157 Frederick Street

Starters Bar is located perfectly in Dunedin’s student hub. It operates 5 days a week, catering for a wide range of customers through bar, food, function and nightlife operations. The business is backed by a strong team of staff, focused on good food, exceptional service, and providing a killer nightlife atmosphere. Operating since early 2015 under new management, the current owners have maintained the business, and are expecting a fantastic 2018 period. This is a 10 month a year business, and has afforded the owners a good work/life balance.
The venue has several well utilized areas. Off the main street is the main entrance leading into the public bar that encompasses a varied array of seating, pool table, and a small dining area overlooking the outside courtyard. This area during the day is focused on drink and food operations, a well equipped commercial kitchen and very functional bar. At night this area is multifunctional, entertaining the public and functions.
The outside courtyard is unique. Perfectly laid out this area houses an undercover function area and a public seating area with a large outdoor fire – perfect for patrons to enjoy a quiet drink or catch their breath from dancing up a storm. The dedicated function room is huge and comprises a full stage and sound system, a large bar, and toilet facilities. It is mainly used for functions, but also opens for quiz nights during the week.
Starters Bar is widely known throughout Dunedin and the student population as the bar to kick-start your night. Entertainment wise, it utilises local and national DJs and bands throughout the year, week to week, and is consistently busy Tuesday through to Saturday. It is a common occurrence to be catering for 5+ functions per week! Last year they did 100+ functions!
Starters Bar is not like any other venue in Dunedin, the owners and their team have a unique offering in the market, have positioned the brand perfectly, great food, a pumping night scene, and even a courtesy van! The reputation of Starters Bar is solid and they have full confidence from Council and Police. Opportunities in the future exist through increasing opening days and hours, booking more functions, extending mid-week entertainment offerings etc.