Born and raised on the South Coast of England in Poole Dorset, Nick Freeman began his career working various hotels in the area including The Royal Bath Hotel and Poole Harbour Yacht Club. Nick worked in London for many years in places such as the Ritz, Le Pont De La tour and was head chef of Cecconis in Mayfair before settling in Christchurch to raise a family. 

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Sarah is the connection between people and food. Her careers in education, youth support and fitness led her to the natural path of hospitality. Her belief is that by taking a team of like-minded individuals and adding in amazing food the recipe will always be successful. 

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in 2006 Nick and Sarah opened Freemans in Lyttelton, battling through earthquake challenges including a significant nine-month closure and a hard-fought battle back until they sold in 2018 to work on a bigger dream.

 

Together with their three children Ella, Harper and Kobe,  The Birdwood became that dream, a truly happy family 'local' place. The Birdwood team is absolutely the most important ingredient of their recipe for truly authentic delicious food.