Full Breakdown
Deadshot Bar in Ponsonby Closes After Eight Years Amid Auckland Hospitality Wave
6/3/2026, 4:56:52 AM
The Final Night: Deadshot’s Closure Announcement
Deadshot, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Ponsonby Road, announced it will cease operations after eight years of service. The owners, a couple who also run the Caretaker and Rocketman bars in Britomart, cited “family changes” as the primary reason for the shutdown. The bar’s final night is scheduled for early June 2024.
Owners’ Rationale and Operational Philosophy
In their public statement, the owners emphasized that their venues have always been “owner-operator” establishments, a model they consider non-negotiable. They highlighted a desire to spend more time with family and to focus on their remaining bars. The statement also thanked patrons for a decade of support and described the bar’s role as a “little bar” for hospitality workers and night-time clientele.
Timeline of Notable Moments
- 2016 – Deadshot opens on Ponsonby Road, offering a menu-free service where bartenders craft drinks to individual preferences.
- 2018 – The bar gains national attention after turning away pop star Pink’s entourage due to capacity constraints.
- 2024 – Owners announce closure, citing family considerations while confirming continued operation of Caretaker and Rocketman.
Data on Auckland Hospitality Liquidations
Centrix reported a 17 % year-on-year rise in company liquidations for April 2024, approaching the highest levels since 2010. Within the hospitality sector, 414 liquidations were recorded, a 49 % increase from the previous year. The trend follows recent closures of long-standing venues such as the Verona café and bar on Karangahape Road (34 years) and Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill (operating since 1988).
Impact on the Local Hospitality Community
Deadshot’s shutdown removes a venue that catered to shift workers and late-night patrons, reducing employment opportunities for bar staff and limiting options for nearby establishments that relied on its collaborative network. The closure reflects a broader contraction in Auckland’s hospitality landscape, where rising liquidations threaten the viability of small, owner-operated bars.
Official Statements & Responses
- The owners’ announcement underscored the importance of the owner-operator model and expressed gratitude to customers and staff.
- Neighbouring bar 39 Ponsonby described Deadshot as “phenomenal neighbours, astounding collaborators and wonderful hosts,” praising the guidance and support the venue provided to the local hospitality ecosystem.
- Centrix’s data release framed the closures as part of a sector-wide increase in liquidations, noting hospitality as the fastest-rising contributor to the trend.
On-the-Ground Reactions
Local restaurateurs and patrons responded with personal messages of appreciation. Simon Benoit, manager of the nearby Cazador restaurant, posted a farewell note, while several regulars highlighted the bar’s unique, menu-free approach to cocktail service.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For us, having our bars be owner-operator bars has always been non-negotiable,” — Owner, Deadshot
- “One of our favourite things about this industry is visiting venues and being served by the people who dreamed the place up, it’s part of the magic.” — Owner, Deadshot
- “Man, I’ve been to some cool bars around the world, and Deadshot on Ponsonby Rd is not one of them,” — Pink, pop star (Twitter)
- “Someone from the crew came back in and asked if they could book a private space for 30 people,” — Deadshot spokesperson (to Newshub)
- “I will be missing it very much. Thank you for all the incredible nights, drinks and laughter!!” — Simon Benoit, restaurant manager, Cazador
What’s Next for the Owners and the Scene
The proprietors will concentrate on operating Caretaker and Rocketman in Britomart, both of which remain open. Industry analysts expect continued monitoring of hospitality liquidations, with Centrix slated to release quarterly updates that may signal further venue closures in Auckland’s evolving bar landscape.
