About 69 Courtenay Pl
69 Courtenay Place is home to The Grand Wellington, a multi-level pub/restaurant with a distinct historic feel. Housed in a century-old heritage building (constructed around 1900 and once containing shops, butchers and tea rooms ), The Grand now occupies 5 floors of dining and entertainment. The owners describe it as “a magnificent building hosting 5 levels all with self contained bars” , including a ground-floor Stone-Grill restaurant, upper-floor lounges and a rooftop cocktail terrace. 1930s details abound – for example, one visitor noted being whisked “to the rooftop bar ... via a 1930s cage style lift” – giving the venue an old-world atmosphere rare in modern bars. With brew-pub fare, a large craft-beer selection and warm lighting, The Grand is both a neighbourhood tavern and a late-night hub in Wellington’s famous Courtenay Place entertainment strip.
The venue’s style blends cosy pub comforts with theatrical flourishes. Dark wood panelling, vintage mirrors and brass fixtures speak to its heritage roots, while high ceilings and open-plan bars keep it lively. Regulars appreciate that it isn’t a generic bar – the design pays homage to “former grandeur” (as one description notes) . Despite its name, it’s not a movie theatre; rather, The Grand is notable for its multi-level layout and event-ready spaces. For example, separate sections like the Garden Bar (a covered courtyard area) and Balcony Bar (an elevated space with Courtenay Place views) let it host everything from quiet dinners to large parties. The mix of old-style decoration and modern pub culture – “people watching” on the terrace, big-game sports on TV screens, and nightly upbeat music – gives The Grand a unique place in Wellington’s bar scene.
Events and Programming
As a pub rather than a dedicated theatre, The Grand doesn’t have a fixed seasonal calendar of concerts or plays. Instead, programming is flexible and often driven by nightlife trends. On any given week you might find a trivia quiz, a live DJ set, or sports finals on the big screens. For example, the venue’s own website once advertised a weekly “Grand Quiz” night (though it has been paused recently) . Promoters also occasionally book The Grand for special gigs or themed parties. Recent listings show Wellington hip-hop and reggae acts playing late-night club shows (one local band, Spawnbreezie, performed at The Grand in January 2025 www.ticketfairy.com). Many events are 18+, reflecting the bar’s late licence, but the atmosphere can be casual – some nights are as much about dancing and drinks as formal performances.
Notably, The Grand caters to private bookings and social events. Its function brochure boasts that it can host parties “from small to 500+ guests” . There are floors set up specifically for groups: the “Garden Bar” at the back (sheltered outdoor area, ~100-person capacity) and the prominent “Balcony Bar” on the first level (listed at 500 capacity) . Large group events often include food & beverage packages, DJs or live bands (the Balcony Bar even has a stage), and full staff service. In practice, daily programming varies – quiet weekday lunches and early summer breakfasts (the kitchen opens as early as 8:30 AM Fri–Sun ) give way to buzzing weekend evenings with live music or DJs until the early hours.
Tickets and Booking
Generally, The Grand operates as a walk-in bar and restaurant, not a ticketed theatre. There is no formal box office; patrons typically pay for food and drinks on site. Reservations can be made by calling or emailing the venue, which is recommended for large dinners or events. Small groups can usually be seated without booking if they arrive early on busy evenings. For major happenings (e.g. a headliner band or holiday party), limited advance tickets or cover charges might apply. In those cases ticketing is done through online sellers or at the door – for instance, a July club night at The Grand might have a modest cover of $15–20, while more casual nights remain free entry. Standard dining charges are straightforward: expect main courses around NZ$30–35, beers NZ$10–15, and cocktails NZ$15–20 (prices can vary with specials). Overall, The Grand’s pricing is similar to other mid-range bars in Wellington, and group-booking packages or function quotes are handled case by case with management.
For private events and catering, The Grand provides function packages. Interested parties can contact the venue directly (usually via email or phone) to discuss menus and room hire. The website notes small hire fees (e.g. NZ$200 for the Garden Bar, $500 for the Balcony Bar) and minimum spending levels for event bookings . Because seating and layout are flexible (e.g. long tables, open cocktail style, or buffet), groups are encouraged to plan ahead. In summary: no advance ticket is needed for general admission, but for parties or concerts always check event listings online or call the box office (the venue) for details.
Seating and Layout
The Grand’s interior spans five floors, each with its own character. The ground floor is anchored by a full-service restaurant and bar area, where customers sit at tables or around the central Stone Grill (hot stones for cooking steaks) . One flight up is the Balcony Bar area: a large open lounge with windows overlooking Courtenay Place, seating around fixed banquettes and movable tables. The third floor hosts the spacious Lounge Bar, a more intimate sitting area (around 200 capacity) . Above that is the rooftop level (“ABV Bar”): an enclosed cocktail bar leading to an open-air terrace. The rooftop has a mix of lounge seating and standing tables and offers city glimpses – it is heated and covered to be usable in any weather .
Best spots depend on your preference. To people-watch or enjoy city views, head to the rooftop terrace or balconies. Those looking for a quieter meal often choose the ground-floor restaurant or off-peak lounge areas. Acoustically, music carries through the open spaces: the Balcony and rooftop can get loud on party nights, while the ground floor is more relaxed. There is no fixed “bad seat” (all areas have decent sightlines to TVs or performers) – although near the main bar can feel busier during happy hours. A unique seating experience is the antique cage elevator: it has a bench inside and takes guests between floors, so arriving by lift is itself memorable! . Note that seating is generally general admission, except in reserved function setups. VIP or bistro tables may be available for special events but usually only through advance booking.
Getting There and Parking
69 Courtenay Place is in central Te Aro, Wellington. The exact address is 69–71 Courtenay Place (corner of Blair St). Numerous bus lines run through Courtenay Place; most city routes stop within a minute’s walk (look for the Courtenay Place/Flynn’s Lane stops). The Wellington Railway Station (Bay Platforms near Te Papa) is about a 15-minute walk north, or a short bus ride away. For out-of-towners, major coach services and the InterCity bus drop off around Wellington CBD (15-20 min walk). Taxi and rideshare (Uber, Ola) are readily available late-night – ask for a drop-off on Courtenay Place near Blair or Allen Street entrance. The venue’s central location means short walking from many CBD hotels and attractions (for example, it’s just around the corner from the Embassy Theatre and Roxy Cinema).
Street parking at The Grand itself is very limited. City meters on Courtenay Place allow 2-hour free parking (as Parkopedia notes, there are only 4 metered spaces here) . Paid options are more practical: several multi-level car parks lie a few blocks away. For example, the Reading Cinemas parking (entrance on Blair St) or the large Tory Street Council carpark are within a 3-5 minute walk. Weekend and evening street parking is more forgiving (it’s free after standard hours) . Expect to pay around NZ$5–10 per hour in central lots. If using public transit, note that most buses no longer run extremely late, so plan rideshares or taxis after midnight (though the venue is licensed ‘til 4am ).
Inside the Venue
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a host or door staff at the lobby. On busy nights security may check IDs (especially after hours) – NZ law often requires ID for anyone who looks under 25 wanting alcohol. Staff are generally friendly and the atmosphere is casual. There is no formal dress code; smart-casual or weekend attire is common (though sports jerseys and work clothes are fine at early-evening meals). Bags and belongings must be kept with you or in coat racks – some events may restrict overly large backpacks for safety. Photography is allowed, and many visitors snap photos on the antique lift or terrace for social media.
Food and drink service is across all floors. The Grand offers full table service; menus cover breakfast (on weekends), share plates, steaks, seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. A highlight is the hot-stone grill, where diners sear meats and seafood to taste. Bar offerings are extensive: local craft beers, custom cocktails, and a wine list. Mechanics like TVs and a sound system support sports games and music nights. Practical features include free Wi-Fi for customers , multiple bathrooms (at least one on each public floor), and even highchairs for families . Coat check is informal (guests usually keep coats on the back of chairs). Service is generally 7 days a week during listed hours (see below); staff will often announce last food and drink call as the clock nears the 4am close.
Nearby Amenities
Pre-show dining and drinks are convenient in this neighbourhood. Courtenay Place itself is lined with eateries of all kinds: pizza places, Asian fusion, and upscale spots like 66 on Courtenay (modern Kiwi cuisine). A few doors up, you’ll find quick bites (burgers, tacos) and classic pubs. Within a block are more bar options – for example, the trendy Havana Bar & Grill, laid-back St John’s Bar, or the rooftop Buddha’s Too. Just around the corner on Willis/Blair or Tory Streets are licensed cafés and clubs (Mint Lounge, Meow, etc.) for a pre- or post-drink. Accommodations are plentiful: nearby hotels include the Mercure on Lambton Quay and Rydges in Courtenay Place**, plus serviced apartments and hostels in Te Aro (some within easy walking distance) common for visitors.
Vicinity notes: The Grand is just uphill from the Waterfront, Te Papa museum and the cable car line, and a block from Wellington’s St. James Theatre. It pays to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before a showtime or dinner reservation – give yourself time to park or queue for a table, as the area can get busy on weekends. Late-night, showers or buses still run along Courtenay Place, but check schedules – the 24 liked Airport service runs until late, and Citylink buses operate past midnight on major routes. Otherwise, taxis and rideshares are plentiful on nearby Lambton Quay (exit at Courtenay) and Wellingtonfees are minimal.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Grand stands out for its lively blend of heritage and hospitality. Architecturally, it preserves much of its early-20th-century character while housing modern bars at every level. Its signature cage elevator and outdoor rooftop offer memorable touches – one review noted the “metalwork 'cage' style antique lift” as part of the fun . Culturally, it’s a local institution: Wellingtonians have long considered it a welcoming spot (especially for post-show drinks) ever since it took over a corner building in the 2010s. The venue contributes to Courtenay’s nightlife economy and often hosts charity events, multicultural nights, and charity drives. In casual conversation, bartenders here might mix a craft cocktail on the back bar while sports fans cheer an All Blacks game on TV – that community buzz, amid plush armchairs and festive party lights, makes The Grand uniquely “Wellington”.
Legendary moments include big sports nights: The Grand’s large screens and social energy made it a go-to place for every World Cup and rugby final. It has also been the stage for local traditions – weekly quiz teams, Friday trivia, and end-of-year parties alike. Famous hosts (local “personality DJs” and bar tenders) are known to regulars. As one diner put it, it’s both “down to earth” and “super classy” at once – a place where visitors and performers mingle under vaulted ceilings. All of these factors – the storied building, the multiple bars each with its own vibe, and the friendly service – keep The Grand a special fixture of Wellington’s social scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
The Grand is generally accessible but note its heritage layout. The TripAdvisor listing marks it “Wheelchair Accessible” , indicating step-free entry into the ground floor. However, the vintage lift may not accommodate larger wheelchairs, and some seating areas are up short flights of stairs. If accessibility is a concern, contact the venue before arrival or stick to ground-level areas (staff can assist). The kitchen has vegetarian and gluten-free options, so most diets are welcomed.
To avoid hiccups: bring photo ID for everyone who looks under 25 if you’ll be drinking. If visiting after 9pm, expect to be 18+ unless it’s a ticketed all-ages event. Dress is casual, but polished – avoid athletic shorts or sweatpants for evenings (smart casual is safest). The Grand does not allow outside food or beverages (including BYO alcohol), but it does encourage bar tabs. Coat racks are available, so you can leave jackets by your seat. Since it can fill up, large groups should book a table. Arrive early to grab a spot if there’s live music – one can easily lose preferred seats. And don’t forget: the rooftop is open-air, so bring a layer if it gets breezy late at night. With these insider tips, even first-time visitors can dive straight into the fun the moment they step into 69 Courtenay Place.
