Our Story
A History Of
Common Room
The east end of Heretaunga Street was once a derelict ghost town, all tumbleweeds, boarded-up windows and empty shops. Flash-forward to roaring 2024. Heretaunga St East is a bustling, thriving hub of arts and culture. At the centre of that hub is Common Room.
Photography by Richmond Palleson
Established by Gerard Barron in 2013, Common Room has become a Hawke’s Bay icon, the heart and soul of modern Hastings. Bar, restaurant, music venue, theatre, games room, marketplace, art gallery, lounge, garden… home.
In 2024, Gerald passed the reigns of the Common Room to locals Fiona Lee and Chris Whyte, owners of the popular Off The Track restaurant, and modern Asian eatery OTT In The City, just a few doors down from Common Room in Heretaunga Street.
Fiona and Chris have brought to Common Room their own creativity and flare for food and live events, while remaining true to the Bar’s original vision of being your home for great music, interesting tipples, delectable food and good company.
Photography by Jessie Broad
Photography by Jessie Broad
Common Room’s aesthetic matches its community. Creative, chaotic and eclectic, yet cosy, warm and inviting. We believe in the fine art of conversation, providing a space for you to be you, showing off fine wines and crafted beers, with comforting food done well. Our staff are a motley crew of scallywags, rogues and rascals who put on their best behaviour to serve you. Whatever your interest, we’ll have someone who can parry with you. Whatever your tipple, we can rustle it up.
If you know us, you need no convincing. If you don’t, then join us. 🔥
Photography by Floyd Pepper