The Free House is a craft beer pub set inside an old church at 95 Collingwood Street in Nelson Central. Since 2009 it has served craft brews from all over Aotearoa New Zealand, plus the occasional international beer, in what it describes as a serene, peaceful oasis for connection, conversation and reflection.
In 2022, the pub added its own nano brewery, the Flavourtorium, housed in a shipping container in the garden, adding another dimension to its beer offerings. The beer list changes regularly and features craft brews from across New Zealand, including three hand-pulled, cask-conditioned "Real Ales," alongside wines and delicious chunky chips.
The Free House describes itself as a place about people rather than just beer - somewhere to slow down with a good drink in hand. It has a family-friendly atmosphere with a garden and pergola to relax in, and welcomes well-behaved dogs and their owners.
Set inside an old church on Collingwood Street in Nelson Central, The Free House has been pouring craft beer from across Aotearoa New Zealand since 2009. It describes itself as a peaceful oasis - a serene setting for a diverse selection of craft beers, wines and chunky chips, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Free House is explicit that it sees itself as more about people than beer alone. As the business puts it, people are what make the place great, giving it the energy that nurtures connection, conversation and reflection - a spot to let the day's demands sit still for a while, ideally with something good in the glass.
In 2022, the pub expanded with its own nano brewery, the Flavourtorium, built into a shipping container out in the garden. It's added a new dimension to the pub's offerings, including collaborative brews like the Kakariki Karaka PA, brewed with Brook Waimarama Sanctuary to celebrate the release of the Kakariki Karaka bird into the sanctuary. The beer list itself changes regularly and draws on craft breweries from across New Zealand, including three hand-pulled, cask-conditioned real ales alongside the in-house brews.
The Free House has a family-friendly atmosphere, with a garden and pergola to relax in under the sun. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too, alongside their owners, making the pub as much a spot for an afternoon with the family as it is for a quiet pint after work.
The Free House opens Monday to Friday from 3pm, Saturday from midday, and Sunday from 2pm, at 95 Collingwood Street, Nelson. Whether it's exploring the ever-changing tap list, trying a Flavourtorium original, or just settling into the garden with a plate of chunky chips, The Free House positions itself as a genuine retreat for craft beer lovers and casual visitors alike.