The Church’s journey began back in 2013 when the Christchurch Heritage Trust bought the severely quake-damaged stone building. Built as the Trinity Congregational Church in Gothic revival style in the mid-1870s, it was later a Pacific Island church, then a wedding venue and then the Octagon restaurant.

When the 2010 and 2011 quakes wrecked the church and brought down its tower, the trust stepped in to buy and strengthen it. And leased it to the Inkster company.

Southern Hospitality and Inkster Company go back to 2015, when Scott Waddell (Project Sales Manager at SHL) undertook the first project with Nick Inkster to build a 1930s-themed bar and a small plate offering for an OGB (Old Government Building).

Over the year we have done few more projects for the Inkster Company including The Parlour, and the esteemed Austin Club.

But the real magic happened when Nick set his sights on Paddy McNaughtons Old Ale House. With a bold vision and an unwavering commitment to heritage, Nick and his team started the work to bring the old Trinity Church into a larger-than-life venue.

The Projects Team at Southern Hospitality was there to support Inkster Company when they requested assistance with the kitchen for The Church. We were fully engaged in the design process, focusing on operational design and specifications for the commercial kitchen. Working closely with interior designer Gemma Attwood, we ensured that every aspect of the kitchen complemented the site's aesthetics seamlessly. Our commercial kitchen design and drawings proved effective, enabling us to outfit the kitchen within a couple of weeks, well in advance of The Church's opening.

Our vision was clear, to create a kitchen capable of seamlessly catering to the needs of a bustling establishment capable of accommodating up to 500 punters. From stainless steel countertops to the kitchen equipment and pizza area including Blue Seal Electric Convection and Fryer, Hatco Heat and Light Warmer, SKOPE Reflex Pizza Prep Fridge, SKOPE Backbar Glass Door Fridges, Eurochill Compact Freezer, Mecnosud Spiral Mixer, Starline by Washtech Dishwashers and more. Every element was tailored to enhance efficiency and functionality during peak hours.

From the meticulously designed kitchen to the carefully curated decor, every detail was thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless experience for patrons. As the doors finally opened, The Church OGB stood as a testament to what can be achieved when passion and perseverance collide. With the live music, wood-fired pizzas, a large open bar area, The Church has something for every age!

We’d like to thank ERS (Energy Recovery Systems) for their huge support to hang the kitchen hood and design and installed all the mechanical for us.