Events at The Longkeeper, Pukekohe

About The Longkeeper

The Longkeeper is a modern bar and restaurant in the heart of Pukekohe (Auckland). Opened in 2023 (explorepukekohe.co.nz), it has quickly become a community favorite with a sleek, contemporary vibe. Its name pays homage to Pukekohe’s famous “Longkeeper” onion – a local horticultural legend – and the venue decor subtly reflects this heritage (www.tripadvisor.com). Inside, expect a clean, urban-style fit-out with warm lighting and wood accents; one diner noted it “looks amazing…like stepping into the city,” complete with large family-style tables and bench seating lining the dining room (www.sluurpy.nz). The Longkeeper markets itself as family friendly: there’s a dedicated kids’ play area to keep little ones busy (www.sluurpy.nz), while adults can sample a wide selection of New Zealand craft beers, wines and cocktails. Overall, it’s a casual gastropub with quality pub-style food made from local ingredients, balancing a relaxed afternoon lounge by day and a lively bar scene by night (explorepukekohe.co.nz) (www.tripadvisor.com).

Events and Programming

The Longkeeper hosts a busy calendar of events covering live music, comedy and pub games. Each week features the “Sunday Social” – a live music session with local bands or DJs to unwind the weekend (www.tripadvisor.com). Seen as equally central is its special comedy bingo night. In fact, the venue advertises “Very Rude Bingo” – New Zealand’s original adult-comedy bingo game – as a regular draw (www.tripadvisor.com). Other nights have included stand-up comedy shows, quiz nights and themed trivia evenings (explorepukekohe.co.nz) (www.sluurpy.nz). Cover charges vary by event: casual live-music or quiz nights are often free or minimal, whereas special comedy or promoted gigs may have a small entry fee. In general, The Longkeeper keeps a relaxed pub feel for performances (no stadium seating or tickets by default), so attendees either grab a table or stand on the flat floor – the front offers the clearest view of the performances. Apart from scheduled programming, on any evening you’ll find music from DJs or playlists in the background, and occasionally live bands or solo acoustic sets giving the place a lively atmosphere. Performances tend to be local acts or themes nights, as the venue’s focus is on providing a fun night out rather than hosting big-name touring artists.

Tickets and Booking

No formal ticketing or box office exists for regular visits to The Longkeeper – it operates like a bar, not a theatre. In most cases you simply walk in; for a meal you can book a table via the venue’s online reservation system (hosted on their website) well in advance. If a particular event has an entrance fee (for instance, a comedy show or a special concert), announcements will be made on the venue’s social media and local event listings. In those cases, tickets are typically sold through partner sites or at the door; there is no in-house ticket counter. For most pub nights and live-music sessions, however, no pre-paid ticket is needed – just arrive early if it’s a high-demand night (Friday/Saturday evenings fill up fast, often by 7pm). The Longkeeper does not list a formal pricing tier; instead, food and drink are pay-as-you-go from the menu. Patrons should budget typical gastropub prices – roughly NZ$12–$20 for appetizers and snacks, and NZ$20–$35 for mains. Drink prices are in line with other Auckland pubs (e.g. NZ$8–$12 for craft beers or cocktails). Special meals (like steak or seafood) can push towards the upper end of that range. Happy hour or daily specials may also apply, so it’s worth checking their social pages or asking staff about any current deals.

Seating and Layout

The Longkeeper’s layout is spacious and informal. The main dining area is laid out with large communal tables and bench seating running down the center (www.sluurpy.nz), which encourages a lively, social feel. Along the perimeter are smaller tables and high-top bar seats. Adjacent to the main room is a bar counter where you can perch on stools with a view of the drinks selection. In fine weather there is also a covered outdoor courtyard out back, which offers additional tables and a casual al‐fresco option (explorepukekohe.co.nz). For events or performances, there is a modest stage area (usually set up in one corner or end of the room) and open floor space; audiences generally stand or sit at tables as they wish. Sightlines are clear throughout the flat floor – the biggest viewing improvement is simply being closer to the stage. Those sensitive to noise might avoid sitting right by the speakers if possible; some visitors have noted that sound on event nights can be quite loud (at least one comedy-night attendee mentioned the system needed adjustment (www.sluurpy.nz)). Otherwise, most seating spots work fine – avoid backs to the action if you want to catch performances, and ask for a quiet table in a corner if you prefer chatting. Notably, the interior feels very airy and light, so even when busy it doesn’t feel cramped. The Longkeeper’s interior furnishings and acoustics are more geared to dining and socialising than club-style partying, so there’s no “bad seat” per se – just personal preference around the stage placement.

Getting There and Parking

The Longkeeper is located at 249 King Street, Pukekohe (table.thelongkeeper.co.nz). King Street is the main highway through Pukekohe town centre, making the pub easy to spot. From central Auckland it is about a 30–45 minute drive south via SH1/SH20 (no tolls), turning right off the motorway into Pukekohe’s Broadway which becomes King Street. By car, on-street parking is available along King Street itself and surrounding side streets (metered in some spots, free on Sundays). However, street parking can fill up at peak times (especially Friday/Saturday nights). One convenient option is to use Pukekohe Train Station, which is about a 5–10 minute walk to the north. The station has a park-and-ride lot (roughly 87 spaces available) (www.tehuiatrain.co.nz) and is served by frequent commuter trains from central Auckland. There are also local buses (for example, the 21 Northern Connector and 44 Pōkeno routes) that stop at the station and nearby bus stops, providing public-transit links to the city and surrounding suburbs (www.tehuiatrain.co.nz). After exiting the station, it’s an easy stroll down north King Street into the main shopping area. Alternatively, taxis and rideshares can drop off and pick up right outside on King Street outside the front entrance. If driving, note that King Street is a one-way (westbound) in that block, so plan your approach accordingly.

Inside the Venue

On entering The Longkeeper you’ll find a relaxed but upbeat atmosphere. Guests typically mention the friendly welcome: staff are attentive and will seat you or suggest a spot with a good view. The space has a slight split-level: the front section (near the kitchen) has booth tables behind the long bar counter, while the back section (center of the venue) has the large communal bench tables (www.sluurpy.nz). Décor combines polished concrete, wood paneling and green touches (alluding to the onion theme) – one diner even described it as feeling “fresh and clean…with family style dining tables.” There’s a pay-as-you-order system at the bar or table service depending on crowd. The menu is displayed on boards and online, and you order food and drinks from the bar when you sit down. Because it’s a working bar, you should be prepared for background noise – a mix of music, chatter, and occasionally order calls. Service is generally efficient, even on busy nights, though ordering rounds can take longer if the venue is packed. For food, kitchen hours roughly match opening hours (closing around 9–9:30pm weeknights, 10pm Fri/Sat). The venue is generally clean and well-maintained. Restrooms are inside and unisex (accessible via a short stairwell – see Accessibility notes). A notable feature inside is a small gaming area along one wall: there are around nine “pokies” (poker-machine slots) plus a TAB terminal for betting on races (www.localpokies.co.nz). (The gaming lounge is age-restricted by law, but otherwise open to patrons.) Overall, expect a comfortable pub environment – casual but tidy, with a good selection of local brands behind the bar and some craft beers on tap. At peak times you may need to queue briefly to order drinks or food. For entertainment, there is often a screen showing sports and news by the bar. Finally, note that coats/umbrellas can be left in the seating area or on provided racks; there is no formal cloakroom.

Nearby Amenities

The Longkeeper sits right in Pukekohe’s main street district, so there are plenty of options for dining and leisure within a block. If you arrive early, nearby King Street eateries include an Italian restaurant, Thai and Indian spots, and classic Kiwi fish-and-chip shops and cafes – many are open 7–8pm on show nights if you want a pre-show dinner. For post-show drinks or a late snack, just across the road (Edinburgh Street and Queen Street) are the well-known Good Home Pub, a Thai restaurant, and a Pākehā-style bistro. Coffee shops and dessert bars line the street too. The local Pukekohe Library (corner of Weatherly Street) has restrooms if needed. Within an easy walk, you’ll also find the Pukekohe I-SITE (visitor centre) which has information on local events and transport schedules. In terms of accommodation, the Parkview Motor Inn (on Queen Street, a block away) and the nearby Brickfield Hotel offer lodging just steps from King Street. Other motels are located along Great South Road about 500m east. For groceries or last-minute items, the town centre has a small supermarket on King Street and several dairies (corner stores). Night owl note: after the pub closes, taxis and ride-share services have common stops near the Queen/Kings Street corner; the town is safe, but it can be dark on side streets, so plan ahead if walking to your car or hotel.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Longkeeper stands out in the Pukekohe scene for its smart blend of local character and modern hospitality. Its very concept is rooted in Franklin history – named in honor of the legendary ‘long-keeping’ onion from Pukekohe, with the founders incorporating that story into the brand and decor (www.tripadvisor.com). Beyond nostalgia, the venue’s contemporary design and family-friendly approach (games, kids’ corner) set it apart from older pubs. Community-focused events also lend it a unique vibe. Locals enjoy the weekly live-music Sunday Social and comedy bingo nights (www.tripadvisor.com), and special events like quiz nights or outdoor courtyard parties give it a lively reputation. Regulars praise The Longkeeper as a gathering place where “everyone is welcome,” highlighting the combination of delicious pub fare (burgers, seafood, shared plates made with fresh local produce), a well-stocked bar ( NZ craft beer and wine) and entertaining activities (the-longkeeper.wheree.com) (explorepukekohe.co.nz). In short, it’s Pukekohe’s hip new gastropub – equal parts laid-back lounge and party venue. The consistent service and warm atmosphere keep people coming back for casual drinks after work or for bigger gatherings. In essence, it manages to feel both like a neighbourhood local and a destination spot for live entertainment. That community feel, along with the onion-theme quirk (even the beer names and logos play on it) gives The Longkeeper a personality you won’t find elsewhere in town.

Visitor Tips and Information

Before heading to The Longkeeper, here are some helpful pointers. Arrival: On busy nights (Friday/Saturday), arriving earlier (7pm or before) is wise to secure a good spot or get a table. The kitchen typically closes by 9–10pm, so dine early if you want a full meal. ID and Dress: It’s a licensed venue, so valid ID is needed for seating with alcohol (or using the pokies). The dress code is casual – jeans and a nice shirt are fine. It’s a relaxed pub environment. Accessibility: The main dining area is easily reachable, but note there is a short flight of steps to one section (the restrooms are up a small stairwell) and no wheelchair lift. One guest review did mention a lack of wheelchair access to parts of the building (www.sluurpy.nz), so patrons who need step-free access should plan accordingly or call ahead. Kids: Children are welcome any time, and the kids’ corner is a quiet relief for parents after meals. However, after 8pm it becomes an adult space (kitchen closes and gambling area begins operating). Under-18s are not allowed in the gaming lounge. Smoking: Indoor smoking laws apply, so if smoking is allowed, it would only be in designated outdoor areas (usually the courtyard or just outside). Bringing items: You may bring a coat and small bag comfortably. Large backpacks or cooler packs (outside food/drink) are discouraged – outside alcohol is illegal. Photography for personal use is fine, but professional filming or flash photography during shows is likely not permitted without permission. Dietary needs: The menu clearly marks vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy‐free options (table.thelongkeeper.co.nz). If you have special allergies, the staff are accustomed to accommodating requests. Payment: The Longkeeper accepts cards and cash. Tab is accepted (with ID). There is no payable parking on site, but remember to check for street parking rules (time limits) if leaving your car. Final tip: The Longkeeper’s slogan is “somewhere local for everyone” – whether you’re after a family meal, a date-night cocktail or a big group party, this pub should feel welcoming. Let staff know your needs (quiet table, best event info, etc), and don’t hesitate to try their specialty cocktails and signature dishes. Enjoy the friendly crowd and living local vibe that regulars love!