About Common Room
Common Room is a small bar, garden courtyard and live music lounge nestled in Hastings’ city centre (227 Heretaunga Street East) (commonroombar.co.nz). Opened around 2013–14 by local host Gerard Barron, it quickly earned a reputation as “the sweetest little bar in Hastings” (commonroom2017.wordpress.com). Over the years it has become a Hawke’s Bay icon – a cosy, eclectic venue that locals call “the heart and soul of modern Hastings” (commonroombar.co.nz). In fact the owners describe it as part bar, part restaurant, part music venue, theatre, games room, art gallery and urban garden space – essentially “a home” for live entertainment (commonroombar.co.nz). Under Barron’s leadership Common Room hosted around 150 live gigs a year by 2017 (commonroom2017.wordpress.com), and in 2024 the bar was taken over by Hastings restaurateurs Fiona Lee and Chris Whyte (of Off The Track and OTT In The City fame), who have refreshed the food and drink while preserving the bar’s laid-back “home-from-home” vibe (commonroombar.co.nz). Even travel guides describe it “the best little bar in the Bay” with warm hospitality and eclectic decor (neatplaces.co.nz). In short, Common Room matters to Hastings as a community hub: it helped revitalize a once “derelict ghost town” strip on Heretaunga St East into a thriving arts and culture quarter (commonroombar.co.nz), and today stands out for its friendly atmosphere, great wines and craft beers, and spirited live events (commonroom2017.wordpress.com) (commonroombar.co.nz).
Events and Programming
Common Room hosts live events almost every night, catering to a wide mix of genres. Folk-fusion multi-instrumentalist Graeme James recently sold out multiple shows here (events.humanitix.com); local party DJs run themed club nights like “Code Red” and “Diggin’ in the Crates”; and there are touring indie bands, reggae nights, blues sets, jazz or soul sessions, and more. Comedy is also typical – for example, a “Toothless” stand-up show was on the schedule in late-November 2025. More regularly you’ll find open-mic and poetry slams, quiz nights, and weekend dance parties. A recent venue newsletter highlights Thursday “Common Quiz Night” (currently $5 per person to enter (commonroombar.co.nz)) as well as frequent trivia and band nights. In all, the venue prides itself on “an eclectic mix of genres and styles” (commonroombar.co.nz). The only common thread is quality: visitors report “some free entertainment” (on certain nights) combined with “nice wines” and friendly staff (www.tripadvisor.co.uk).
Typical ticket prices vary by event size. Low-key trivia or open stages may be free or cost a few dollars (the friendly quiz is $5 per person (commonroombar.co.nz)). Small local band or solo-act shows often range roughly NZ$10–$30. Larger touring acts or festival bookings can run higher (perhaps up to $40–50 for big names). In 2025, fans are warned to buy fast: for example, Graeme James’ recent Hastings gigs sold out in advance (events.humanitix.com). In general, Common Room is a place of recurring favourites and surprises – count on something interesting happening most nights, from acoustic jams to DJs, to indie rock and spoken-word nights (neatplaces.co.nz).
Tickets and Booking
Common Room does not have its own box office. Tickets for events are usually sold online through ticketing services or the venue’s website. Fans are encouraged to check the Common Room website or social media for links (shows have appeared on platforms like Humanitix or Moshtix). The venue’s mailing list is a good resource; the bar itself asks patrons to “join our mailing list to hear about upcoming gigs” (commonroombar.co.nz). In practice, ticket sales often open a few weeks ahead of a show. Popular gigs (like the recurring folk/pop shows or comedy events) frequently sell out, so it’s best to buy well in advance. For last-minute planners, some events may offer door sales — for example, quieter shows might allow entry by paying at the door, but only if seats remain.
Pricing is usually tiered by seating distance or age (adult/child). In practice, popular adult tickets will cost more, while a family or concession price may exist for kids or students. Since Common Room is a bar, tickets often cover general admission. If reservations are available (for seated dinner events or private hires), those will appear with higher pricing. Keep in mind the bar may charge a small booking fee on top of tickets. Strategies: follow the venue’s Facebook page or subscribe to their newsletter (this was emphasized on their “stay in the loop” mailing prompt (commonroombar.co.nz)). That way you’ll see when tickets drop and can grab them early. If an event is known to sell out (like Graeme James did (events.humanitix.com)), arrive early on sale day or consider signing up for alerts via ticketing sites. Finally, double-check cancellation policies: typically you can get a refund up to a week before showtime if plans change, but it varies by promoter.
Seating and Layout
The Common Room is an intimate, multi-zone venue. There isn’t a formal assigned seating plan: most gigs are general admission (standing or scattered seating) (neatplaces.co.nz). The main indoor area is roughly rectangular: at one end is the bar and performance stage, and toward the other end (near the entrance) is casual seating including lounge chairs or even a pinball machine (neatplaces.co.nz). The walls are covered with band posters and quirky art for extra atmosphere (neatplaces.co.nz). Patrons can sit on leather sofas or barstools, or stand by tables in front of the stage. There’s no real “terrace” or balcony – it’s all one floor – so wherever you camp out, you’re fairly close to the action.
Behind the bar area, Common Room opens onto a sheltered courtyard garden (neatplaces.co.nz). This outdoor space has additional tables and soft lighting, perfect for a pre-show drink or a break between sets. On busy nights, this courtyard can also have an extra stage or the DJ booth (and occasionally food trucks) spilling into an adjacent public car park (wanderlog.com). The layout effectively gives several distinct zones: the lounge/entrance (with games), the main bar/stage area (with high-top tables and standing room), and the courtyard out back. Seating can be somewhat tight near the stage when packed; some patrons looking for a quieter corner might choose to remain on the sofas by the door or grab a seat in the garden. In any case, sound and lighting are set up to reach all areas: the PA system is loud enough for the playing area, though being a small room it can feel booming, so earplugs are sometimes recommended for rowdy nights. There are no obstructed-view areas per se, but if you want up front, you may have to stand. Conversely, if you prefer to sit, head for the sofas or deck seats.
Getting There and Parking
Common Room’s address is 227 Heretaunga Street East (commonroombar.co.nz), in central Hastings. This is on the east side of the main CBD. If you’re driving, the venue sits just off State Highway 2 (the Napier–Hastings highway). Parking in Hastings is largely on-street pay-and-display during the day and free after hours (www.toitoivenues.co.nz). Directly outside Common Room there isn’t a private lot, but there are metered spaces along Heretaunga Street East. For example, on almost every block of Heretaunga Street you can find P&D spots (often limited to a 2–3 hour stay) (www.toitoivenues.co.nz). These cost roughly NZ$1–$2 per hour during business hours; after about 6pm most on-street meters turn off and it becomes free until the next day. If those are full, the nearest paid car park is the council-run garage at the corner of Hastings Street East and Queen Street East (the Baker Tilly/Trafalgar Garage) (www.toitoivenues.co.nz), just two blocks south. There’s also pay parking on Lyndon Road and at the Civic Square tower (a short walk west) – however, keep in mind some closer lots (like New World’s) are private customers-only.
For public transit, Hastings has a local bus network operated by Kinetic. Routes run along Heretaunga Street and nearby Main Road, stopping at the Hastings i-Site (near the PostGreen building) or at Lyndon and Queen Streets just a block away. You can catch the Rapid (Route 120) buses or local loop buses to get to the city centre. There is no train service in Hastings (the nearest railway service is in Palmerston North or Wellington). Taxis and rideshare (Uber/Ola) are a common option; simply ask the driver to drop you on Heretaunga St East. The drop-off can be done curbside on the westbound side, or down Lyndon Street (which is one-way) to avoid blocking traffic. If walking from elsewhere in town, Common Room is about a 10-minute stroll from Hastings’ bus/bus terminal at Heretaunga & Russell, or from the city’s main Te Mata Rd corridor. The venue is clearly visible on Heretaunga Street once you’re nearby.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, you’ll likely walk through a glass door with the Common Room logo. Security checks (ID scanning) are common – you must be 18+ to enter (under NZ law, unless it’s a licensed “all ages” event, typically they card everyone). Staff are known to be friendly and chatty (indeed many reviews praise the “friendly staff” and banter) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Inside, the vibe is warm and energetic. The lighting is dim and colourful, with spotlights on the small stage. The air smells faintly of pub food and craft beer. Band memorabilia and local art cover the walls, giving it an informal gallery feel (neatplaces.co.nz). Music from soundcheck or a DJ will be heard as ambient background until showtime.
There is a full service bar serving beer, wine, spirits & cocktails. The drink menu is extensive: expect regional craft beers on tap and in bottles, a selection of New Zealand and international wines (in fact, showcasing wines seems to be a priority – large chalkboards list dozens of bottles) (neatplaces.co.nz). Signature cocktails and NZ gin are also on offer. If you’re hungry, Common Room offers food as well. Don’t expect a sit-down restaurant menu, but you can grab bar snacks, pizza and share plates. Reviewers note that the bar has relocated pizzas and snacks that “hit the spot if you’re starting to feel peckish” (neatplaces.co.nz). There’s usually pizza by the slice or platter-type nosh such as loaded fries, along with some vegetarian options. (Tip: on busy nights the kitchen can queue, so order early or during a break.)
Amenities inside include clean restrooms (gendered, with a likely all-gender disabled stall although check access with staff). There doesn’t appear to be a coat check – guests usually hang coats on chairs or coat racks near the entrance. Wi-Fi may be provided, but even if not, mobile coverage is generally good inside. Watch policies: cameras and phone photography are generally fine, but avoid professional photo/video without permission. Do not bring outside alcohol or weapons. Smoking is prohibited indoors (per NZ law), but there’s roughly a green-lit smoking area in the courtyard. Fans who want to grab merch should look for a small rack by the bar or ask management – local bands will often sell their CDs at shows, and occasionally the Common Room will have branded items for sale. Overall, expect a casual, social atmosphere – some people will stand and dance, others sit in a cozy corner chatting. By late hours the crowd tends younger and rowdy; by early evening it’s a mellow mix of ages enjoying wine and conversation.
Nearby Amenities
Because Common Room is in downtown Hastings, many eateries and services are within blocks. Right next door is Off The Track (a popular New Zealand barbecue and wine bar) and OTT in the City (a modern Asian eatery) (commonroombar.co.nz). These sister businesses (run by the same new owners) make dinner-and-drinks combinations easy. A short walk away on Heretaunga Street East are casual spots like Sazio Pasta Bar (Italian) and Fun Buns (steamed bun cafe). Japanese restaurant Benkei is also around the corner, and West Coast-inspired pies or local cafes (Hastings has a strong coffee culture) are very nearby. If you arrive early for a show, you can dine at Off The Track next door or grab a quick bite at Fun Buns before heading across the street. After a late night, note that Hastings’ liquor stores (bottle shops) close by 9pm; but the bar itself often has a full pour list of NZ wines and craft beers to choose from.
For drinks besides Common Room itself, other nearby bars include Tê Tê Wine Bar (around the corner on Heretaunga St West) and The Civic Wine Bar further north. Hastings Central has several pubs and clubs within an easy stroll – the refreshed wine bar scene in Hastings (part of the same vibrant block) means you can bar-hop along the street. If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of hotels and motels a few minutes’ drive or 10-minute walk away. Hastings’ main hotels (like Fontera House, The Trafalgar, or expense-driven suites) are all in or near the CBD. As an example, the Quality Hotel Ambassadors (technically in Napier) is about 20 minutes away by car. For Hastings itself: Trafalgar Motor Inn and Bedbox Hostel are the closest. If you plan on drinking heavily, you might consider booking a room nearby or using a rideshare for your return. Late-night transport from Hastings can be limited – there is no 24/7 train or bus, so after last buses (around 10pm–11pm) you’ll need a taxi or Uber to get out of town. Many past visitors recommend arranging your ride in advance to be safe.
What Makes This Venue Special
Common Room is cherished by locals and performers alike for its intimate, unpretentious charm. Its ambience is “creative, chaotic and eclectic, yet cosy and welcoming” (commonroombar.co.nz). The décor – from vintage band posters and cozy leather sofas (neatplaces.co.nz) to a working pinball machine by the door – gives it a genuine bohemian feel. Its sister outdoor garden bar is a standout feature: a leafy courtyard lounge complete with festoon lights and a bar counter, where guests relax under the stars (wanderlog.com) (neatplaces.co.nz). On busy nights groups spill into the back car park, which becomes an after-dark food-truck-and-DJ alley (wanderlog.com). Musicians love it for the warmth of the crowd and good hospitality; as one press quote noted, it “turns any room into a shared celebration” (events.humanitix.com). Artists often praise the attentive, knowledgeable bar team and a good-quality house sound system (mixing and stage monitors), although specifics are kept low-key. There’s nothing too flashy – what stands out is the communal “pub” atmosphere combined with surprisingly professional live production. Even Rolling Stone has covered acts that played here (via artist bios like Graeme James’s), and some Acts like Graeme note their last four shows “sold out” in Hastings (events.humanitix.com). In other words, it’s one of those Kiwi venues that feels close to a local house party while still drawing big names.
Beyond atmosphere, Common Room matter culturally: it helped put Hastings back on the map for nightlife. A decade ago, Heretaunga St East was quiet; a visitor’s history recalls “flash-forward to 2025, and Heretaunga East is bustling… with Common Room at its centre” (commonroombar.co.nz). By hosting hundreds of gigs, trivia nights, poetry slams and festivals, Common Room has nurtured the Hawke’s Bay arts scene. The venue has won local popularity awards (it was voted Hawke’s Bay’s favourite local bar repeatedly (commonroom2017.wordpress.com)), in part because it embraced community: quizmasters, open-mic volunteers and regulars all contribute to a genuine “neighbourhood pub” vibe. Lastly, people love Common Room for its balance of adventurous and homey. You might stumble in for craft beer and find yourself enjoying an impromptu folk jam, or come for a comedy night and end up sharing a sangria in the garden. This versatility – a bit music venue, bit lounge bar, all-inclusive – is precisely why artists and audiences keep returning. It’s one of those few places where, by official claim, “you show off fine wines and crafted beers, with comforting food done well” (commonroombar.co.nz) – truly a local gem.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is mostly on a single level with one main entrance, so it is generally accessible, but it may have a small step from street to door. Inside, the spaces are a bit tight, so wheelchair users may want to contact the bar ahead of time. There is an accessible toilet (often in the unisex restroom), but grab rails or extra space may be limited – again, check with staff if you need special arrangements. Don’t hesitate to ask at the door or mention mobility needs when booking. The courtyard has flat paving and ramp-ish access. Service animals are typically allowed.
What to Bring/Not Bring: Always bring photo ID (NZ driver license, passport or similar) – you will be carded at the door. As for belongings, a small bag is fine, but large backpacks might not be permitted if it obstructs space. Umbrellas can be useful if it’s raining (the entrance area can be narrow). If you plan to dance, wear comfortable shoes. Common Room is a coaster-type venue (people often leave drinks on tables), but staff do clear trash regularly. As a courtesy, leave big tripods or professional camera gear at home unless you have prior permission; personal phone snapshots and small cameras are usually okay. The dress code is casual – jeans, tees, and even sandals are common on summer nights. Only avoid anything very outlandish or offensive; some people come straight from work in smart-casual outfits.
Doors and Timing: For ticketed concerts, doors usually open 30–60 minutes before showtime. For example, if a gig is at 8pm, expect entry around 7–7:30pm. Trivia nights or quizzes might start at a set time (e.g. 7pm), so arriving 10-15 minutes early to register your team (as invited (commonroombar.co.nz)) is wise. Keep in mind that line-ups can form at the entrance for big shows, especially on rainy nights when people crowd under awnings. The venue stays open late: on Fridays and Saturdays the bar typically closes by 2am, and Thursdays/Sundays around 11pm–midnight (earlier on quieter nights). The café and kitchens usually shut about half an hour before the bar itself closes.
Age Restrictions: Common Room is mainly an adult venue. Most shows are 18+ because alcohol is served. If an event is listed as “all ages” (rare for Common Room except occasional community events), headphones might be provided for minors during loud segments, but check in advance. Under-18s are generally not admitted after about 10pm unless accompanied by a guardians. If in doubt, call ahead or check the event listing (some promoters will note age limits clearly).
Safety and Etiquette: Common Room is very laid-back, but it’s still a busy nighttime venue. Keep your belongings close, especially on dance floors or in larger crowds. If you buy drinks at the bar, don’t wander off with an open container in your hand (by law you can’t have open alcohol outside the venue unless in the smoking area). A friendly tip: staff often welcome conversation – bartenders might ask about your drink choices or local happenings (www.tripadvisor.co.uk), so don’t be shy. Tipping is not expected (service charge is not added), but leaving a dollar or two for the bartender is appreciated (and common) if service is good. Also, note that drinks at gigs can be pricey (NZ$10–12 for a tap beer, $8–12 for a cocktail), so budget accordingly. Lastly, trash bins are usually near the bar – please bin your empty glasses and pizza boxes if possible to keep the place tidy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: The most frequent hiccup is assuming the venue has a large formal seating chart – it doesn’t. If you want a good spot, arrive earlier rather than later. Also, don’t assume off-hours parking will be free everywhere: while many street meters switch off after 6pm (www.toitoivenues.co.nz), some private lots still charge 24/7. Another common question is about dress – rest assured, jeans and nice tops are fine (you won’t need to dress up unless it’s a special event). Check the weather: the back courtyard is uncovered, so for an outdoor drink in winter or rain nights, a rain jacket is handy. Finally, avoid playing “it’s closed” early – if the walls are dark it may still be open for a private gig or a private function. If in doubt, give them a call before heading over after hours.
