BASE Woodfired Pizza Restaurant

BASE Woodfired Pizza is a family business created in late 2010 by Chris, Andy and Rod Thomson. What started out as a way of enjoying good food with family and friends evolved into a business venture largely due to the many positive comments made about the pizzas. As a family we spent time gathered around our own woodfired oven at home trying out different flavour combinations until we felt we had got it right. It became a social event with neighbours often joining in to share freshly baked woodfired pizzas…

“Immediately after the September earthquake we found ourselves cooking in our woodfired oven for all our neighbours due to the power outage and that was when the business idea was born.”

First came the mobile woodfired oven concept – fast food with a difference that was well received at many events and festivals all over Canterbury. We credit the SCIRT World Buskers Festival for launching us into the wider Christchurch Community.

In May 2011 we took up the offer of a spot in the foodcourt at Re:Start Mall, initially with the mobile unit and then with a custom fitted shipping container – freeing up the mobile until to continue to attend events and functions Canterbury wide.

Every inch of the 10 foot high cube shipping container has been utilised – centrepiece is a large wood burning pizza oven imported from Italy. Bricks recycled from demolished Christchurch buildings line the walls to give a feeling of permanance and stability. It is a nod to the Christchurch of old and a symbol of hope for the new Christchurch.

All ingredients for the pizzas are fresh and locally sourced therefore enabling us to support other Canterbury businesses – simply the best NZ has to offer.

After a few great years with the mobile unit we have moved away from the festivals and catering events to focus our efforts on our Re:Start mall store in an attempt to maximise our quality and service.

The Court Theatre [Bernard St, Addington] was one of the spots we took our mobile unit to.

A short time after selling the unit we were approached by the Court asking us to consider teaming up with them to offer a permanent food option for their patrons. We were delighted to be invited back and so BASE @ the Court was created, a great little spot as you come into the foyer.

Theatre goers have the option of pre-ordering pizzas with their show tickets online. The convinience for customers has been well received, and BASE continues to grow thanks to the courts vision.

Even if you aren’t attending a show you can just come in to the court to enjoy the pizza itself – It’s a very welcoming spot + a great place to spend an hour or two, order a pizza and a drink at the bar!

We now operate out of ‘Little High’ which is a co-operative of eateries, that base is proud to be a part of. The opportunity to take up a spot there was thanks to our connections with Re:start mall. 

The Peebles Group – who have sinced purchased the Re:start Mall – approached us with the bones of an idea and it grew from there. ‘Little High’ has a mix of Re:start veterans along with some exciting newcomers.

‘Little High’ is open 10am – 10pm Sunday – Wednesday & 10am – 12am Thursday – Saturday.

An eclectic vibrant space that will offer customers a tremendous selection of quality food options. It is licensced and “Mouse called Bean” will help satisfy your caffeine cravings. Communal seating both inside and out along with music and special events.

BASE itself have expanded our menu and we also now serve wine and craft beer supplied by Brew Moon @ Amberley.