Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington dining room and bar design

Backbencher Bar

Studio Design + Architecture was commissioned to refurbish the iconic Backbencher Bar after it was damaged in a fire. The Backbencher Bar has been a regular watering hole for politicians over the years and features a number of caricature puppets of influential Members of Parliament.

The redesign has allowed for a new outdoor courtyard area and street-front presence. The bar has been broken up into several zones including the restaurant, bar, sports bar, lounge area and courtyard. This helps attract a younger clientele and allows the bar to easily service both bar and dining clients.

Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington brown leather booth seating design
Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington main bar design with hanging glassware and hexagonal design on bar front
Backbencher bar and restaurant sports bar and kitchen with hanging politician character

Back from the ashes

The design references the style of the original heritage building it sits within, adding sophisticated contemporary touches. The exterior facades were retained while bi-folding courtyard doors were instated to match the original look. Existing lighting and window frames were also retained where possible.

  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington main bar design with hanging glassware and hexagonal design on bar front
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington hanging glassware in bar
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington dining table and bar design with Winston Peters character in background
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington main bar design with hexagonal design on bar front in focus
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington curtain and steel links room dividers
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington entrance design with All Blacks characters featured in the back room
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington dining room design featuring fireplace, TV and All Blacks characters
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington bar design detail with hexagonal patterned bar front
  • Backbencher bar and restaurant in Wellington booth seating design with gold frame on wall
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