(upstairs) · down the laneway · 4pm till late
Private events & venue hire
No hire fee.
A function venue in the middle of Christchurch
Private dining, cocktail functions or the whole building — up to 240 guests across two levels, and a team that carries the night.
Bar Franco · 01 · Enquire
Let's plan your event
Tell us the date, the headcount and the kind of night — the events team takes it from there.
Prefer to talk? events@barfranco.nz · 021 221 1307 · Download the PDF pack
Bar Franco · 02 · Why Franco
Two levels, zero venue hire fee
Take a level or the whole building. The team handles the food, the drinks and the flow of the night, so you can stay in the room with your guests.
From an intimate private dinner to a 240-strong cocktail party — generous Italian hospitality, every time.
240guests across both levels
2levels to hire
0venue hire fee
Bar Franco · 03 · The spaces
Pick a level — or take both
Level 1
The Negroni Bar
A low-lit room built around the bar — for cocktail functions and stand-up celebrations.
Standing120
Seated80
Level 2
The Restaurant
An open-kitchen dining room made for the long table and seated celebrations of any kind.
Standing120
Seated90
Bar Franco · 04 · Occasions
Whatever you're celebrating
Private dining
Long-table dinners with a shared Italian menu, for the milestones worth marking.
Corporate & team
Client dinners, team nights and work Christmas parties with seamless service.
Birthdays
21sts, 30ths, 40ths and every milestone — long tables and free-flowing drinks.
Engagements & weddings
Intimate dinners and full-venue receptions, with the romance built in.
Cocktail functions
Stand-up evenings around the bar — spritzes, Negronis and roving plates.
The whole building
Both levels for up to 240 guests — the whole venue, and the whole night.
Bar Franco · 05 · Good to know
Function questions
How many guests can you hold?
Up to 240 across both levels — around 165 seated, or the whole venue for a standing cocktail function. Single-level hire is available too.
Is there a venue hire fee?
No. We work to a food and beverage minimum spend instead, tailored to your event, date and space.
Can you cater dietaries?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most allergies — just let us know when you confirm.
How far ahead should I book?
For Friday and Saturday nights and December, as early as you can. Midweek dates are often free at shorter notice.
Can I book a large group without hiring a level?
Yes — for ten or more we'll set you up with the events team and a shared menu, no hire needed.
Do you offer set menus for groups?
Shared Italian set menus built around your group, budget and dietaries, from antipasti to dolci.
Can you host a private birthday dinner?
One of our favourite things. Tell us the occasion and we'll make it special.
Booking the work do?
December dates go first — lock yours in.