Antarctic Connection

Because of our geographical location New Zealand, and Christchurch in particular, have long been the departure point for expeditions to Antarctica, now known simply as The Ice. Bailies Irish Bar and Restaurant in Cathedral Square has an enduring place in the city’s polar history so if you are fascinated by The Ice come and visit us.

Location of 1901 Captain Scott Antarctic Expedition Banquet

In 1901 the citizens of Christchurch and the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury held a formal farewell dinner for Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Scott’s Discovery Expedition. Over 100 guests attended including Scott’s naval and scientific staff, biologist, medical doctor and zoologist as well as local dignitaries.

A year earlier the dining room had been rebuilt after the Great Fire so the new crystal, porcelain and silver glittered under the sparkling electric chandeliers as the guests enjoyed a seven course meal.

Scott’s aim was to be the first man to reach the South Pole but the expedition had to turn back 850km from their destination. In 1909 a second expedition made it to the South Pole, but they were beaten by another polar adventurer Roald Amundsen. None of the Scott team survived that trip.

On 10 December 2001, a centenary Scott dinner was held in the main dining room at Bailies Irish Bar and Restaurant. Almost 100 people, including mountaineer and polar explorer Sir Edmund Hillary and his wife Lady Hillary, sat down to enjoy the same seven course menu as had been prepared a 100 years earlier. Since then the room has been known as the Scott Room.

Command Post for Lieutenant Ernest Shackleton’s British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909

Lieutenant Ernest Shackleton had been a junior officer on Scott’s Discovery expedition. Before his own 1907-1909 expedition he made Warners (now Bailies Irish Bar and Restaurant ) his command post and maintained an office here.

US Antarctic Operation DeepFreeze Memorabilia

US Antarctic personnel also have a strong connection with Bailies Irish Bar and Restaurant. Each year they donate Antarctic memorabilia to decorate the bar walls, each crew competing to provide the most eclectic souvenir. Pride of place goes to a photo of an aircrew relaxing on The Ice with our barbeque tables, chairs, sun umbrella and sandwich board “borrowed” from outside the hotel. One couple even got married in our function room.

Featured in the Antarctic movie Eight Below

In 2006 we received a request from Disney asking if Bailies Irish Bar signage could be used as set decoration in the motion picture Eight Below. We gladly gave permission. Yet another connection with Antarctica that began over a hundred years ago!

Antarctic Heritage Trail

Christchurch is heaven for Antarctica aficionados. Pop into Bailies Irish Bar and Restaurant for details about other fascinating Antarctic places to visit including the Below Zero Ice Bar, the Captain Robert Falcon Scott statue and Canterbury Museum.

Event Updates

Information

Function room now available for bookings

Bookings Call 03 366 5159