Sarah Bolton is the owner and operator of Red Square Bar, a Wellington nightclub that is set to close on May 30 after 23 years in business.
When Red Square first started up, it used to have a pool table, a “loungey” vibe and a focus on cocktails.
It had since become a certified nightclub, with big speakers, DJs and strobe lights to match.
The bar hosted Bolton’s 21st birthday on its opening night, something she remembers fondly.
It was also the after-party venue for acts like rapper Eminem, and had welcomed celebrities such as football star David Beckham and cricketer Chris Gayle.
“It’s been an amazing 23 years, but I’m getting older,” she told the Herald.
“My kids are starting to grow up and they are at a stage where they don’t need Mum out till 4am running a club.”
Red Square Bar used to have a pool table and focused on cocktails but eventually turned into a nightclub.
Her “unsociable” work hours meant she had to leave for work at 9pm and made it tricky to go see her children’s Sunday sports games.
“Half of me wanted my kids to be able to go out to Red Square, but at the same time … I think they are excited to have Mum back on the weekends.”
Bolton said she originally contemplated selling her business to new operators, but ultimately decided against it, saying she wanted it to “go out on a high”.
“It would have been hard watching someone else do it over.”
Red Square bar owner Sarah Bolton with security guards outside her club in 2023.
She said her staff had been “amazing” throughout the process, with some of them having worked at the bar for a decade.
“Over an incredible 23 years, Red Square has been a huge part of Wellington’s nightlife,” the bar’s Sunday night social media announcement read.
“To our loyal regulars who became a second family, thank you – this place would never have been what it was without you.”
The post went on to thank the bar’s current and past staff members for the “countless late nights, hard work, energy and passion” they brought to the club.
“Red Square was only ever as special as the people behind it.”
Members of the public took to the comments to share their memories of the bar.
One person recalled being present for Red Square’s opening night celebration, while another reminisced about dropping their eftpos card there in 2006.
It will open its doors for patrons one last time on May 30.
Bolton also owns Western-themed bar Ponderosa, which remains open.
Janhavi Gosavi is a Wellington-based journalist for the New Zealand Herald who covers news in the capital.