DramTrail 2025
DramFest 2025 sees the return of ‘The Great Whisky & Rum Trail’ - a guide to some of the best establishments that Christchurch has to offer! Once again we are collaborating with some of our favourite hospo spots coming up with some special tasting flights, cocktails and food pairings to make it the greatest DramTrail yet!
Check out our amazing list of partner venues for the DramFest 2025 weekend below:
Christchurch Attractions
Explore Christchurch with Christchurch Attractions during your visit to the city for DramFest 2025! From hop-on hop-off heritage tramcars, punt rides or guided shuttle tours through the idyllic Botanic Gardens, to spectacular panoramic views of the city from above at the Christchurch Gondola, the Christchurch Attractions team offer plenty of unique ways to see the city.
DRAMFEST OFFERING:
Use the promo code DRAMFEST25 to receive a 10% discount off single-entry or combo tickets to explore Christchurch during your stay!
T&Cs:Discount valid for online bookings only for travel from 24 February to 7 March 2025 inclusive. Must be booked through the official Christchurch Attractions website at christchurchattractions.nz. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount, or for Christchurch Tramway Restaurant or Annual Pass purchases
Last Word Bar
31 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central
A sophisticated whisky and cocktail lounge situated in the historic New Regent Street in the heart of Christchurch, The Last Word has an enviable selection of over 600 whiskies to tempt you.
Imōto Cocktail Lounge
20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central
Imōto is the playful little sister of Bar Yoku. Nestled in the heart of The Welder, Imōto is a vibrant lounge bar with a cheeky, modern edge. Here, Japanese and Euro influences offer a unique menu full of fun, flavour, and style.
Sip on our daringly creative cocktails, each with a personality as bold as Imōto herself, or explore our curated selection of wine, sake, and whiskies. Pair your drinks with irresistible small bites that reimagine izakaya favorites in delicious ways. Come and join us for a taste of playful sophistication.
DRAMFEST OFFERING:
Whisky Flights:
Flight 1: Global Blend Selection - Thompson Two Tone, NZ/ Shackleton, Scotland/ The Fujisan, Japan
Flight 2: Japanese Selection - Fujisan 'Blended Whisky'/ The Matsui 'Mizunara Cask'/ Kurayoshi '8yr'
Flight 3: Aged Selection - Macallan 'Double Oak 12yr'/ Highland Park ' Twisted Tattoo 16yr'/ Dalmore '15yr'
Whisky Cocktail:
Cocktail Name- Kekkon
A marriage of local & global ingredients. We are bringing Scottish Hot Toddy flavours to a Japanese highball:
Suntory Whisky, Fortified Cherry Wine, Japanese Amaro, Orange Honey, Roasted Pear & Kombu Soda
Bloody Mary’s Bar at the Rydges Latimer
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central
Bloody Mary’s is a unique venue in the heart of Christchurch, featuring some of Canterbury’s best produce. A steakhouse, brasserie and bar, are complemented by a secluded whisky library and private dining hall. Bloody Mary’s captures the spirit of conviviality, celebration and companionship. Expert staff and a beautifully appointed interior welcome guests and ensure your experience is comfortable and memorable whenever you choose to enjoy your visit.
DRAMFEST OFFERING:
A specially curated Boilermaker menu
featuring 6 matchings of Whisky & Craft Beer
$35 per matching
EVENT: Whisky Dinner on the 27th of February featuring Whisky's from distillery's helmed by Master Distiller Rachel Barrie
$179 pp.
Tickets available here.
OGB Bar
28 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central
Inspired by the ease and flow of European bars & cafes, you will find a speakeasy style bar housed in the most beautiful heritage building in Cathedral Square, Christchurch.
With the most amazing team, live music every weekend and carefully curated food & drinks, you must try our little slice of paradise in the square.
DRAMTRAIL OFFERING
Thursday 27th - Sunday 2nd
Cardrona Tasting flight featuring Full flight, Otago Pinot Cask, Falcon and The Reid - $45
Sunday 2nd
EVENT: OGB x Monkey Shoulder Dram Fest after party 3pm - late. DJs in the courtyard from 5pm featuring special monkey shoulder cocktail menu
Rest OGB
28 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central
An urban sanctuary housed in the old government departments of the Italian High Renaissance, Old Government Building. Built on an ever changing, ever innovating ethos. Restaurant are committed to local produce, showcasing the finest offerings from New Zealand's growers and artisans. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort.
DRAMTRAIL OFFERING
Thursday 27th - Sunday 2nd
Chocolate Whisky Truffle dessert special
Austin Club
Twenty Seven Steps / Downstairs
236 High Street, Christchurch Central
Welcome to Austin Club, where the spirits run high and drinks never run dry - a hideaway for Cantabrians.
A place that would allow friends & fellow scoundrels to escape the humdrum of post-war New Zealand. We wanted dazzling cocktails galore, sing-alongs and good-time swing - a place for a jolly good knees-up.
Open 5pm - 3am, Wednesday - Saturday.
EVENT:
Appleton Estate Austin Club Takeover - Saturday 1st March, 8pm
Straight from Auckland, the legendary Alastair Walker —creative mastermind, internationally recognized bartender, and owner of Caretaker Bar—is stepping behind the bar at Austin Club for one unforgettable night.
Ali & the crew have put together a killer Appleton Estate menu, putting together some of the finest cocktails you’ll find. Pull up, grab a drink, and meet one of the best in the game.
DramFest After-Party, Sunday 2nd March
The official After Party for DramFest with live music from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, then a DJ from 11pm-3am
Austin Club cocktail menu as well as an additional whisky cocktail menu will be available for the evening.
27 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central
Twenty Seven Steps is an upmarket bistro located upstairs on picturesque New Regent Street. Approaching its 10th birthday this year, it offers honest, flavoursome food from locally sourced ingredients.
This is complemented by a casual wine bar underneath, 'downstairs,' with 40 wines by the glass & banging hot chips. Both firmly believe the mantra that hospitality is about looking after humans. Owned and operated by Emma & Paul, they are proud to partner with NZ pioneers, Thomson's Whisky.
DRAMFEST OFFERING:
- three cocktails showcasing the Two Tone alongside the Cask Martin Single Cask & the Quercus Alba American White Oak whiskies.
- an affogato dessert finishes the offering featuring Two Tone, LCC espresso and house made salted caramel & whisky ice cream with apricot biscotti, is available both upstairs and down.
Gatherings Restaurant
Unit 5/2 Papanui Road, Christchurch Central
Gatherings is a tiny family owned and operated restaurant by Chef Alex Davies that has a core philosophy of sustainability. It supports local farmers, fishers and artisans wherever possible to enhance a creative, ever changing and seasonally focused menu. The extensive wine menu offers a range of wines both from local sources and from further afield, that are primarily organic with some natural wines on offer. Sustainability extends to the workplace ethos of Gatherings and the team are paid a living wage or higher. Gatherings is now in its eighth year of trading and has become a landmark restaurant for Cantabrians, New Zealanders visitors and international tourists alike.
DRAMFEST OFFERING:
Two whiskies paired with similar philosophies to two dishes, celebrating the harmony of whisky and seafood, and similar landscapes on opposite sides of the earth.
Casa Publica - Rum Bar & Restaurant
180 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central
Experience the rich and diverse tastes of South American cuisine like never before. From simple and sumptuous starters to satisfying mains, our menu is filled with fresh and bold flavours that will please any palate. Explore their extensive rum selection, boasting over 160 varieties to choose from.
Monarch Bar
Level 1/79 Cashel Street, The Terrace, Christchurch Central
Hidden away inside the doors to King of Snake is Monarch Cocktail Lounge. Elegant, handcrafted cocktails can be enjoyed while relaxing in our seductive listening room. DramFest attendees will be provided with a bespoke cocktail menu showcasing our extensive range of whiskies; from both local and international soils.
DRAMFEST OFFERING:
Celebrating all things whisky from near and far. Monarch will be offering a DramFest exclusive four cocktails expertly crafted to display Irish, Scotch, Bourbon and Japanese whiskies.
Rounded out by a Cardrona Distillery whisky flight; showcasing some of the best that New Zealand has to offer.
Boo’s Bar
Level 1, 98 Victoria Street, Christchurch
Boo’s is a Southern-style cocktail and whiskey bar serving up great drinks, delicious comfort food and live music in a relaxed, laid-back setting. Perfect for a night out with friends or a casual evening out.
Mr Brightside
152 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch
Located at the top of the iconic Public Trust Building in the heart of Christchurch’s hospitality precinct on Oxford Terrace.
Penthouse-style rooftop bar with a retractable roof, we offer stunning 360-views over the Port Hills, Avon River, snow capped Alps, Cathedral Square and across the City.
EVENT: DramFest Finale! Sunday 2nd March
We’re concluding DramFest celebrations with a cocktail infused Finale at Mr Brightside bar, to reflect on a wonderful whisk(e)y (and rum!)-filled weekend. We have invited 5 of New Zealand’s top bartenders to compose a cocktail using Ardnamurchan Distillery’s popular west coast dram, ‘Macleans Nose’ and compete in front of our judges and audience to be crowned DramFest cocktail champion.
Hosted at Mr Brightside rooftop bar overlooking the beautiful Avon river in the heart of Christchurch, you will be welcomed to the event with a refreshing Macleans Nose Highball and canapes. We’ll then settle in to watch these immensely talented bartenders battle it out, whilst enjoying their cocktail samples and delicious food platters provided by the team at Mr Brightside – all whilst soaking up the beautiful Ōtautahi sunset!
This is going to be a fun a light-hearted end to the weekend, with a bit of fun, frivolity and a healthy dose of competition – an event not to be missed!
Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Discover Miro, your chic retreat in Christchurch.
In a 1934 heritage gem, we blend timeless elegance with warm hospitality and culinary excellence. Enjoy a unique atmosphere where fun meets sophistication. Explore our menus and indulge in events and private dining.
DRAMFEST OFFERING
Enjoy lush bacon butties & drinks featuring their Thomson Manuka Smoke BBQ sauce
Kong
76 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central
Step into Kong, a cocktail bar along the Avon River that transports you to the glamorous 1930s prohibition era with a New York-inspired Art Deco twist. The space dazzles with glitzy chandeliers, geometric patterns, and jewel tones, creating an opulent atmosphere. Enjoy inventive, theatrical cocktails crafted by expert mixologists, including the popular Black Cat, a caramel espresso martini with popcorn. Since 2017, Kong has been Christchurch’s go-to spot for a truly unique cocktail experience.
DRAMFEST OFFERING
Kong will be offering four crafted cocktails showcasing Sazerac, Bourbon and Japanese Whisky.
The Monday Room
161 High Street Christchurch 8011
The Monday Room’s focus is the modern expression of New Zealand cuisine, as designed by Chef-Owner Hannah Cooper-Grieve, and Head Chef Gabrielle Sanders. The most popular way to dine with them is by partaking of the ‘Chef’s Menu’ which is served to share in the style of a traditional family meal, and is a selection of dishes designed to be the best expression of the menu for your table size.
In addition to their exceptional cuisine, they offer an expansive beverage program, with a comprehensive spirit selection, an extensive wine library and our new cocktail menu: High Society - The denizens of High St past & present; where we explore the history of our place, and each drink is representative of the many different people who have frequented our part of town since its inception.
DRAMFEST OFFERING
A flight of Glenfiddich Single Malts:12, 15, 18 and 21 years old, paired with a Dessert Degustation.
