A beautifully restored 1930s church is the backdrop for SUNDAYS restaurant, the latest addition to Country Lane in Frankton, offering woodfired cuisine and genuine hospitality. Relocated from Waipahi near Gore the church has made the transformation to a popular neighbourhood eatery under the guidance of owners Annabel Herbison and Alex Long whose vision has been to connect with the community by creating an approachable space to eat and drink in good company.

“At the heart of it we’ve created the place we craved, a place in the neighbourhood for people to enjoy again and again – from celebrating milestones to grabbing an afterwork drink or just popping by for a pizza while the kids play in the playground,” says Annabel. 

“Our food menu is designed to share, with Neapolitan-style pizzas the hero  complete with light, airy and perfectly charred housemade sourdough bases. The toppings are simple, yet delicious, and regularly change to keep things interesting – think clams with pecorino and gremolata and oyster mushrooms with béchamel and porcini salt.”

Complementing the pizzas are a range of European inspired sharing plates such as a fresh tuna tartare, succulent lamb ribs with a secret glaze and seasonal vegetables like fried brussels sprouts with an addictive honey mustard vinaigrette.  Annabel says the space itself is the epitome of old-world elegance with flawless attention to detail.

“We’ve given the church’s timeworn walls new life, seamlessly blending stunning architecture with charming contemporary furnishings. At the heart of the restaurant is the incredible ceiling high archway we used as inspiration throughout our design – from our curved colonial-style timber bar to our radius-edged tables. We spent hours scouring op shops across the south to find little antique gems to complement the space. It’s a space that feels old, but new.”

The exterior of SUNDAYS has recently had a makeover in time for the cooler après-ski months.

“It includes a covered and well-heated outdoor patio, comfortable sheepskins and stunning schist fireplace to bask around with a mulled wine or winter cocktail in hand,” she says. “We encourage visitors and locals to join us – the cosy neighbourhood spot has that laid back Sunday feeling every day of the week.”