gin gin.

The story

gin gin. Christchurch | Cocktail Bar & Italian-Inspired Sharing Plates

A Polished Corner on New Regent Street

At 4-6 New Regent Street, gin gin. operates as a cocktail-driven hub in Christchurch where Italian-inspired sharing plates meet evening relaxation. Pink banquettes line the walls beneath tasselled pendant lights, creating an interior that feels both intimate and quietly glamorous. The Cuisine Good Food Guide named the spot a 2026 Destination award winner precisely because this balance of style and substance keeps regulars returning throughout the week. Guests settle in early, often arriving just after three in the afternoon when the kitchen begins turning over fresh ingredients.

Hand-Stretched Bases and Two-Day Fermentation

The kitchen builds its foundation around a simple premise, letting time work through the dough rather than rushing production. Every pizzetta and pizza dog starts with a forty-eight hour fermentation cycle that develops a light crust and airy crumb. This method supports the Italian-leaning kitchen concept by keeping the crust sturdy enough to hold generous toppings without sagging. Chefs stretch the bases by hand to preserve that texture while adding precise ingredients. Grilled vegetables and meat skewers follow a similar restraint, relying on tare glazes and garlic herb marinades to carry the flavour.

Sharing Plates and Seasonal Skewers

Small plates arrive quickly to encourage conversation between rounds of drinks. The mezze plate pairs warm pita bread with hummus, muhamarra, grilled halloumi, and dukkah for a straightforward Mediterranean spread. Lamb rump skewers rest beside black garlic sauce and pickled cucumbers, while the twice cooked potatoes offer a sharper contrast with chilli kewpie and herb salt. Even the simplest options like margherita pizzettas and karaage chicken show how bar-style Italian dishes thrive on clear technique rather than excess seasoning.