El Horno, also known as The Horn, opened in 2008 but has struggled to recapture its history as a “pumping” hotspot.
Robertson and his wife Libby, who took over Snap Fitness Te Aro a year ago, received the keys to the bar last week. They plan to target the over-25 market with live music, cheaper drinks, consistent service and a stronger focus on safety.
Robertson said the feedback he had received most was that over-25s no longer felt there were party bars for their age.
“We want people that want to come in, enjoy some good music, have a good dance, have a good time.”
Although the Robertsons do not drink alcohol, El Horno was once their favourite bar.
After a rugby stint in Madrid, Robertson returned to New Zealand with a craving for Spanish vibes and found it at El Horno.
“We want that to thrive again and we want it to still be that place that reminds people of what Wellington used to be like, whilst also bringing in a new future.”
The couple hope to restore the bar to its glory days with higher standards and a safer environment, particularly for women. They have employed a designated security guard and specially trained staff to identify potential trouble.
The Robertsons, along with other businesses on the strip, want to raise standards while ensuring customers still have a good time.
“One of my biggest gripes is walking into a bar and seeing people in hoodies and shorts and Crocs.”
Music is another part of their plan to bring customers back. Robertson pointed to Arctic Monkeys, Bon Jovi and Tom Petty as examples of the atmosphere he wants to revive.
“You’d be sitting in there for hours just singing them, drinking fine sangria.”
El Horno plans to have a live band once a week.
Robertson would like live music once a week and to continue El Horno’s legacy of promoting local bands and artists.
He was not apprehensive about taking on a Courtenay Place business but said people needed a reason to return to its nightlife.
“For me it was more a calling to come back and actually contribute to Wellington society.”
Robertson said there was nothing quite like Courtenay Place elsewhere in Australasia.
“This is pretty prime real estate, and it can get back to that.”
With Courtenay Place getting new paint, street improvements and new lighting, alongside the long-awaited rebuild of “The Court”, Robertson said he was looking forward to being part of the area’s revival.
Grace Symmans is a Wellington-based reporter who covers news in the capital. Grace joined NZME in 2025 as a producer for Wellington Mornings on Newstalk ZB. She can be emailed at grace.symmans@nzme.co.nz.