Come as you are
Set on the city fringe in Carlton Courts, Gatherings has been moving to its own beat since its establishment in 2017, led by the equally trailblazing chef Alex Davies.
Originally from the UK, Alex moved to Aotearoa in 2005. Over the last two decades, he has worked up and down the country, but it was a post-quake Christchurch where he began to thrive.
“I did this by working with the arts organisation Gap Filler, cooking local food in the middle of the rubble when the city was still in a state of chaos.”
In these years, Alex ran Shop 8 on New Regent, a restaurant that garnered attention for its bold approach to food, moved to Swannanoa to learn about sustainable food systems, and launched the concept of a pop-up ‘Gatherings’.
A brick-and-mortar Gatherings restaurant and wine bar opened in 2017.
Alex describes Gatherings as a tiny restaurant focusing on seasonality, creativity, flavour, fun, and community.
“We are ever-changing and adaptable, and I think this is vital in today’s world. Dining out shouldn’t feel out of anyone’s depth…. Come as you are, that’s Gatherings.”
Alex is proud to see how Christchurch’s food scene continues to evolve, thanks largely to a growing appreciation of the local producers.
“I know it is held up high in other parts of the country. Waipara being on our doorstep and the exciting new wave of wine producers, plus the majority of it being converted to organics, is something other places envy and something no other major city in the country has.”
The pop-up concept continues, with the restaurant hosting chefs and other restaurants.
“It is an important way of engaging with other restaurants and chefs from other parts of the country or the world. It also gives people who may not be able to open a restaurant or are toying with the idea the opportunity to test the waters.”
Turning seven in February, Alex is excited for their eighth year of trading, with plenty in store, like a Gatherings pop-up at the London institution Rochelle Canteen and a takeover in Wellington.
“Cooking where I grew up is always a highlight, though. I can’t wait to fly the flag for Canterbury in London.”