Jeremy Stephens and Adam Wood - Mr. Brightside
Jeremy and Adam are business partners in Mr. Brightside Rooftop Bar and both share a love of the hospitality industry. Jeremy arrived on our shores from the UK back in 2009 and Adam from Australia in 2006, both saying the intention was only to stay a short while here in NZ but both never left.
Jeremy recalls starting out in Queenstown not knowing a single thing about the industry but aspects of it intrigued him. Self-taught, he worked his way up to become bar operations manager for the Good Group in Queenstown central.
Jeremy then went on to rep for Moët Hennessy over a four-year period before an opportunity came to get some skin in the game with Aikmans Bar & Eatery in 2018. Soon after, Adam came in as his 2ic and the pair went on to partner in setting up the rooftop bar Mr. Brightside at the start of the covid pandemic in 2019.
Needless to say, it was a tough start, and the pair often thought they should just pull the pin on the project but being in too deep they had to carry on and eventually opened in December 2020. Striving to offer something different, calling their offering “elevated bar food” with an R20 entry, saying it's all about creating a cool adult environment with a big city vibe. Mr. Brightside has a fabulous view over the river and west Christchurch towards Hagley park, catching every sunset that is to be had.
Covid wasn’t kind to the hospitality industry but Jeremy and Adam come across as survivors, so we were keen to hear where they enjoy going and where they see the future opportunities are for Christchurch.
What bars do you like going to here in the city?
Monarch Bar is a new level for Christchurch with an Auckland / Sydney vibe along with King of Snake restaurant - just being a restaurant and doing it very well.
That said, there needs to be a place for the Smash Palaces, who provide that more bohemian offering. New Regent Street is also another area doing some very good hospitality with Gin Gin and Last Word, plus Victoria Street with Boo Radley and Dirty Land - all providing a really good entertainment offer.
What is your favourite place to go?
Riverside is a great place to go and hang out as it is fun and has some great offerings. We also think Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is a real asset for our city and believe Christchurch has the opportunity to be the best and most desirable city in the country.
Where do you see the opportunities for Christchurch?
Cathedral Square is going to be very important to get right. The tenant mix needs to be well thought out and completing the Christchurch Cathedral is at the top of that list. Christchurch is also lacking night clubs so more clubs will help complete our city offer.
CHECK OUT JEREMY AND ADAM'S FAVOURITES
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