Killer location
WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Chloe Mundy
Jeremy Stevens is the director and a shareholder of one of our city's only rooftop bars, Mr Brightside – named after the song by the globally chart-topping rock band, The Killers.
Mr Brightside is right in the heart of the city – the jewel in the crown of the recently refurbished Public Trust building. This tailor-made space has stellar views across the city, where you can see The Terrace, the Avon, snow-capped mountains, and Cathedral Square from the back. The roof retracts for the warmer nights, so patrons can quite literally feel on top of the world. With the ability to host close to 150 people, Jeremy describes the location as a venue "suitable for the Canterbury environment."
Winter means the space transforms to be almost completely covered.
"The last view of the sun on The Terrace means sundown at Mr Brightside is incredibly special."
Jeremy is also the general manager of the Aikmans Hospitality group – this includes Aikmans Bar, Café Valentino, and Brigitte's of Merivale. He describes the lofty aim of bringing Mr Brightside to our city as "financially ridiculous."
"Back in 2018, I viewed the building for a possible ground-floor restaurant and basement prohibition-style bar. During the viewing of the building, I was caught up in the view from the small add-on office on the roof. With further discussion with the landlord, we converted the office into what is now Mr Brightside."
Being a historic building meant some of his ideas for the structure were a challenge, but the final offering gives a pavilion-like look from the street and a well-sheltered area for all seasons. The added glass roof inserts and opening section give the perfect amount of light and shade.
Jeremy mentions that word of mouth was key to the success of the bar and meant there was zero need for paid publicity.
"I posted once on social media about our opening, and ever since, the venue has been busier than we expected."
It seems things aren't slowing down, coming up to its second-year anniversary. After initially being open from 3 pm, there's now a lunch offering daily. The team has grown to close to 20 people, and they all pride themselves on quick, professional service. The bar is an R20 environment, a decision patrons support.
"It just gives 18 and 19-year-olds a venue to look forward to in the future!"
A partnership with Ecospirits provides the bar with five-litre refillable tanks, including Roots Gin and Plantation Rum.
"Not only do we save on trash bills, but using the eco-spirit system eliminates the use of glass bottles, saving 30 grams of emissions for every cocktail made."
So what's next in the summer pipeline for Mr Brightside? A new line-up of food and cocktails, a Halloween-themed party sponsored by Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and more leading up to Christmas. An expansion into other parts of the country hasn't been ruled out, nor have new venues in Christchurch.
Jeremy says you'll have to watch this space closely. When asked if The Killers were scheduled for a cheeky after-show beverage at the bar following their local performance this month, Jeremy said, "I wouldn't be able to tell you if they were! You'll just have to come and see for yourself."