Freeman duo launch new eatery
A new family pizzeria and cafe has moved into the heart of Christchurch suburbia. The Birdwood opened mid-last week on a quiet street in Beckenham.
Husband and wife team Nick and Sarah Freeman are behind the city’s latest establishment.
If their last name sounds familiar that’s because the restaurateurs gave their moniker to their other restaurant, Freemans in Lyttelton.
Opening an eatery close to home has been a goal for the Beckenham residents for more than seven years. ‘‘We love community operations, that’s what we do well. We wanted to own a business in the hub of our community so we can see our neighbours and friends every day,’’ Sarah explains.
The Birdwood has two separate offerings within the same location, a cafe open from 7am to 4pm and next door a woodfired pizzeria open from 3pm to 10pm.
The cafe is ‘‘warm and welcoming’’ with a lot of natural light and bright colours while the pizzeria is ‘‘a little more moody’’. Big booth seating allows families to pile in and a large woodfired pizza oven takes centre stage in the restaurant.
Fans of Freemans’ no-fuss Italian inspired fare will notice similarities at The Birdwood with its pizza and fresh pasta.
Nick previously worked as a chef at a fine dining Italian restaurant in London’s Mayfair. He still enjoys the style of cooking, but these days the food is simpler and more family-focused.
‘‘We want families to feel comfortable here, we’re not fine dining and we don’t want them to break the bank to come here.’’
In the name of affordability it also roasts its own coffee beans. Sarah says by roasting its beans it is able to maintain a reasonable price for coffee and also churn out a superb blend.
The Birdwood, 76 Malcolm Ave, Beckenham, Christchurch.