Venue Pros and Cons: Winter Edition

Our honest opinion on popular venues and their suitability for Winter parties!

Pocket Bar

An aesthetically pleasing snug venue nestled in the heart of Grey Lynn, it's no surprises this is a popular venue with mamas in the Summer months. But how do we rate it in Winter?
Compact in size and access to a bar for drinks makes for a cozy party venue in Winter. We love how well the venue photographs - the only downfall is no designated parking. All parks surrounding the venue are busy public street parks which means you aren't guaranteed close access or parking nearby on party day for guests or vendors. While not too much of a problem in Summer, you and your guests may find it more problematic in pouring rain.
Pros:
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Cozy and warm
- Bar and food
- Reasonable pricing
- Guest toilets
- Tables and chairs available
Cons:
x Designated parking (public parking on a busy so not guaranteed)
x Drive up access (public parking so not guaranteed)

Ari Studio

Picture perfect venue in Kingsland, this venue is super popular for mamas looking for a blank canvas for their special day. With drive up access, it's a dream for party mums and vendors to load into and set up. Compact in size and heaters available on request means a comfortable climate for all. Like many venues, guest parking is limited to the street. That said, Ari Studio is tucked on a quiet side street which means your guests will have a good chance of securing a street park.
Pros:
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Cozy and warm
- Reasonable full and half day pricing
- Drive up access
- Fridge and kitchenette
- Guest toilets
Cons:
x Designated parking (public parking on a busy road so not guaranteed)
x On site food or drink service (you'll need to bring your own food/drinks)
x Tables and Chairs (very limited numbers)

Fort Takapuna - The Barracks

This cosy neutral council venue is a great pick for smaller gatherings in Winter. Drive up access, loads of close parking, and basic on site facilities.. all the things party mums planning an intimate gathering look for.
Pros:
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Cozy and warm
- Cheap full and half day pricing
- Drive up access
- Kitchenette
- Guest toilets
- Tables and chairs available
Cons:
x On site food or drink service (you'll need to bring your own food/drinks)

Grey Lynn Community Centre

Council venues are usually cheap and cheerful however the Grey Lynn Community Centre has a lot going for it! Close parking, cost-effective hire rates and basic on site facilities
Pros:
- Cozy and warm
- Cheap full and half day pricing
- Kitchenette
- Guest toilets
- Tables and chairs available
- Close guest parking
- Drive up access
Cons:
x On site food or drink service (you'll need to bring your own food/drinks)

Old Flat Bush School Hall

A heritage style council venue, this venue is a popular choice for party mums expecting up to 40 guests and want the flexibility of choice in Winter. Nestled in leafy park-like grounds, you have the option of both the hall and surrounding grassed areas for party set up. Exclusive venue parking with an overflow nearby, your guests won't have any trouble finding a park here.
Pros: 
- Cozy and warm
- Cheap full and half day pricing
- Kitchenette
- Guest toilets
- Tables and chairs available
- Close guest parking
- Drive up access
- Park-like setting and grassed areas also available for use
Cons:
x On site food or drink service (you'll need to bring your own food/drinks)

Sunderland Hall Hobsonville

Recently refurbished, this 1940's council facility is great for larger events and has all the modern amenities a party queen could want. Air conditioning, large kitchen, clean bathrooms, space for 100-200 guests, capacity for multiple bouncy castles and soft play areas, tables and chairs, and renovated to the highest standard. Drive up access isn't available but you can get fairly close if parks are available. Pro tip: arrive early to secure close parking for you and vendors to load in
Pros:
- Air conditioning
- Reasonable full and half day pricing
- Kitchen
- Large modern facilities
- Guest toilets
- Tables and chairs available
- Close guest parking
Cons:
x On site food or drink service (you'll need to bring your own food/drinks)
x Drive up access

Have a venue you think is perfect for a winter party? Sharing is caring! Tell us your favourite venues in the comments below xx