FAQs.
Got a question? Chances are we’ve answered it below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call — we’re always happy to chat about your event.
Booking & Planning
Venue hire costs will depend on the type of event you’re planning and what you need on the night. Get in touch with a few details about your event and we can talk you through the options and provide you with a quote.
Yes. A deposit is required to secure your date and confirm your booking. We’ll let you know the deposit amount, payment details and booking terms when we send through your venue hire information.
We’ll confirm when final numbers are required as part of the planning process. If your event includes catering, having accurate numbers ahead of time is particularly important so the kitchen team can make sure there’s plenty of food for everyone.
Common Room is available for private functions and events seven days a week, subject to availability.
Of course. If you’d like to see Common Room and get a feel for the space before making a decision, get in touch and we can arrange a time for you to come through and have a look.
The Venue
Common Room can host private events of up to 180 guests, making it suitable for everything from smaller gatherings through to a full-house celebration.
There are several convenient parking options around Common Room. We have some off-street parking behind the venue, along with street parking on Heretaunga Street East and nearby Warren Street.
As we’re right in central Hastings, taxis and other transport options are also easy to arrange for the trip home.
Absolutely — we want the space to feel like your event.
If you’d like to come in beforehand to decorate, let us know when you book so we can arrange a suitable time. We do ask that you check any decorations or installations with us first, and that anything likely to make its way into every corner of the venue — think glitter and confetti — stays at home!
Children can attend appropriate private events at Common Room, although conditions may apply depending on the type of function and our liquor licence requirements.
Let us know if children will be attending when you enquire and we can talk you through what will work for your event.
Our liquor licence allows celebrations to continue until 2am, which makes Common Room a great option if you’re looking for somewhere your guests can settle in and enjoy the whole night without having to move on early.
Food & Drink
Yes. Common Room has a fully licensed bar, and our licence allows events to continue until 2am.
As a licensed venue, guests aren’t able to bring their own alcoholic drinks. We can talk you through the different bar options available for your event, including a bar tab or guests purchasing their own drinks.
Yes. As a fully licensed venue, we’re required to follow New Zealand’s alcohol licensing requirements. Anyone who appears to be under 25 may be asked to provide valid approved photo ID when purchasing or consuming alcohol, so it’s a good idea to remind younger guests to bring theirs.
Yes. Catering is available through our neighbours at OTT in the City, whose chefs and kitchen team are known for their fresh, flavour-packed Asian-inspired food.
Depending on your event, we can help organise everything from bites and easy-to-eat finger food through to sharing plates and more substantial options.
Music & Entertainment
Definitely. Music has always been a big part of Common Room, and our stage and quality sound system make the venue a natural fit for DJs, bands and live performers.
You’re welcome to organise your own entertainment, or if you need some inspiration, ask us. Over the years we’ve worked with plenty of talented Hawke’s Bay musicians, DJs and performers and we’re happy to make some recommendations.
Absolutely. Common Room spent more than a decade as a live music and entertainment venue, so we know plenty of great local DJs, musicians, bands and performers.
Tell us about your event and the atmosphere you’re hoping to create and we can recommend some options that could work well.
Have Another Question?
Give us a call — we’re always happy to chat about your event.