Entertained from the ground up
What began life as a post-quake container mall pizza joint has evolved into an offering of fantastically unique off-grid experiences South Island-wide. The immense talents of owner and chef Rod Thomson, his wife Gill, their sons, and a dedicated team have given rise to a fleet of one-of-a-kind Bedford trucks and outdoor event options, thanks to the addition of Element Tipis.
Rod and chef Maty Johns are at the helm of the team that supports all Base events and are certified hospitality experts known for their dedication to deliciousness.
Rod brings a local passion and flavour through running Base pizza and events, and Maty brings global hospitality expertise from working for top international restaurants. The duo offer an unparalleled calibre apparent throughout their event menus.
Rod and Mat work hard on high-profile events with their partners – Fire and Feast, Feast Matariki, and even their philanthropic North Canterbury event, ‘Last Saturdays’, in association with Brew Moon in Amberley.
Their fleet of Bedford trucks are the hallmarks of the brands, with many of the wood-fired pizza ovens and truck fit-outs have been overseen by Rod himself – you may have even spotted one in a previous issue of Avenues. Aside from their essential input into the business, they’re also quite striking, artful creations. The Bedford Bar Truck offers a double-storey bar – this has an all-included option with staffing. A unique part of their garage, it has become a great option for a rustic, non-traditional celebration.
The Food By Fire Asado BBQ truck is a showstopper. Asado is a South American iteration of the humble BBQ – the point of difference here is the range of flavours able to be cooked right before your eyes. You can add in a whole hog, smoked low and slow over flames, to fuel an epic shared menu. The boys arrive four hours before your event to get the fires going and stay late (up to eight hours duration for a hog). The menu includes bread and meats cooked over the asado, with fresh seasonal salads. There are no wilted greens here! It’s so much more than your traditional buffet. The team are constantly topping up the table offerings.
Element Tipis is the recent jewel in the crown of Base – offering a ‘marquee hire alternative’ to elevate your next intrepid event. With the ability to cater to a whopping 400 guests, the combination of a couple of mobile feast trucks, festoon lighting, and a fire pit or two means your next event is one to remember. And it’s all off-grid, so you can take your festivity as far and wide as you see fit. Perfect for weddings, celebrations, or larger corporate events. There’s even a glamping option so your guests can really make a night of it.
The growth Rod, Maty, and the entire Base Hospitality team has seen over the past year has been encouraging to say the least – events in the wider South Island are booked and planned, and there is plenty of interest in the team hosting off-the-grid weddings.
From farms to vineyards to lifestyle blocks, the South Island is slowly but surely being entertained from the ground up thanks to the tipis from Element Tipis and the incredible feast of flavours from the fleet of Base food trucks.