News

A new bar and bistro at Christchurch’s Addington Raceway and Events Centre, located within the new hub of Christchurch is open for business to the general public.

In response to heavy demand for restaurants and bars in this increasingly popular area of Christchurch, the brand new facility named “Spectators” is located on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Stand at Addington, adjacent to AMI Stadium and CBS Arena.

Spectators is open 7-days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner catering for a wide range of customers with ample easy parking.

David Rankin, Chairman of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club who operate harness racing meetings at Addington was thrilled to comment on the new facility.

“Addington is now the new hub of Christchurch with the area really humming along. We are seeing many new office blocks and venues pop up in the immediate area with more under construction and opening very soon. We anticipate Spectators will not only be utilised by the estimated 700,000 people that will attend events on the Addington footprint over the next twelve months, but at the same time appeal to office workers and the large work force in the area meeting for a coffee or lunch as well as an ideal spot to have a drink after work.”

Addington’s General Manager of Functions and Events Brian Thompson echoed Rankin’s comments.

He added “what a great place it will be for those attending rugby and events at AMI Stadium as well as concerts and shows at CBS Arena. Spectators is an ideal venue to meet pre and post event with excellent parking facilities and just a short stroll to the Stadium and Arena.”

Thompson said the bar and bistro will be open from 7.30am to late with a menu based around good value, pub style food at affordable prices. “We’ll be serving the good old kiwi favourites such as steaks from our chargrill, classic pizza, ribs, salads, burgers and a good range of desserts including children’s choices. You’ll even be able to get an earlybird health kick for breakfast.” With the restaurant area opening out to a Garden Bar with spectacular views towards the Southern Alps this will be a high demand spot in the spring and summer coupled with an ideal area for diners.

There will also be live entertainment on Friday race nights and most Saturday nights with local talent Anton Harris performing.

Being based at a racetrack the facility includes a full TAB agency including the newly designed retail displays as well as self service facilities. There are a range of televisions on site along with a mixture of leaners and a section of booth seats so patrons can sit and view their choice of entertainment whilst enjoying a drink.

Noel Dempsey, General Manager Sales and Distribution for the TAB, said the new TAB agency would set a new standard for customer service and entertainment.

“We’re delighted to have been able to work closely with Addington to deliver what will be a first-class facility for guests to the venue. “It’ll be a fantastic focal point for a range of events at Addington, particularly during Cup and Show Week in November.”

Addington hosts 43 harness race meetings and 12 harness trials meetings over the year. Add over 130 Christchurch Greyhound race meetings and numerous trials together with the increase in events and functions throughout the footprint and the commercial activity around Riccarton and Addington, this new bar and bistro facility is well located to cater for many.