The Birdcage Tavern at 133 Franklin Road in Freemans Bay is one of Auckland's oldest taverns. It began as the Rob Roy Hotel, a wooden building from 1865, and the present building was put up on the same site in 1885. It is a designated heritage building, and in 2010 the owner, NZTA, moved all 740 tonnes of it 40 metres to make way for the Victoria Park tunnel.
It is a neighbourhood tavern and sports bar with a large north-facing beer garden, pub meals, and a selection of New Zealand craft beers and wines. It is also a popular function venue, and the website describes it as one of Auckland's top gastro pubs. Diners who have held functions there praise the attentive staff, the food and the prawns. One group called it a night to remember for a 21st. It is within walking distance of Sky Tower, Wynyard Quarter and Ponsonby Road. Our pick in Freemans Bay for a beer in an 1885 tavern with a beer garden.