The Free House

Situated in an old church turned pub, The Free House is a true Nelson craft beer institution. Tucked unassumingly on Collingwood Street, it’s easy to miss if you’re not sure what to look for.  Keep your eyes peeled for a churchyard gate surrounded by greenery and your ears perked for the subtle hum of good banter, and you’re sure to find your way.  After you’ve stumbled by The Free House once, you’re bound to return.

Beer lovers from all walks of life come together at The Free House – this is where Nelson locals switch gears from work to weekend. It’s easy to feel comfortable here, whether you arrive in a group, on your own or with your four-legged friend (expect cute pooches galore). It is the kind of place where you might find yourself wrapped up in conversation with someone you just happened to sit next to.

The Free House is a rare pub in many ways.  It’s not tied to any brewery and thus free to showcase New Zealand craft beer in all its glory. Most seating is outdoors in a beer garden, though a large part is covered and heated with radiators and under-the-table hot pipes.  Not to mention, it’s the first climate-positive pub in Aotearoa.

There are always new developments in the pipeline at The Free House, be it expanding the outdoor area, bringing in a permanent food truck or an in-house brewery.  At the heart of this Nelson pub is the ethos of functioning as a social place where people can come together and engage in conversation while enjoying some specialty craft beer.

The Free House has an open food policy, meaning people are welcome to bring in their take-out from a local restaurant to enjoy with their beer of choice or to simply order a cone of chips or a couple of tacos from the on-site food truck when feeling peckish.

There is also a speciality record store at The Free House.  Family Jewels Records opens on Fridays and Saturdays and vinyl enthusiasts are sure to discover many rare finds.