Pequeño Lounge Bar

Pequeño is a warm and comfortable lounge bar with leather chairs and couches situated in the basement of the historic Savoy building. With our knowledgeable and friendly staff serving a variety of local and international wines, spirits, cocktails, and single malt whiskeys, Pequeño offers an atmospheric alternative for those seeking refuge from the city bars. The bar features an open fire with authentic brick interior, and an outdoor smoking area.

Pequeño first opened its doors in march 2002. With its decor mainly sourced in Spain it gave Dunedin its first “European style… hard to find… upmarket bar.” Dunedin now had something similar to those venues usually found down the backstreets of London, Madrid or Melbourne.

But it is not the first time this location had been used as a watering hole. The famous Savoy building has been operating in Dunedin since the early 1900’s. The space had been used for many years for Caretakers storage.

However, earlier in the century a clandestine group of jazz and liquor enthusiasts enjoyed some famous parties in the room which then was simply called the Stables. Clues from the room's original use as a stable still remains.

The premises was no doubt unlicensed which probably led to its popularity. Food was sent down to the revelers via a dumb-waiter from the Savoy upstairs. There are some interesting tales to be heard from those who are still around to remember.