Lost In A Forest, a quirky pizza restaurant based out of St Stephen’s Church in Uraidla, announced on social media that it had closed effective as of New Year’s Day.

Founded by Charlie Lawrence and the late pioneering rock and roll winemaker Taras Ochota in 2016, the restaurant developed a reputation for unconventional pizzas and top local drops.

Lawrence released a short statement on social media thanking those who made it to Uraidla to sample the pizza.

Lost in a Forest. Photo: Tyrone Ormsby

“It’s been a spectacular ride with many ups and a few awful downs. A journey of 7.5 years that started life as a ‘hobby’ for Charlie Lawrence and Taras Ochota and then with Nick Filsell (as chef) coming on board to add legitimacy to our crazy project,” he said.

“There aren’t enough words or photos to encapsulate the legacy we built over those years. A legacy of great pizzas, delicious local vin and loud no apologies 80’s tunes.

“We proudly began the resurrection of the Uraidla township, a little piece of paradise in the Adelaide Hills and along with the Uraidla Hotel, we carved out a niche that locals, city folk and people from around the world have grown to love.”

The co-founder thanked “everyone who found themselves at a wonky handmade table” and hinted that another project was in the works.

“It’s been a blast! But this won’t be end of innovative pizza in Adelaide. There will be something coming very soon. Until then, much love,” he said.

The sudden closure comes after the church was listed for sale with an asking price of $1.65 million to $1.8 million.

In a prime spot opposite the Uraidla Hotel, real estate agents described the property as “beautifully crafted”, with a 2004 renovation maintaining “the old-world charm whilst currently welcoming all new age food and wine connoisseurs”.