About The London
The London Underground Pizza Bar (simply “The London”) is a one-of-a-kind basement venue in central Queenstown that combines a casual pizza restaurant with a lively nightclub atmosphere (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.au ). Located at 36 Shotover Street, it occupies the newly redeveloped basement of the Gerry Lynch building. Spanning roughly 400 square metres and holding about 275 guests, its industrial-chic décor of exposed brick, steel beams and leather booths gives it an authentic “London Tube” vibe in the heart of New Zealand’s alpine resort town (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The name and look are intentional – The London prides itself on serving up “a taste of London nightlife” (www.tripadvisor.com.au ) alongside classic thin-crust pizzas. Opened around 2015, it quickly became a cornerstone of Queenstown’s dining and party scene (www.ticketfairy.com ). By day it welcomes families (with a special kids’ menu) and pizza-lovers, and by night it turns into a buzzing live-music venue with in-house DJs and bands (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.au ). Its consistently high reviews on TripAdvisor note the friendly staff and made-from-scratch pizzas, and locals appreciate how it feels like “London in the far south” without leaving town (www.ticketfairy.com ) .
Events and Programming
The London is a hub for live entertainment practically every weekend (and many weeknights during peak season) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Its calendar is eclectic: you’ll find local cover bands and singer-songwriters sharing a stage with reggae, drum-&-bass and hip-hop DJs, plus thematic dance parties and Latin salsa nights (www.ticketfairy.com ). Regular headline acts include well-known electronic and reggae artists – for example, past line-ups have featured international DJs like Mungo’s Hi Fi, Jappa & Kleu and Ternion Sound (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue even hosts quirky recurring events: its famous “Latino Nights” parties and pool-table tournaments are popular, and it’s the official Meetup point for the Kiwi Crawl bodysurf pub-crawl each Friday and Saturday (the crawl starts here at 9pm with free pizza and bar specials) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Concerts usually carry a cover charge – often around NZ$10–30 for local bands – whereas many of the weekday club nights are free or only a low cover (about NZ$10–20) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Bigger international acts or special festival nights can cost around NZ$25–40 per ticket (www.ticketfairy.com ). Seasonal events are a big deal too: for instance, The London hosts one of Queenstown’s largest New Year’s Eve parties (often tied to the Kiwi Crawl), and Easter weekend often sees multiple DJ sets. In short, there’s almost always something on – from live reggae or R&B beats to rock cover bands or late-night dance parties – so it’s wise to check the schedule or social media ahead of time if you’re visiting and don’t want to miss a show (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
There is no traditional box office at The London. Tickets for concerts and special nights are typically sold online or at the door (via local ticketing platforms or social media announcements) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For popular acts you should expect tickets to sell out in advance, so it’s best to buy as soon as they’re available (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cover charges vary by event: local DJs/bands usually charge about NZ$10–20, while bigger international DJs or festivals run NZ$25–40 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Discounted or free entry sometimes applies on quieter weeknights, but for headline shows plan to pay. On busy show nights there may be a limited number of tickets at the door (if any), so arriving early — often by 8–9pm for concerts or 9–10pm for club nights — is recommended to secure entry (www.ticketfairy.com ). Group bookings and private functions are also accommodated (The London can be booked exclusively for up to ~275 people), but you must arrange these well in advance with the venue (www.ticketfairy.com ). In all cases, keep in mind the venue is licensed, so carry photo ID and be prepared for an age check at the door (most late-night events are 18+) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
The London’s interior is basically one open-plan floor split between dining and dancing. After descending a flight of stairs from street level, you’ll find a restaurant-style area along the sides (with leather booths, high-top tables and bar stools) and a large wooden bar down the center (www.ticketfairy.com ). Towards the rear is an open dance floor in front of a small stage/DJ booth (www.ticketfairy.com ). The space being “mostly open-plan” means even seated diners can see the music action (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acoustics are lively: a powerful club sound system pumps out house, drum’n’bass, reggae or rock at high volume without too much echo (www.ticketfairy.com ). The best spot depends on your vibe. If you’re there for dinner or conversation, pick a booth along the wall away from the main speakers (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you’re in party mode, the front floor or standing area near the stage/bar is ideal – it’s where the energy and sound converge (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practise all seating is general admission (except a few booths reserved for VIP or hire events) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are no truly “bad” seats, but note that any table behind a structural pillar might have a partial sightline, so many guests prefer sitting nearer the edges or front for a clear view (www.ticketfairy.com ). In-house lighting rigs and even a digital projector add to the club ambiance. One practical tip: the system can get very loud during peak shows, so consider ear plugs if you’re particularly sound-sensitive (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
36 Shotover Street is in the very heart of Queenstown’s town centre – just a block up from Steamer Wharf on the lakefront. If you’re driving, the easiest parking is the Wilson car park at 5 Shotover Street (entrances on Shotover St or Stanley St) – it’s a covered lot (≈NZ$5–10 for two hours) only a couple of minutes’ walk away (www.ticketfairy.com ). Street parking is also available on surrounding blocks at meter, but spaces fill up fast on weekend nights, so allow extra time or simply use the paid lot. Ride-share cars and taxis commonly use the nearby Fergburger or SkyCity Casino areas for drop-off and pickup (www.ticketfairy.com ). Public transit is an option too: Queenstown’s Orbus buses (routes 1, 4 and 5) stop on Beach or Camp Street, just a short block from Shotover (www.ticketfairy.com ). Free hotel shuttles often circulate in downtown Queenstown and many stop near Shotover Street as well. If you arrive on foot, The London is about a 5–10 minute stroll from Steamer Wharf or the Earnslaw slipway. Note that there is no train service, and bike parking is limited (you’re better off locking a bike outside). Accessibility-wise, there is a gently sloping curb cut and ramp leading into the building, and pedestrian crossings ensure the area is well-lit and safe after dark (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Inside the Venue
Inside, expect a cool, dimly lit yet welcoming bar-restaurant space. Staff work the long wooden bar and check IDs at the entrance as needed (especially for 18+ events) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The menu is prominently displayed behind the bar: it features NZ-style thin-crust pizzas and homestyle sharing plates made with local ingredients. They even have a novelty “Big Ben” giant 3-metre pizza for large groups or parties (www.ticketfairy.com ). A dedicated kids’ menu (with NZ$10 lunch pizzas/sides) is offered through the early evening, so families often dine here before the nightclub crowd arrives (www.ticketfairy.com ). The drink selection is very Kiwi: on tap you’ll find a wide range of local craft beers (IPAs, lagers, ales from regional brewers) (www.ticketfairy.com ), plus New Zealand wines and classic cocktails. They even rotate a “beer of the week” or event-themed cocktail specials (www.ticketfairy.com ). Service is known to be relaxed but efficient – reviews frequently praise the quick food turnaround and friendly bartenders (www.ticketfairy.com ). The restaurant accepts all major credit cards (including Amex) (www.ticketfairy.com ) and offers free Wi-Fi to patrons. Restrooms (including an accessible toilet) are off the main area (www.ticketfairy.com ), and there’s a small coat/storage rack at the back (suitable for coats or a stroller) but no full-service cloakroom (www.ticketfairy.com ). You’re welcome to take photos or short videos with your phone during events (www.ticketfairy.com ), but professional camera gear is usually not permitted. Note that smoking is not allowed indoors (per NZ law); a sheltered area outside the entrance is provided for smokers (www.ticketfairy.com ). Overall, the atmosphere inside is casual and buzzing – a mix of diners chatting over pizza early on, and later on a lively party vibe with music pumping. One reviewer summed it up: you can “sip cocktails through the day or grab a table of friends at night and stay dancing until closing” (www.ticketfairy.com ). Just remember the “no outside food/drink” rule (tap water is free), bring your ID and smile, and The London will handle the rest (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Nearby Amenities
The London sits in the middle of Queenstown’s dining and nightlife precinct. Next door is the famous Fergburger joint (many visitors say it’s worth lining up for), and the artisan Fergbaker bakery is just around the corner (www.ticketfairy.com ). A block away on Beach Street you’ll find classic Kiwi pubs like Speight’s Ale House and Atlas Beer Cafe (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you head further, the Steamer Wharf area offers waterfront restaurants and bars (and lake-boat tours). Two blocks up Shotover Street is the Skyline Gondola base – great for daytime views of Queenstown (though parking there is limited) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In fact, rooftop bar The Sundeck shares the same building as The London and offers lake views from upstairs in summer (www.ticketfairy.com ). Numerous hotels are also within easy walking distance: for example, the Copthorne Lakefront, Millennium, Novotel Lakeside, Crowne Plaza and Hilton Queenstown are all just a short stroll away on adjacent streets (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Rydges also has a few lodges almost at Shotover’s corner.) Late-night eats beyond pizza are nearby too: The Cow food truck (pizza and pasta) and World Bar (American comfort food) are a short walk away, and there are several liquor stores (“bottle shops”) on Shotover Street if you want to pick up drinks after-hours (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, The London itself often becomes a landmark meet-up spot for tours and pub crawls, thanks to its central location on busy Shotover Street (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What Makes This Venue Special
The London stands out for both its unique setting and its role in Queenstown’s culture. It’s the only true “underground” club-style venue in town, giving it a novelty factor – locals call it a “London Tube” party in the Alps (www.ticketfairy.com ). The industrial-inspired design (concrete floors, bricks and vintage London posters) feels like an urban oasis amid the mountains (www.ticketfairy.com ). When it opened in 2015, it introduced a fresh kind of nightlife space to Queenstown. In just a few years it has earned a reputation for legendary party nights: one write-up notes that nearly every weekend feels like a big event there (www.ticketfairy.com ). It also helped kickstart Queenstown’s modern bar scene, anchoring the popular Kiwi Crawl pub-crawl tour as its starting point (www.ticketfairy.com ). Yet it never lost its casual hospitality – you can enjoy award-winning craft beers, cocktails and local wines while dining on top-rated pizza, then seamlessly transition to a dance party when the DJs start. This blend of friendly dinner-and-drinks with club-quality music (plus family-friendly touches in daylight hours) makes The London a beloved local venue and a draw for visitors who want both great pizza and a true taste of Queenstown nightlife.
Visitor Tips and Information
Before you go, keep a few practical tips in mind. The London’s dress code is casual – shorts, jeans and T-shirts are perfectly fine (you’ll fit right in with other guests and backpackers). The kitchen closes at a certain time each night (typically around 9–10pm), so if you want a late meal it’s wise to arrive early or verify last food orders with staff. It’s also helpful to arrive well before showtime: popular events often queue up early, and arriving 30–60 minutes before the advertised start can ease entry (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always carry valid photo ID if you plan to drink – bouncers will check IDs at the door for 18+ entry (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you get cold or need to step away from the crowd, note that there is no formal cloakroom, although a small rack at the back can hold coats or a stroller (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cell phones are allowed (indeed guests often snap pics), but professional camera or audio gear is not (www.ticketfairy.com ). Don’t bring your own liquor or food, as outside beverages and meals are not permitted (www.ticketfairy.com ) – instead enjoy the full bar and tap water on site. If you have mobility needs, rest assured there is ramp access into the venue and an accessible restroom available (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). One final tip: the music can be very loud late on. If you’re sensitive to noise, consider wearing ear protection during peak dance sets (this is a common suggestion from locals) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Otherwise, come ready to relax and have fun – the friendly staff and midsummer-gorgeous mountain setting make The London a memorable place whenever you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I buy tickets for events at The London and how much do they cost?
Tickets are generally sold online or at the door since there’s no on-site box office (www.ticketfairy.com ). Pricing varies by event: local DJs or bands usually have covers of NZ$10–20, whereas larger international acts or special nights run closer to NZ$25–40 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many weekday club nights are free or only charge a small entry fee. It’s best to buy early (or arrive promptly) for popular shows to avoid sell-outs (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Where can I park when visiting The London?
Parking downtown is limited. The nearest public lot is the Wilson Parking at 5 Shotover Street (a short walk away), which typically costs around NZ$5–10 for a couple of hours (www.ticketfairy.com ). Metred street parking is available on Shotover and adjacent streets (coins or pay-by-phone), but it fills up fast, especially on weekend evenings. Many guests prefer using that paid parking or rideshare/taxi drop-offs at adjacent landmarks (Fergburger or SkyCity Casino, for example) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Which buses or public transport options serve The London?
Queenstown’s Orbus bus routes 1, 4 and 5 stop near Beach or Camp Street, giving easy access just a block from Shotover Street (www.ticketfairy.com ). These buses circulate through the town centre and connect to Frankton (near the airport) via Frankton Road. In addition, several of the free local shuttle buses (often operated by hotels) have stops or routes close to The London. On foot, The London is about a 5–10 minute walk from Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf area.
What are the best places to sit or stand for a show at The London?
Seating is first-come-general-admission. If you’re dining or want a quieter spot, aim for one of the leather booths or high tables along the walls, which are away from the main speakers (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you’re there to dance or watch the act, the standing area in front of the stage/DJ booth is best – it lets you feel the bass and see the performers. The middle floor near the bar is great for shouting along or mixing. In practice, there’s no truly “bad” seat, but be aware that central pillars can obstruct sight-lines in some spots (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is there a coat check or secure storage for belongings?
The London does not have a staffed cloakroom. However, there is a small rack/area at the back of the restaurant section where you can keep any coats, bags or a baby stroller while you’re inside (www.ticketfairy.com ). For safety, it’s best to keep valuables on your person.
What is The London’s age policy or restriction?
The London generally welcomes all ages early in the evening, and it offers a kids’ menu during dinner service (www.ticketfairy.com ). After dark, most shows and club nights are strictly 18+, in line with their alcohol license and local law (www.ticketfairy.com ). ID checks are standard at the entrance for late-night events. (www.ticketfairy.com )
Can I bring my own food or drinks into The London?
No. By policy (and standard bar practice), outside food and drinks are not allowed (www.ticketfairy.com ). The London has a full bar and kitchen, so visitors are expected to purchase from the venue. (Fresh tap water is always available for free.)
Is The London wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue advertises itself as officially wheelchair-accessible (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is a gently sloping ramp into the restaurant level (www.ticketfairy.com ) and at least one accessible restroom inside. Staff are generally helpful with accommodating accessibility needs.
Does The London have Wi-Fi and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for customers. The venue accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx etc.) (www.ticketfairy.com ) in addition to cash.
Can I take photos or record video inside The London?
Casual photography with a smartphone is fine (many patrons snap pictures) (www.ticketfairy.com ). However, bringing professional cameras or video equipment is typically not allowed. During quiet periods small TVs may play sports, but once live music starts the house sound and lights take over the experience (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What is the dress code at The London?
The vibe is casual. There’s no strict dress code – most people wear jeans, shorts or casual shirts. You’ll blend in whether you come straight from a hike or a work meeting. (Dress warmly in colder months when going between the street and the basement.)
Can The London be rented out for a private event or party?
Yes. The entire venue (both dining and bar areas) can be booked for private functions of up to 275 people. For a private party or corporate event, you should contact the venue well ahead of time to arrange the details (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What is the famous “Big Ben” pizza?
The “Big Ben” pizza is a novelty menu item – a giant 3-metre-long pizza that The London will bake to order for very large groups or special occasions (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s essentially their signature family-size pizza (the venue was playful in naming it after London’s clock tower). You’ll usually need several people to tackle it!
Is there a starting point for any local bar-hopping tours at The London?
Yes. The London is the official meet-up spot for the Kiwi Crawl pub-crawl. On Friday and Saturday nights the Kiwi Crawl kicks off here around 9pm with free treats (including pizza) and then tours five nearby bars (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many pub-crawl participants use the London as a landmark and starting point for an evening out.
When does The London open each day?
The London typically opens in the late afternoon and stays open into the night. (Current posted hours are around 5:00pm till late on Wednesday through Sunday, with earlier bar/happy-hour service on weekends.) Exact open/close times can vary by night, so it’s best to check the venue’s updated schedule. If you’re dining, aim for arrival not long after the listed opening time to avoid missing dinner service.
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