Tempting new bar and bistro: Trent Builders & The Hoi Polloi
A magical transformation has taken place on the ground floor of the Carnmore Hotel in central Christchurch. Trent Builders has converted what was a large, empty space into the smart and inviting Bar & Bistro, The Hoi Polloi – where everyone, from corporate groups to families, feel right at home. 
Top teamwork from Trent Builders.
The team behind the stunning conversion at the Carnmore Hotel is Trent Builders.
“This has definitely been a rewarding project,” says company owner Richard Trent.
“The Hoi Polloi contains such cool features. For example, the posts in the bar area were saved by the building owners from the original building on this site pre-earthquakes, and reinstated, after being refurbished, at the front of the bar.
“The panelling at the back of the bar gives the interior a great textural look, and the hidden door is a bit of a favourite inclusion.”
Established in 2008, residential builds and renovations are the company’s stock in trade, but the variation of a bar and restaurant fitout was seamless. “Of course, we brought our experience and skills with us to this project. In addition we engaged with the designer, the owner, and our subcontractors at a scheduled meeting every week. There we worked on any challenges, ensured we were all on target, and nailed down our forward planning,” says Richard. “Clients get a great deal of value out of these meetings.” 
With the team used to doing custom and bespoke work, the feel at Hoi Polloi is one of attention to detail and quality finishing. “It’s been a great project. I’m excited that it is completed and now operational, it looks outstanding. I can’t wait to get there myself and enjoy the amazing looking food,” adds Richard.
Future projects.
Having wrapped up The Hoi Polloi fitout,
Trent Builders is now working on several new builds including one at Culverden, and a large renovation in Mt Pleasant. Team members focus on maintaining their high standard on every build, sticking to time frames and budget, and building to last. “We like to talk to clients early and get really thorough planning in place,” says company owner Richard Trent.
Richard finds that work comes to the company through word of mouth, “and in fact the owners of The Hoi Polloi are previous clients who asked us if we would be interested in the project”.
The team was more than up to the task. “We have a go at everything, confident that our approach of always being willing to learn and ask the questions will lead to a great result.”
A true people place
One of the best loved Māori proverbs says “What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.”
A new bar and bistro in Christchurch takes that concept to heart, creating an experience that is welcoming
and delicious, and genuinely aimed at everyone. 
Located on the ground floor of the Carnmore Hotel, the idea is encapsulated in its name: The Hoi Polloi.
Meaning ‘the many’ in ancient Greek, and ‘the ordinary people’ in common usage, The Hoi Polloi stands for inclusivity. Families, couples, corporate groups, tourists, travellers and the just plain thirsty will find a comfortable but stylish oasis to eat, drink, chat, and relax in.
There is seating at the bar where you can watch the mixologists at work, or take a table and enjoy being looked after by the knowledgeable waiting team.
The gorgeous interior will catch your eye, including the stunning mural by Rotorua-based artist Claire Delaney.
The inclusivity extends well beyond the happy customers, to include food offerings sourced where possible from Canterbury suppliers. “Our celebrated Chef Simo Abbari has built a network of local suppliers who have become friends,” says Marketing Manager for The Hoi Polloi, Glenn McLeary. 
“We see ourselves as an interwoven family, and that is what we have aimed to create for the bar and bistro. It is from the people as well as for the people.”
Open seven days a week and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the team at The Hoi Polloi hope you will take your time on your visit. “We spent too long apart during our period of Covid-19 restrictions,” says Glenn, “we really hope people will reconnect over colourful fresh food and drinks prepared with love, affirming old bonds and making new ones too.”
carnmorehotelchristchurch.co.nz
