About Slam Club
Slam Club opened on Kaikōura's West End in 2016, just before the Kaikōura earthquake, and built its name on gourmet toasted sandwiches. They are filled with game, venison, duck or pork and come with roasted potatoes. Head chef Philipp Valentin, an Austrian who has lived in Kaikōura for more than 15 years, has cooked there since the start.
The kitchen specializes in smoked wild meats. The barbecue smoked meat platter brings pork ribs, brisket, chicken wings and pork belly, and other dishes include a pulled pork sandwich, hoisin roast duck, salads of quinoa and roasted vegetables with a choice of meat, a weekly fish dish from sustainable local catch, and a breakfast skillet with vegetarian and vegan versions. Dessert might be the chef's Austrian-style apple strudel. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are catered for.
It opens Thursday to Sunday, with lunch from 12pm and dinner from 5:30pm until the kitchen closes at 9pm, and it is closed Monday and Tuesday. Bookings are recommended for dinner. There is craft beer on tap and locally roasted coffee, and a quiz night runs on Wednesdays from 6:30pm. Private functions can be arranged.
Lavendyl Lavender Farm is about 7 km north of town, around 10 minutes' drive. Spend the late morning in the lavender and come back to West End for a toastie lunch.
What to do
- Order a game toastie with venison, duck or pork
- Share the barbecue smoked meat platter
- Try the chef's Austrian-style apple strudel
- Join Wednesday quiz night from 6:30pm
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round
- Hours
- Thursday–Sunday: lunch from 12pm, dinner from 5:30pm (kitchen closes 9pm); closed Monday and Tuesday; quiz night Wednesday from 6:30pm
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Book ahead for dinner.
- It is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan a weekend visit.
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available; ask staff.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lavendyl Lavender Farm · about 10 minutes away
Lavendyl Lavender Farm is about 10 minutes north; visit the gardens, then come back to West End for lunch.
Getting there
Questions
When is Slam Club open?
Thursday to Sunday for lunch from 12pm and dinner from 5:30pm; closed Monday and Tuesday.
What is Slam Club known for?
Gourmet toasted sandwiches filled with game, venison, duck or pork, and smoked wild meats.
Do I need a booking?
Bookings are recommended for dinner.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Kaikōura, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
