According to local folklore, the Ponsonby Pool Hall has been operating since the early 1900s.
My recollections go back to my early days of the 50s and 60s. Situated originally at the top of College Hill, and known as the College Hill Billiard Hall, it has reflected the changing times of the neighbourhood.
In the days of 6’oclock closing, it was the place for the menfolk to head to for an evening when the pubs shut. On Saturdays it teemed with eager gamblers, sharks and hopefuls, playing a cut throat, quick-fire game called ‘Alleys’. Like its counterparts worldwide, it operated in a murky twilight world, living up to the ‘dens of iniquity’ tag line that was so often used to describe them. As liquor laws became more relaxed, and many more leisure activities became available, the heyday of the pool halls came to an end. From having a presence in most suburbs of Auckland, the College Hill Billiard Hall was virtually the last one standing when I became involved in 1989.
For all of its shortcomings, a redeeming feature was that it filled a niche as a social hub; so when the walls came tumbling down in 1992, I was determined it would survive and continue to be a special part of Ponsonby - hence the community-assisted shift to 106 Ponsonby Road, under the Ponsonby Food Court. Replacing the background of horse racing commentaries with an eclectic music mix, and obtaining one of the first liquor licenses for a pool hall - making cleanliness and behavioral standards paramount - helped to ensure further generations have been able to continue to enjoy a pastime that has entertained and challenged people for so many years.
The Ponsonby Pool Hall means so many things to so many people. For some it is a place to hone their playing skills, to others a venue for socialising, and for an increasing number of businesses a place to hold a corporate function or a team-building exercise. A refreshing aspect is the large female clientele - a far cry from the virtually male domain of the past.
So from the days of its smoky, dubious past, the PPH has changed and adapted constantly. Not only does it sit alongside the current array of hospitality venues, it has become a must visit part of the Ponsonby experience. Over time it has played host to many thousands of patrons including some well-known faces. Imagine looking across to the next table to see U2 playing doubles, or Roger Waters keenly potting the nine ball. Anthony Kiedis of RHCP even fondly recalls a visit here in his 2004 autobiography. Indeed, our very own Che-fu, Karl Urban, Dai Henwood, Justine Smith, and The wonderful Headless Chickens have all been more than casually acquainted with PPH.
Without a doubt the heart and soul of the business are the customers who year after year - 32 on my watch - have enabled us to keep on keeping on. Long may that continue. Thank you all!
Ponsonby Pool Hall, 106 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2356, www.ponsonbypoolhall.co.nz
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