‘THE LOCAL TO THE LOCALS SINCE 1885’

Welcome to The Birdcage Tavern

HISTORIC AUCKLAND TAVERN, SPORTS BAR & FUNCTIONS VENUE

The Birdcage was originally known as the Rob Roy Hotel, a wooden building erected in 1865, making it one of Auckland’s most historic taverns. The current building was constructed on the same site in 1885, when Victoria Park was a busy industrial area that included ship builders, sawmills, a brass and iron foundry and glassworks.

The hotel was designed by Edward Mahoney & Sons, who designed many of Aucklands early hotels, as well as St Patricks Cathedral.

Back in the day patrons could reach the hotel by road or water, as it originally sat on the Freemans Bay shoreline. The reclamation of the old bay was completed in 1901, and Victoria Park was created on most of the resulting flat area. The building is now owned by NZTA, who in 2010, famously moved all 740 tonnes, 40 metres in a painstaking process to make way for the Victoria Park tunnel project.

The tavern today is a designated heritage building and is regarded as being one of Aucklands top Gastro pubs. Beautifully restored to its former glory as a neighbourhood tavern under the stewardship of publican Phil Houston, it is a popular functions venue with a large north facing beer garden, serving excellent pub meals complemented by a great selection of NZ craft beers and wines, conveniently located within walking distance from Aucklands Sky Tower, Wynyard Quarter and Ponsonby Rd.

‘ THE LOCAL TO THE LOCALS SINCE 1885 ‘

THE NIGHT WAS PERFECT!

Hi Phil,

Thanks for being a great host and making it a pleasant and enjoyable experience all round. Our friends and family had a great time and we appreciate you accommodating us for this special event. Yes, a lot of sore heads and tired girls today.

Your team on the night were excellent and very friendly to deal with.

Thanks once again

Kind regards…

Jacinta

WE HAD A GREAT NIGHT!

Hi Phil

Just a quick note from me to express how happy we were with how Libby’s 21^st evening went. We had a great night. We really appreciated your experience and guidance in the lead up to the night. This helped us immensely and relieved some of the stress associated with organising the night. You and your team’s communication and willingness to help us has been faultless. Please pass on our thanks to your team. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you to others.

All the best

Regards

Grant

January 2021

YOUR STAFF AND FOOD WERE EXCELLENT!

Hi Phil

We were very happy with Matt’s party on Friday. It’s a great venue and many people commented that having the big outdoor courtyard was a big plus and the giant jenga is also a fun addition. Both your staff and the food were excellent. We would be interested to know the total number who attended from the guest list if you have it?

We will be very happy to recommend the Birdcage as a great party venue and will certainly be keen to use it again when the opportunity arises.

Many thanks, Anna

January 2021

THE NIGHT WAS PERFECT!

Hi Phil,

Thank you so much for hosting my son, Qwan’s 21st. Everything on the night was perfect & went to plan from the moment we arrived to set-up right to the end of the night.

All our guests had an amazing time and commented all night on how great the venue & food was, with about 95% (mainly the younger generation) who’ve never heard or been to the Birdcage before so don’t be surprised if you get more bookings from my family 🙂 They were all very impressed!

I think my decorations might’ve “wowed” them a bit too lol!

The food was great (sadly I was too slow to try the prawns – apparently they were the stars along with the spicy chicken I was told), the staff were polite & helpful – special mention to Mara (I think that’s her name) & your gentle giant guy at the door.

Everything was fantastic!

James & I agreed that it was a huge success, mainly because of “you” 🙂

how attentive & informative you were, your guidance and sharing your knowledge/experience with us on how previous functions went, as well as keeping us updated throughout the night with the staggered timing of the food, bar tab, order of events, staff – everything!

I know all of this must just be 2nd nature & all part of the job for you, however, we are thankful & very appreciative of how you made everything so easy for us which helped in making our night go smoothly & stress free too.

Thank you so very much, we were pleased with everything & couldn’t have asked for a better night! Your service is invaluable!

I will definitely be back to taste the prawns haha! And will definitely also be highly recommending your venue for my work events too!

Thanks again & best wishes for 2021!

Cheers

Trish & James