Code

Being a big drum and bass fanboy and spending many eardrum-​piercing nights at the old Fu Bar under Queen street, I was always a fan of underground venues, so when my friends and I found out about Code after Fu closed down, we though, sure, why not? Let’s see if it recaptures that filthy, dirty, punch-the-bass-so-hard-it’ll-drop-the-roof-on-you experience we craved.
And to start with, Code most certainly did this. To their credit, they don’t play the same top forty tracks as a lot of other clubs around town, and the music is really what I’m here for, but these days it’s become less of a place to really enjoy the music, and just another sweaty box with way too many posers.
Maybe I’m old and jaded, I don’t know, but while it’s fun to venture down every now and then, it’s not on my must-​do list for a Saturday night.

With any night out comes the inevitable prospect of facing a big sweaty line at the doorway to a club. Code is no exception. I have memories where I feel like the majority of my night was spent in the line for Code. I’d stand for a while, lean against the wall, nibble on my Pringles, gossip with the girls, yell to some friends I spot across the road, beckon them over for a chat, talk about plans for the night… and we’re still only half way down the line.
Oh well, at least once inside I always had a good time. I love the layout of this place. You walk in and first you see the bar to your right… perfect — TEQUILA SHOT TIME. Then you can stumble around the corner and past the seating area or just straight on through into the mosh. I’m a mosh girl so I usually get straight in and start cranking. As Katie said it’s a little on the dark side, which means no one is judging your erratic movements. Yes there are creepy crawley hands sifting around but you get that anywhere in my opinion! Make sure you’re in a group and it’ll be a fantastic night on the d-​floor!

Code, code, code. What to say about this magnificent joint… My guilty pleasure.
This club is the dirtiest of dirty and I enjoy coming here as a change from my usual 1885 or when I want to dance to grimy music and not care about what I look like.
The music is great — always up to trend and dancey.
The first rule of Code is that you must never admit to any one that you are going there or you will be judged for eternity. Or you have to at least say you are going there as a joke. It is comprised of about 89% guys on the hunt for girls. Code is certainly not classy but it IS fun. The stripper pole is a nice touch too.

Code is ok. Much more ok than its counterpart Met. Code is one of those places you inevitably end up when having a night out with the girls. The only problem is that it attracts an awful lot of drop kicks. I haven’t had a single night out there that I haven’t had to protect my friends and myself from unwanted attention from teenage guys. But apart from that, I really like the music they play and it’s dark enough for you to dance any way you want without feeling self conscious. It’s also one of those clubs where there is actually enough room for everyone to dance, you don’t feel like you’re being packed in like a sardine which is great. I’d recommend it for a fun night out for the girls but maybe bring a few token guys as body guards along!

Finally, a club around Queen Street that actually plays good music. After the disappointment of establishments like Margaritas and Globe (see my other reviews), I’ve grown quite fond of this little gem on Shortland Street.
Code is a fairly large club (by Auckland standards anyway) and has a dancefloor at the back and a big seating area just as you walk down the stairs, so is great if you want to dance but means you’re not hovering around the edge if you don’t.
I love that they play drum ‘n’ bass. Drinks are pretty reasonably priced and the clientele is usually students or backpackers looking to have a good time so the atmosphere is young and upbeat. The bar can get really busy and it often feels like they just don’t put enough staff on for busy nights. I’ve been in there twice and have found myself waiting for ages to get served a drink. Other than that, I’d recommend it.