LBQ has been collecting money from beer sales from donated kegs for neighbouring bar Meow which is behind the planned music venue, Meow Nui. Photo: RNZ / Mary Argue
A neighbouring bar is setting trading rivalries aside to raise money for the owners of an under-construction Wellington music venue hit by thieves before it has opened its doors.
Little Beer Quarter (LBQ) has been collecting money from beer sales from donated kegs for its competition and close neighbour, Meow, which is behind the planned venture, Meow Nui.
It was a show of solidarity for the highly anticipated music venue, which is yet to announce a new opening date after blowing past its slated August debut.
Meow Nui was supposed to launch on 31 August but there have been delays. Photo: Chris Schulz, Supplied
LBQ general manager Joe Hirst said a recent theft at Meow Nui prompted him to put out the call for donations.
And local breweries - Mean Doses, Parrot Dog, Hey Day, Garage Project, and Double Vision - stepped up with some kegs.
He said the response from the local hospitality scene was huge.
"They [the brewers] didn't have to do that, especially in the current climate, it's very generous of them."
With all profits from the donated beer sales going to Meow, Hirst said the fact that LBQ was down to its last keg - after only six days of fund-raising - was a testament to the community.
Meanwhile, Dean Moses from Mean Doses Brewery said the initiative highlighted Wellington's tight-knit hospitality industry.
"LBQ is next door to Meow. They've always had a really good relationship despite being two bars basically side-by-side.
"I think it speaks volumes about what the industry is like in Wellington, that they're prepared to do that for a bar beside them, and that a whole bunch of other places are willing to jump in and help a colleague try and get up on their feet."
The initiative highlights Wellington's tight-knit hospitality industry, Dean Moses says. Photo: RNZ / Mary Argue
Meow's under-construction venue, Meow Nui, was due to launch on 31 August, but delays have meant that shows booked there, including Drax Project, Homebrew and the Beths, have had to move.
Moses said the 1000-person venue would significantly add to the vitality and culture of the capital.
A sentiment shared by others out in Wellington on Thursday night.
LBQ bartender Leo Langridge said the city was crying out for a mid-sized music venue with its own set-up.
"Something that is independently owned, locally owned, and of that size ... I think it's an excellent idea."
Meow punters Sophie Kirby and Martin McKee agreed, saying the space would be "revolutionary" and they would "absolutely" go to gigs there.
McKee said he was already anticipating a jazz show in the new space on 19 October and was hopeful it would still go ahead.
Meow Nui co-owner Damian Jones declined to comment.
