Dux Central

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#107 of 1,105 Restaurants in ChristchurchBar, Pub, $$ - $$$

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Dux Central

Review

At a glance

Open until 11:00 PM

, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Website

+64 3-366 6919Improve this listing

About

Dux Central's beer garden is the place to meet this summer, enjoy a selection of over 200 craft beers while listening to live music provided by local kiwi bands. Whether you're meeting some friends for lunch or celebrating a special occasion over some drinks and dinner, it's always a great time at Dux Central.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, Pub, Gastropub, New Zealand

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Live Music

Mastercard

Outdoor Seating

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Television

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine and Beer

Location

10 Poplar Lane Central Christchurch, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand

Does this restaurant have live music

Yes

Unsure

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Open until 11:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Monday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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4.0

326 reviews

Excellent

135

Very good

115

Average

Poor

Terrible

Christine R

2 contributions

Poor bar service

Sep 2024 • friends

Pizza and fries were good as usual but bar service poor. I tried a gin cocktail $17 and it was yuck. Too boozy and only managed couple sips. Requested a replacement lemonade to wash the food down, and refund to cost of cocktail. Bar manager was willing to give lemonade but not refund. Saying it was made according to the recipe so clearly no issue. Um… I couldn’t drink it! Thank you for the offer of "free" lemonade but I think no refund was unfair and stingy. Because a lemonade and offer of half to the cost of the cocktail would of satisfied. I will not come back seeing as there are bars that can make a decent drink elsewhere.

Written October 10, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ross Herrick

Hello Christine Thank you for coming along to see us here at Dux Central. I'm unsure why you chose to duplicate your review on more than one platform. I'm so sorry you didn't enjoy your Roku Gin cocktail as these have been extremely popular with many guests returning repeatedly for these. I am so pleased you enjoyed the atmosphere, pizza and fries, as usual, however, I can't see your review of when you enjoyed these in the past? Thanks again and best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written February 10, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

gee

Wellington112 contributions

Food X drinks delicious

Nov 2021 • family

Food is delicious and the drinks are even better! I chose this place for a birthday celebration and although I read the reviews about noise etc I took a leap and booked for a party of 15 (including kids). This place was just perfect for a spring evening, our waiter was polite and helpful. We ordered a range of meals, from seafood platter to mains and pizzas which are $15 on Sunday, our meals arrived in a timely manner & there was no complaints about the delicious taste. Personally the cocktails are a must try, if only I was brave enough I would’ve had the full selection. Will certainly visit again in the future.

Written November 7, 2021

Ross H

Hi Pacificsoulseeker Thanks for putting your faith in us here at Dux Central and thanks lso for taking the time to post your review. We're pleased you and your guests enjoyed your experience with us and hope to see you back again very soon. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written November 9, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PaulandChris86

Knaresborough14 contributions

Great Food!

Jan 2023 • couples

First time visit and we were really impressed with the quality of food. Nothing was too much trouble. I requested to have no onions in my salad which was accommodated - I was even asked if I had an allergy demonstrating an attention to detail. The staff were cheerful and welcoming. There was a great atmosphere in the pub. Would definitely recommend to others. Thank you for a great experience.

Written January 22, 2023

Ross H

Hello PaulandChris86 Thanks for choosing Dux Central recently and we're so pleased you enjoyed everything we have to offer and that our staff looked after you as well as we always hope. All the very best for 2023 and we hope to see you again very soon. Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written January 24, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marina

Christchurch8 contributions

Good food, terrible service

Oct 2022 • none

Visited Dux Central on a Sunday for a 30th birthday brunch. I had only heard great things about the place but unfortunately I did not experience a great service. The birthday girl had originally booked the upstairs outdoor area & had confirmed on two phone calls this was the case but on arrival was told 'You cannot book the upstairs area'. We were placed downstairs in the courtyard area across three tables - which was fine. The group moved the three tables together to make it more comfortable for the group. My biggest issue was the service we received. Upon arrival to the bar the staff member who served us was rude & very abrupt. This same staff member later brought drinks to the table & very rudely told us that the tables had to be moved back to how they were because we were '18 people taking up three tables'. She completely ignored everything we had to say & continued to raise her voice very abruptly repeating herself. Coming from a hospitality background I understood where she was coming from but her approach to us as customers was completely uncalled for & she actually put a damper on the whole day! Overall the food was pretty good, all the pizzas were great however all three seafood chowders came out cold which one of the other waitresses was very apologetic for & sorted straight away. The mid morning live music was a nice touch too on a beautiful day but unfortunately due to the terrible service we received it's safe to say we won't be returning.

Written October 30, 2022

Ross H

Hello mlasini93 Thank you for visiting us here at Dux Central for your celebratory day. I am sincerely sorry for the miscommunication regarding the Upper Dux area. this area we don't book, aside from the fact it is not suitable for a group of 22 guests. The manager has advised me that she did ask that you don't move the tables as it would, and did, impede the surrounding tables. Making a square shape negates the sides in the middle from being utilised rather than just the ends when joined. I'm pleased you enjoyed the live music from 1pm. I am sorry for the cold chowders however very please the manager and staff member sorted these straight away. We did appreciate two of your party apologising to the manager and understanding of her situation. I am sorry your experience wasn't as enjoyable as we all hoped. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written November 1, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Juliet W

Winchester2 contributions

Very very slow

Dec 2022 • none

We had booked for 12.00. Arrived at 12.00 and received our food at 1.40. After one hour waiting we were told that some of the food we had chosen was unavailable. On leaving the eftpos machines did not work and rejected some of our cards. When my card was rejected I was told to "try another card or get your friends to pay." I refused and the staff reported to the manager "this woman is refusing to pay." I suggested that waiving my payment (10.00) might be in order anyway since we had waited for 1.40 minutes and I still didn't get what I had ordered. The staff member I spoke to was aggressive and dismissive and suggested again that I was trying to leave without paying. I won't be going back here. I feel that the place is understaffed and is probably a horrible place to work so not really surprised the staff are grumpy. Hope they find better jobs elsewhere.

Written December 13, 2022

Carol H

1 contribution

Really poor experience

May 2023 • none

Had previously dined at the Dux and the food was outstanding. Eager to repeat that experience, my son and I booked in for dinner last night. Much to our surprise, we sat down to order, and were informed that there were no mussels, tofu, pizzas (no bases) or pork. Then by another staff member were informed that no mussels meant any dish that contained mussels, this including platters and chowder. Unfortunately, we had already ordered drinks so were stuck there until we had finished these, which we did quickly, and expressed our disappointment to staff re their now very small menu and that it would have been nice to know this when we booked. To be fair, staff looked embarrassed and were very apologetic. We then went to a little wharf seafood restaurant in Lyttleton and the food was great. I can understand item shortages but over half the menu was not available. Thats not good. Clearly something had gone very wrong behind the scenes.

Written May 25, 2023

Ross Herrick

Hello Carolh thank you for choosing Dux Central however I am deeply disappointed we were unable to provide a number of dishes. As you mentioned, one or two items off is understandable, given we try to offer fresh fare. I sincerely apologise for your experience and hope we might see you again some time in the future. I've looked however I can't see your positive review, when the food was outstanding, possibly on a different platform. I'm sure Fisherman's Wharf would appreciate a positive review. Once again, I am disappointed we were unable to offer you a decent range and I sincerely apologise. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written November 10, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

cpertuti

New York City66 contributions

Surprising seafood stop

Feb 2024 • couples

Stopped to get a bite before our walking tour. Ordered the fish tacos which were delicious but wished they had 3 instead of 2. My partner had the seafood chowder which had heaps of seafood, carrots, leaks & potatoes. Excellent!

Written February 17, 2024

Ross Herrick

Hi cpertuti and Sue Thanks for you and your partner posting your reviews and I'm pleased you enjoyed your experience with us. We priced the taco dish as a pair at $17 as this is generally what we found guests are looking for. We may look at an additional taco at a different price point, based on your comments. Thanks again and I hope the rest of your travels were enjoyable and safe. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written February 10, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andy F

Devizes1394 contributions

Highly Recommended

Mar 2023 • solo

Another great craft beer spot in Christchurch, with plenty of seating and a lively atmosphere. Massive selection of keg craft beer, pub food, live music. They do tasting paddles/ flights for a set price. Highly recommended.

Written May 6, 2023

Ross Herrick

Hello Andy Thanks you for your kind words and and review of your experience with us. We do hope to see you again some time soon. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written November 10, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

susanrichards2017

Christchurch10 contributions

Dissapointing

Nov 2020 • none

This is a regular lunchtime favourite of ours when in the city but today it took nearly 40 minutes to produce a margherita pizza despite the place being almost empty, more staff than customers. Obviously a forgotten order as it arrived 5 minutes after our inquiry. No apologies from the very sheepish waitress! Will stay in the centre in future and save the hassle of moving the car/finding a park. Usually a great place for lunch!

Written November 13, 2020

MoussaLoussa

2 contributions

Very Disappointing

Jun 2020 • none

Just us two guys out for an early meal after work, Dux Dine is wonderful; its a shame the same cannot be said for Dux Central, beers were ok but the food left a lot to be desired! I had the fish burger, fresh catch soft bun etc.... very dry deep fried fish offering and the rest was just average, my mate had a chicken burger, same not good, even the portions were a little light on value too. I guess we wont be going back, there are too manty choices in this town for a repeat visit when you know what you know. Service wasn't good either, this was supposed to be table service, we still had to get up to the bar for attention, in a not very busy pub, there were only a dozen or so diners in the whole place, now I know why.

Written June 11, 2020

juliana e

3 contributions

Deafness included round two

Jun 2021 • family

Just read a previous review I could have cut and pasted. Food was good quality pub food, serving of the meals well timed, waitress was polite. HOWEVER it was so noisy and crowded our group of seven could hardly hear a word, even when shouting to person next to each other. Impossible to hold a conversation, and so uncomfortably loud that half of the group ate their meals outside in the 3deg cold. So unpleasantly crowded that one bar patron practically had her butt brushing my shoulder, and even casually placed her drink on our table. Bar staff did not act when feedback was given, just a 'sorry, nothing we can do'. Could atleast have roped off the eating area, surely!! Such a disappointment, this ruined our night out.

Written June 18, 2021

aotearoanz

Christchurch221 contributions

Good food

Oct 2020 • none

Dined early on a Thursday evening. Had made a reservation so a bit disappointed to find we were seated next to the door leading outside. Very cold and draughty. Food was very good and plentiful - we both opted for the fish which was beautifully cooked and presented. Staff a bit over zealous though and need to learn to wait for people to be seated and settled before asking about orders. We had not even sat down before we were asked re drinks. Even though we asked for a bit of time to settle we were constantly interrupted by two different staff members asking about drinks and food. Maybe a bit if miscommunication between staff as have not encountered this before. Overall though worth a visit. Live music was fantastic

Written October 15, 2020

LateTravels

91 contributions

The Best Curly Fries!

Feb 2020 • business

Relaxed atmosphere, nice menu. The burger & free beer / cider option tonight (Wednesdays) was most appreciated. The recommendation of Ginger Tom (ginger beer) was a welcome change to the standard Sauv Blanc I normally order 🥂 Will definitely be back; even as a single woman..... I didn't feel awkward as I can in other pub type establishments 👍

Written February 18, 2020

classicchch

Christchurch372 contributions

Good Chowder

Feb 2020 • family

The service was good and pleasant. I had the chowder and curly fries. Both were well made. The meat in the chowder was generous, but the depth of seafood unctuousness was missing a bit. Looking forward to going again and trying other dishes.

Written February 21, 2020

RossH716

Hello classicchch Thanks for visiting and for taking the time to post your review. We're pleased you enjoyed your Chowder and curly fired and we look forward to seeing you back again soon, there are loads of other options available. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written February 24, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Journey45359712766

98 contributions

Great place.

Feb 2024 • family

Don't know ow why we chose this place but glad that we did. Great atmosphere, good music, large selection of beverages and very good service from very friendly stall and most of all very tasty food. All personal were pleased with their meals. Thoroughly recommend.

Written February 3, 2024

Ross Herrick

Hello Journey45359712766 I'm also pleased you ended up with us here at Dux Central and thanks for posting your review. I hope the rest of your travels were as enjoyable and we hope you might venture back our way in the near future. Best regards Ross Herrick Operations Manager

Written February 6, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.