuring resident DJs. These events were typically 2–4 times per week when the venue was busy, with the calendar busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings and popular students nights like Orientation Week. During the weekdays it might be quieter but still open for after-work or daytime drinks and food (as one reviewer notes, it was “handy for an afternoon drink” while shopping nearby (www.tripadvisor.co.uk)). Ticket prices and cover charges varied by event: pub nights often had no or low cover (under NZ$10), while major concerts or DJ shows might charge a modest entrance fee (roughly NZ$10–$25) with pre-sales. Events were typically promoted through social media and student channels; tickets could be bought in advance from local outlets or simply at the door if still available. In pre-Covid times some big acts at Starters possibly sold out, so savvy patrons were advised to purchase tickets early. In general, the venue balanced free or cheap entry club nights with occasional higher-profile gigs, making it affordable for students and the general public alike.

Tickets and Booking

As a bar and club venue, Starters Bar sold tickets in a variety of ways. Regular club nights and smaller events might have no formal ticketing – patrons could simply arrive and pay cover at the door. Larger concerts or touring DJs often used online ticketing platforms; for example, Starters events were listed on sites like Moshtix or Ticket Fairy, with tickets going on sale days or weeks in advance. Pre-sales were common, and it was usually best to buy early for big shows. One example listing shows Serato artists and UK DJs performing at Starters—such events clearly required advance ticket purchase (via a link) and an ID check for 18+ entry (www.ticketfairy.com). In-person, tickets or wristbands were also sold at the bar office on event nights until capacity was reached. OUSA (as owner) sometimes offered discounted rates or early-bird specials for students. No formal box-office was open daily; starers operated primarily on walk-in sales and online systems. It’s worth noting that all events at Starters were generally age-restricted (mostly 18+ to serve liquor) (www.ticketfairy.com), so buying a ticket meant you needed valid ID at entry. Door sales might have tiered pricing (for example early vs. late entry), but typical range for headline gigs was on the order of NZ$15–$30. After the venue closed, any future Starters event bookings became moot – the site’s demolition means it no longer accepts bookings or ticket sales.

Seating and Layout

The layout of Starters Bar was a mix of stand-up bar space and seating. Unlike a theatre, it had no fixed plays, so most capacity was general admission standing, especially near the stage and bars. The main bar area near the entrance had a handful of high-top tables and stools plus a lounge section, which people could use for a quieter drink. Food and drink service tables were scattered around this zone. An inner patio function room – effectively a mini-concert hall – had no formal seating except along the walls or at a couple of bar-height benches. This large back room included a full stage and a second bar (with a balcony above) (oneagency.nz). Some events set up folding chairs, but usually fans stood to dance or mingle. The outdoor marquee/garden courtyard featured cafe-style tables under cover (with a large firepit), providing limited seats for those wanting fresh air. Generally, the “best” spots depended on the experience: Music fans usually gathered up front by the stage, where sound and lighting rigs were focused. Those seeking conversation or a view of the crowd often hung by the Garden Bar door or back near the main bar. Since the layout was open-plan, sound carried everywhere, but the tight wooden room did tend to reverberate; front-center gave the loudest experience, while near the bar was slightly quieter acoustically. From reviews, no “bad section” was obvious – the small size meant you were close to the action almost anywhere. Patrons noted the dance floor could get very tight, so if you needed more space it helped to step back near the entrance or outside courtyard. In summary, seating was limited, so Starters was mostly standing-room-only with a few benches/tables along the edges (oneagency.nz). VIP areas were not a feature (it was a casual pub vibe, not a club with ropes or booths). The multi-level layout (with slight terrace levels and the courtyard) allowed some sightlines from near the back bar or in the garden, albeit with pillars and crowds sometimes obstructing the very front view.

Inside the Venue

Inside, Starters Bar felt like an old-school pub fused with a nightclub. The main entrance led directly into the public bar, where customers showed ID (for 18+) and paid cover. Security staff checked bags and scanned tickets. The walls were adorned with typical pub decor (posters, chalk menus), and dim coloured spotlights gave a party atmosphere in the evenings. Staff in bright shirts hustled behind central bars on each side of the entrance (two on the ground floor, one up in the balcony). Service was generally reported as fast – one review highlights that even when the pub was “packed,” simple bar snacks (like wedges) arrived quickly (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Speaking of food, the venue served pub fare: fries, burgers, pizzas and light snacks alongside a full liquor menu (beer, wine, spirits). The downstairs area also incorporated a small kitchen for hot food. Menu prices were student-friendly – similar to pub-bars around the city. Other amenities: there was a single row of unisex restrooms off the main bar area plus additional toilets upstairs near the function room; all were standard lavatories (no special showers or lockers). Accessibility-wise, the TripAdvisor listing confirms Starters was wheelchair-accessible (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) – presumably a ramp at one entrance and at least one accessible restroom. The venue also offered free Wi-Fi and charging points (per local custom), mainly in the seating areas. Coat check was not a formal service – people typically left jackets at tables. Merchandise tables for bands occasionally appeared at concerts, but it was common to have to buy band tees through the performers. As for atmosphere, it was loud and energetic by event night: heavy bass and DJ lights, flashing strobes, mirror balls and smoke machines were used regularly. On weekend nights the vibe was high-energy – locals have called the crowd “pumped” with live music and drinks flowing. The walls occasionally shook with the bass, a draw for fans of an immersive club feel. Strictly speaking, no photography was allowed of DJs/bands unless press-authorized (as is typical for student pubs), and the Bartenders enforced ID policies. Overall, visitors encountered a bustling, somewhat gritty bar environment with the expected student-chaotic fun – not a lounge or quiet pub.

Getting There and Parking

Starters Bar stood at 157 Frederick Street in North Dunedin. This is about a 5-minute walk north from the University of Otago campus and roughly 10 minutes from the city centre (Octagon). By car or taxi, it’s a 3–4 km drive from downtown Dunedin or from the main rail station. The building’s corner location meant taxis and rideshare could conveniently drop off at the front entrance on Frederick St. For those driving, parking is available but somewhat limited right on Frederick Street. In practice most patrons used surrounding side streets (metered parking is available nearby, free after certain hours) or nearby paid lots. Notably, a multi-story car park at 89 Frederick Street provides about 115 spaces for around NZ$2/hour (open 24/7) (www.parkopedia.co.nz) (www.spotmypark.com) – it’s roughly a 4–6 minute walk through the campus. A few smaller commercial lots and street parking spots also exist on adjacent blocks of Frederick and Clyde, but they often fill up. It’s wise to allow extra time to find parking in North Dunedin. Public transit is also a good option: Dunedin’s Orbus buses run frequent routes along Great King St and St. David St, both of which are a short walk away. Bus routes 28, 30 and others connect Dunedin Railway Station/The Octagon to stops near Frederick St in about 10 minutes; alight at the Mulligans Flat or University stops. After shows, buses run until late (around midnight), but older students often rely on city taxis or Uber for late-night return. There is a designated rideshare/taxi standing zone directly outside on Frederick Street if needed. For cyclists, Frederick St has bike lanes nearby and Univ. bike racks are close by at the student hall. Overall, Starters was very much embedded in the campus precinct: one could easily walk there from North Dunedin halls or even from the city centre via pedestrian-friendly streets.

Nearby Amenities

The North Dunedin neighbourhood offers many options for dining, drinking and lodging before or after a visit to Starters Bar. Within a 5-10 minute walk there are numerous casual eateries: coffee shops like the popular Vanilla Frog Café (on Great King Street), riverbanks, and student-friendly cafeterias. Quick bites such as kebab shops, pizza takeaways (for instance at Union Street), fish-and-chips counters, and fast-food outlets (e.g. Subway) line the surrounding streets. A short stroll east brings you to the University precinct, where you’ll find cafes, sushi sets, and bars catering to the student crowd. For a sit-down meal, the heart of the Octagon (less than 15 minutes walk or a few minutes drive) has a wider range – from local pub-grub joints to upscale restaurants. North Dunedin bars like the Victory Hotel, New Orleans Hotel or local brew pubs are nearby for a pre-crawl drink. After a show, hostel and hotel options include the Victoria Hotel and other city centre inns which are only a block or two away (corner of St. Andrew’s Street) (oneagency.nz). Late-night public transit from Starters returns toward downtown and the university on time for last buses. For group trips, OUSA used to run a free Orientation shuttle (no longer needed post-closure). On major event nights, the street remains lively; a 10-minute walk will get you to club-district venues (like Rialto and The Lucky) if you’re looking to continue the party. Overall, visitors can plan to arrive early by grabbing dinner nearby (many eateries on Great King or Castle streets) and rely on Dunedin’s extensive late-night taxi network or permitted on-street parking for a safe trip home.

What Makes This Venue Special

Starters Bar’s uniqueness came from its storied history and central role in Dunedin’s music and student life. It was one of the final gateways to the city’s celebrated “Dunedin Sound” culture – a compact, intimate venue where emerging bands became local legends (www.odt.co.nz). For over two decades musicians remember Starters (and its Oriental Tavern era) as a place with a uniquely creative vibe. As one Dunedin musician put it, “You could fit 300 in a squeeze… it was very easy to put on a gig there. Whoever was in charge would just let the bands do exactly what they wanted” because management trusted the crowd and knew music sold beer (www.odt.co.nz). This trust and informality gave artists creative freedom that many venues lacked. Beyond that, Starters was culturally significant as the last of Dunedin’s student-run pubs. OUSA explicitly maintained it so students would always have a campus hub to socialise (and hundreds of alumni felt poignant nostalgia when it closed (www.odt.co.nz) (www.odt.co.nz)). Its front bartenders, wooden staircases, and neon signs earned it a rock-and-roll charm. The demolition in 2025 sparked public outcry and memorials; heritage advocates called it an “end of an era” for North Dunedin (www.odt.co.nz). In short, Starters wasn’t just another venue – it symbolized Dunedin’s indie legacy and served as a cradle for local music stars, earning a fond place in the hearts of both audience and performers (www.odt.co.nz) (www.odt.co.nz).

Visitor Tips and Information

Planning a trip to Starters Bar (or its site), keep in mind a few practical points. Entry was always 18+ (later 2023) – bring a photo ID (passport, driver’s licence or student card) as bars in Dunedin strictly enforce age limits (www.ticketfairy.com). Dress was very casual – think jeans and a nice t-shirt; no formal wear was needed, but some events might discourage beachwear or sports jerseys. For busy concert nights, it was wise to arrive early (doors often opened around 8pm) to secure space. Space was limited, so expect to stand or offer seats to friends if your group gets spotty seating. Photobooks, large bags or weapons were not allowed – typical pub bag searches occurred. Though cameras were welcome for fans’ personal use, official photography required permission. The bar did not have coat-check, so plan to keep your coat or backpack by your feet if crowded. Smoking was only allowed outside in the courtyard (if weather permitted). If you needed special amenities, note that wheelchair access was provided (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) but stairs connected the two floors, so ask staff if assistance was needed. If you have hearing/sensory sensitivities, the music level was generally high – bringing earplugs helped for comfort. Food was available on site (burgers, veggie options, snacks) but some nights the kitchen closed early; it was fine to grab a pre-show bite nearby or pack light snacks if unsure. No outside drinks or food were permitted inside. Finally, local insiders suggest checking Starters’s social media pages (via OUSA) for event updates and any last-minute changes, and watching the sky for late-night weather (North Dunedin can get chilly). Following those tips and arriving with mates ensured a safe, fun experience at this iconic Dunedin pub.