Step Into the Glamour of the 1930s
Ready to step back to the glamorous and slightly decadent New York of the 1930s? To an evocation of the hidden, secretive bars associated with the Prohibition era?
We’ve got just the place.
Kong is Christchurch’s premiere cocktail lounge down on The Terrace, in the heart of the CBD.
Where Sophistication Meets Old-School Cool
Our stylish and opulent bar has been designed to reflect the glamour of the 1930s, with a touch of class and sophistication.
Since 2017, Kong has delivered a speakeasy experience that simply can’t be found in any other pocket of the city. We’re right in Christchurch’s central city, making it easy to combine with dinner or a night out.
Kong is the ultimate destination for a stylish celebration, an opulent cocktail bar that blends old-world elegance with modern flair.
Sitting along the banks of the Ōtākaro Avon River, in the heart of Christchurch’s CBD, Kong transports locals back to the glamour and drama of the 1930s Prohibition era, with a touch of King Kong infused into its Art Deco aesthetic. Indeed, our name was inspired by the 1933 movie King Kong.
Designed for stand-up, cocktail-style functions, Kong comfortably hosts up to 65 guests indoors, with room for up to 95 when including the outdoor terrace.
Whether it’s a birthday, corporate gathering, or private celebration, we’ll help you host in true Kong style.
Our share plates are designed to complement the extensive drinks menu.
We offer live music every Friday.
The Kong Experience
Leave the 21st Century for an evening and take a step back in time – about 100 years, to the mythic Gotham, a world of possibility, drama and even a little echo of the edginess and mischief of that era.
Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, leather booths invite conversation and connection, and bold artworks and abstract motifs adorn the walls.
New York is evoked with motifs of the Empire State Building featured across the venue. Call it warm opulence with an edge.
For a change of mood, there’s also our terrace to enjoy a cocktail and a sunset.
Speaking of cocktails, our range could accurately be described as…. theatrical works. Each cocktail is a treat for the taste buds and also visually stunning.
The cocktails aren’t the only dry thing. Our humour is too. Or maybe it’s better described as dramatic. Our cocktail concoctions may be garnished with smoke bubbles and handcrafted lollipops. Our signature The Black Cat, a caramel espresso martini, is accompanied by a cone of popcorn.
Our bartenders are knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels valued and appreciated.
Shake, Stir & Sip Like a Pro
We’re proud of our cocktail range, and we don’t want to keep the secrets to ourselves. At Kong, we hold cocktail masterclasses so the secrets can be shared and you can take a bit of Kong home with you. Shaken, stirred, we don’t mind, as long as you enjoy them as much as we enjoy telling you about them!
Nothing Prohibited About Our Food
We’re not just about cocktails. Our food deserves its fair share of attention. Kong’s chef has crafted a menu of sophisticated sharing plates, inspired by finger food popular during the Prohibition era, such as prawn and shrimp cocktails, crab rangoons, or mushroom and lentil pâté.
Try our Golden Agria fries with Kong’s spicy salt & burnt chilli aioli, or our Chicken-cheese-spinach-three-bean quesadilla with sour cream & chilli oil.
Or our Mediterranean ceviche: white fish marinated in coconut & lemon, pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes & fennel. Served with garlic bread.
Fried chicken tossed in sweet caramel soy, finished with crispy shallots, spring onions and chilli.
Try our braised & pulled lamb croquettes with chimichurri or our Snack burgers (on brioche bun, aioli and lettuce + small fries). Options include Wagyu beef with pickles & burger sauce; crispy coated chicken breast with devil sauce; crumbed brie with green tomato relish.
Celebrate in Style
If you’re planning a function, we have a range of options.
We offer venue hire for private functions: up to 65 guests indoors, and up to 95 guests if including the outdoor terrace.
Our outdoor area has seating for 24 and standing room for 30.
Our Story So Far
Kong – along with our neighbour Italian restaurant Original Sin – opened in 2019 in a new building on the Terraces, a riverside complex of bars, courtyards, restaurants, which is a new development that serves as a replacement for The Strip, which was largely destroyed after the 2011 quakes.
We are located across from the Avon River, known in Māori as Ōtākaro, one of Christchurch’s most iconic natural features, winding through the city and giving it much of its distinctive character.
In 2025, Australian Venue Co acquired Original Sin, Fat Eddie’s, Kong, The Bog, Bealey Quarter, and Craythornes (The Halswell) in the Oxford Group’s hospitality stable.
Our Community
We are proud to be located in the Terrace, the heart of Christchurch hospitality, and we’re proud to be neighbours in the same building with 1930s-themed cocktail bar Kong and upscale Italian restaurant Original Sin.