Our Story
A History Of
Common Room
Heretaunga Street’s east end was once a derelict ghost town, all tumbleweeds, boarded-up windows and empty shops. Flash-forward to roaring 2025. Heretaunga St East is a bustling, thriving hub of arts and culture with Common Room at its centre.
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. It’s a bar, restaurant, music venue, theatre, games room, marketplace, art gallery, lounge, garden…a home.
In 2024, Gerard passed the reins of 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 on Heretaunga Street.
Fiona and Chris have brought their own creativity and flare for food and live events to Common Room, while remaining true to the Bar’s original vision of being your home from home for great music, interesting tipples, delectable food and good company.
Photography by Jessie Fridd
Photography by Jessie Fridd
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 you can parry with. Whatever your tipple, we can rustle it up.
If you know us, then you need no convincing. If you don’t, then join us.
Photography by Floyd Pepper