Paddy McNaughton's is an Irish bar and pub in central Christchurch, described as bringing a touch of old Ireland to the city. The pub is named after Patrick Norton, a young Irishman transported to New South Wales in 1810 after a theft conviction, who sailed seven months from Ireland on the convict ship Providence before escaping to become a sailor and whaler. He eventually settled at Te Awaiti in the Marlborough Sounds, living and working alongside Māori before the Treaty of Waitangi, and married Makareta Tangitu of Ngāi Tahu. Legend has it that in 1850 he wandered into Old Christchurch and crossed paths with John Shand, who swore he'd never lease his building to "the colourful character" — a story the pub now honours with the name hanging above its door.
Paddy's runs a packed weekly programme: Games Night on Mondays, a Traditional Irish Session from 7pm on Tuesdays (with a Pop Up Gaeltacht on the first Tuesday of every month), Quiz Night from 6:30pm on Wednesdays, Live Music from 8pm on Thursdays, a Friday combination of BBQ, Chase the Ace and live music from 9pm, more live music on Saturdays from 9pm, and Sport Sundays with sport on all day and $12 Guinness all day. The pub also hosts ticketed Whiskey Tasting experiences.
The pub is a dog-friendly establishment that does not take reservations — it's first come, first served. Paddy McNaughton's is part of the Inkster Company group of Christchurch venues, alongside sister pubs O.G.B, The Church Pub, Austin Club, Civil & Naval, Fox & Ferret, The Prebbleton Hotel, and Fanny's Pub.
Paddy McNaughton's sits on Manchester Street in central Christchurch, bringing what it calls "a touch of old Ireland" to the city. The pub's name carries real history — it comes from Patrick Norton, a young Irishman convicted of theft in County Galway and transported to New South Wales in 1810, never to return to Ireland.
Patrick sailed for seven months on the convict ship Providence, serving out a seven-year sentence before escaping and forging a new life as a sailor and whaler. He crewed coastal trading vessels, faced the dangers of the southern ocean on sealing ships, and eventually became a pioneer settler and shore whaler at Te Awaiti in the Marlborough Sounds — a decade before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Alongside other legendary whalers of the period, Patrick lived and worked with Māori under the control of Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha, and integrated into the community by marrying Makareta Tangitu, a woman of high standing in Ngāi Tahu.
Legend has it that in 1850, Patrick made his way to Old Christchurch and crossed paths with John Shand, who reportedly swore he would never lease his building to such a colourful character. Today, the name "Paddy McNaughton" hangs proudly above that very building's door — a fitting, tongue-in-cheek tribute to Patrick's tenacity.
Paddy's runs a full weekly programme built around its Irish roots. Mondays bring Games Night, while Tuesdays are given over to a Traditional Irish Session from 7pm, with a Pop Up Gaeltacht held on the first Tuesday of every month. Wednesdays mean Quiz Night from 6:30pm, and Thursdays bring live music from 8pm. Fridays combine a BBQ, the card game Chase the Ace, and live music from 9pm, while Saturdays continue the live music from 9pm. Sundays are Sport Sundays, with sport on all day and Guinness priced at $12 for the whole day. The pub also runs ticketed Whiskey Tasting sessions for those wanting a deeper dive into its spirits selection.
The food menu keeps things simple and hearty: a classic Shepherds Pie served with salad or fries, Pork Bangers & Mash finished with red wine jus and baby peas, Cheesy Chips with either gravy or curry sauce, and a Spice Bag described as the pub's "go-to hero." On tap, Guinness, Kilkenny and Two Harps Lager anchor the beer list, alongside lighter and non-alcoholic options like Steinlager Light, Little Bird 0%, and Guinness 0%.
The wine list features New Zealand labels from Leefield (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir), Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Rosé, Huntaway Hawke's Bay Syrah, and Lindauer Prosecco. True to its Irish identity, the spirits list leans heavily into Irish gin and vodka — Dingle Gin, Dingle Vodka, the Drumshanbo range (Gunpowder Original, California Orange Citrus, and Italian Fig & Laurel), Graham Norton's Pink and Marmalade gins, and Method and Madness. Liqueurs include Baileys Irish Cream, Shanky's Whip, Baby Guinness, Tia Maria and Hennessy Cognac.
Paddy McNaughton's is a dog-friendly establishment that doesn't take reservations — it's first come, first served. The pub is open Monday to Thursday from 3pm until late, and Friday to Sunday from 12pm until late. It's located at 217 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central, and can be reached at (03) 930 7696 or [email protected]. Event enquiries go to [email protected]. Paddy's is part of the Inkster Company group, alongside sister venues O.G.B, The Church Pub, Austin Club, Civil & Naval, Fox & Ferret, The Prebbleton Hotel, and Fanny's Pub.