175 Years of History in the Heart of Lyttelton
The story of The Commoners Bar is inextricably woven into the fabric of Lyttelton's maritime history. Our home, the British Hotel, stands on ground that has witnessed the arrival of Canterbury Pilgrims, the bustle of a thriving port town, devastating earthquakes, and the resilience of a community that refused to let its history fade.
From its humble beginnings as immigration barracks in 1849 to its transformation into one of New Zealand's most storied hotels, the British Hotel has been a cornerstone of social life in Lyttelton for nearly two centuries. Today, The Commoners Bar continues this legacy, offering a space where history is not merely preserved but actively celebrated.
European settlement begins on this site with the construction of immigration barracks to house arriving Canterbury Pilgrims. The port of Lyttelton becomes the gateway to Canterbury, and this location serves as the first home for many settlers.
The original corrugated-iron clad timber warehouse is constructed on the site. This utilitarian structure serves the bustling port, storing goods bound for the growing settlement of Christchurch and beyond.
The warehouse is converted into a hotel, opening in early 1875 as "Savage's British Hotel." It quickly becomes a vital social hub, providing accommodation and conviviality for sailors, waterfront laborers, and railway workers who kept Lyttelton's economy thriving.
The British Hotel stands among at least eight traditional hotels operating in Lyttelton. The town is at its peak as New Zealand's primary South Island port, and the hotel is at the heart of community life, hosting celebrations, meetings, and serving as a home away from home for workers and travelers.
The hotel expands into the adjacent former Lyttelton Times building, offering more bedroom space to accommodate the growing needs of the port town. The British Hotel becomes synonymous with Lyttelton hospitality.
Due to the poor condition of the original 1867 structure, the building is replaced. The present-day structure emerges in the distinctive Moderne architectural style, reflecting the design aesthetics of the mid-20th century while maintaining the hotel's heritage character.
The devastating Canterbury Earthquakes strike, destroying much of Christchurch and Lyttelton's historic architecture. The British Hotel survives as one of only two of Lyttelton's many historic hotels to withstand the disaster, though the basement bar suffers extensive damage and is forced to close.
Following comprehensive earthquake-proofing repairs, the basement bar reopens as the Hellfire Club, breathing new life into the historic space and marking the beginning of a new chapter in the building's storied existence.
Today, as The Commoners Bar, we honor our heritage while creating new memories. With our relaxed atmosphere, renowned Sherpa Kai Nepalese cuisine, and community events like poetry nights, we continue the tradition of sociability that has defined this space for over 175 years.
The British Hotel holds considerable heritage significance for the Christchurch district, including Banks Peninsula. Recognized for its historical and social importance as a hotel site since 1874, it has fostered sociability and conviviality for more than 130 years.
As one of only two of Lyttelton's historic hotel buildings to survive the Canterbury Earthquakes, the British Hotel represents a tangible link to the port town's vibrant past. Every brick, every beam, every corner of our basement bar carries stories of the sailors, workers, pilgrims, and locals who have passed through these doors.
When you visit The Commoners Bar, you're not just enjoying a drink or a meal—you're stepping into a living monument to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Lyttelton.
Every visitor adds a new chapter to our 175-year legacy. Come experience the history, warmth, and character that make The Commoners Bar truly special.