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    The Lumsden Freehouse

    3.5 (20 reviews)
    ModeratePubs
    Open 11:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Lumsden Freehouse Photos

    THE LUMSDEN FREEHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - The Lumsden Freehouse

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    Quiz night on Tuesdays
    Arena W.

    The people behind the bar make this place what it is! They are all amazing, super friendly, and really passionate about their craft beers. Incredible selection of craft beers that change regularly. Don't skip the snacks: the insane wings are all they're cracked up to be and the steak sandwich is a great classic take on the usual. The chicken lettuce parcels are light and yummy, and the vegetarian platter is the best value for money. Tuesday night pub quiz! I think Team At The Bar cheat.

    A full shelf of whisky
    Angel D.

    People say it was a nice place full of selections. However, the service is terrible. The bar tender didn't have time to take care of us, seemed quite busy talking with another customer by the bar. When he had time for us, he brought two bottles of beer without asking my order. I didn't ask to drink beer! The beer was just fine however he should have brought us at least one glass. And he didn't explain anything about the beer here. When we left after paying to another waitress, he shouted to us, You can't leave without paying your beer. OMG Terribly treated place, which is rarely met in New Zealand. Terrible service could ruin all the impression. Yes, it does.

    Entrance
    Te Rangi R.

    The Lumsden is a great balance between a Kiwi sports bar and Newmarket snobbery. Catching you eye on the corner of Broadway and Kyber Pass, you'll rapidly remember just how thirsty you didn't know you were. Comfy outdoor couches near an indoor/outdoor bar was the clincher for me. Once you've convinced yourself that you need a sit down and a cold beer, The Lumsden play their trump card(s). They've made it so you will keep making excuses not to leave. Pool table, gaming room, MJ playing some 80's pop, MINI LIBRARY, cheap house beer on tap- Oh my! Keep an ear out for their poker nights and All-you-can-eat-ribs nights.

    Cajun chicken pizza and wedges
    Katie L.

    After a great massage, friend and I went to The Lumsden for a pizza. It was a cozy bar which has comfy chairs and even a pool table at the side. We ordered a Cajun Chicken Pizza ($23) and a Bacon and Sour cream Wedges ($14) which were plenty for two of us. Pizza was pretty nice with a bit of chili flavour. Caramelised onion and sweet chilli sauce was a bit of a too sweet combination though. Will love to try their Pecking Duck one next time! Refreshing! Wedges were okay - I don't really like it when bacon bits are stuck together which stops them from being crispy. They have a fantastic beer selection including many craft beer. It's great that they give you a sample glass to try so that you know exactly what you are getting. I had a nice dark beer from Hallertau Brewery. Pizza and a beer - what a lovely combination! Please visit lovedbykatie.blogspot.com for more photos and stories.

    Tracey C.

    Aptly named, The Lumsden is situated near The Lumsden green taking up some prime real estate on the corner of Khyber Pass and Broadway. What drew my attention to this place were the old fashioned (or rather just old) french style sofas and leather wingback chairs outside, a little bit different and not your typical bar. The guys here are great, very friendly and on a couple of occasions have had the coffee machine put back into action at 10pm. It is a nice place to just hang out,a section of the bar for any occasion. Late in the evening, dim lighting and intimate seating for the post movie date drink. There is bar seating outside with large tables or if in a group, the leather chairs and comfy sofas. The Lumsden also has a pool table! which is a bit of fun, whether you can play or not and a gaming room. Happy hour is from 4-7 pm every day, so really happy 3 hours and there is free wifi, even more to be happy about.

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    Great food and when I was there, great pub trivia nights. Thus was before Covid, so I'm not sure if it's still going on.

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    Review Highlights - The Lumsden Freehouse

    They have free popcorn which is a total win and cool funky details like chalkboard tables and space invader machines.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Spitting Feathers - A pint of Stella, brewed in the U.K.

    Spitting Feathers

    3.8(14 reviews)
    2.5 kmAuckland CBD
    $$

    Hmm. Well. Not terrible, but not what I was hoping for. I went in thinking Spitting Feathers, but…read morethat venue closed and QF took over. It's not what it was, so that's why I don't give the former business one star. Yelp needs to update this listing to show Permanently Closed. It's a sports bar, not a pub, so ... not a pub. They had Rugby League on, which is OK, but I watch Union. I ordered a Panhead Supercharger (American Pale Ale): it tasted of butterscotch (diacetyl) which should not, not, NOT be the case. I brought it up: "we just changed it". I gave a challenging look: the bartender tried it, said it was OK. Horseshit! I know my stuff and have had several of these while on vacation. It was not right. So poor quality of service. They have a large electronic gaming cave. Yuck. Not a pub. It's not Spitting Feathers anymore. Yelp needs to update the listing so that people know that the old venue is dead and gone.

    This is officially one of my new top hits in AKL, and has also caught fire as the ideal after work…read morebar! The drinks are cheap and quality, the decor is understated, and there's a 21 and over cap. Couldn't ask for more. Finding SF is only tricky if you're not paying attention, a single doorway on Wyndham that leads to an upstairs oasis. But once you arrive, you won't want to leave. I haven't been here on a Thursday or Sunday but apparently those are the nights to make and appearance (because the food is well cheap). Staff is also super nice. Spitting Feathers, you're a gem.

    Photos
    Spitting Feathers - #crabbies in New Zealand at Spitting Feathers.

    #crabbies in New Zealand at Spitting Feathers.

    Spitting Feathers
    Spitting Feathers - $4 Heinekens!!!

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    $4 Heinekens!!!

    Brew On Quay - Nachos

    Brew On Quay

    4.2(38 reviews)
    2.6 kmViaduct
    $$

    What a GREAT discovery! So good, we came here on both…read moretrips/visits to Auckland. Quality/Quantity - 102 types of beers! Got a flight (okay 2 flights...) for $30 each, see picture. Urbanant Handpull - Cask Ale style, a stronger flavored beer. Eddyline - New Zealand Hefeweizen, crisp and refreshing. They also have it in an apricot wheat ale, interesting. Parrot Dog - Okay. Panhead APA - American Pale Ale, good flavors, medium to light beer. Sawmill Hefeweizen - Good and refreshing. Also the beer of the week. Many specials, see pictures. Food, full bar, and wine are also available. Atmosphere - Super convenient, to the cruise ship, dock, shopping for my wife, etc! Indoor, outdoor seating. Interesting and cool decor throughout. Got really busy as it got later. Of course I was here for a few hours while my wife shopped, lol. Events available. Open 7 days a week from 11am till 10pm or 1am. Service - Bar service. They table service, but by then, I already got my flights. Yes, that was plural. :) Price - $30AUD a flight, $19.60US + tip. Expensive, but for me it was worth it! Great way to end the day. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success. You will be our regular go to place when visiting/docking in Auckland.

    I had passed this pub for a few days, looked at a few yelp reviews and decided to stop by. I wasn't…read moredisappointed we had some great food for a good price. Service was very very quick. I tasted several different beers which are awesome. The only issue we had was trying to get a table during happy hour. atmosphere is very laid-back and easy-going. You're looking for a place to grab a bite or a drink I suggest stopping by here

    Photos
    Brew On Quay
    Brew On Quay - Chicken sandwich and fries

    Chicken sandwich and fries

    Brew On Quay - 10/17/23 FYI

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    10/17/23 FYI

    Queens Head Tavern - Pork belly sliders

    Queens Head Tavern

    4.8(4 reviews)
    2.0 kmAuckland CBD

    Fantastic happy hour for Bonvoy members (which is free to join). I was able to score $10 glass of…read morewine and $10 bar bites! We had the pork belly sliders and the chicken bites. Both were delicious and great for the price. After HH, I stayed for a Margherita pizza and more wine. The pizza was thin crust and tasted fresh. Only thing that was interesting to me was the inability to order the same HH wines after HH. The selection switches out. Service was really great and friendly. It started off rather quiet for HH but began to fill as time went on. Plenty of seating options and trendy decor.

    VISIT: end of February 2020…read more This was a pleasant surprise as we ate here probably every day of the 3 that we were in town. I typically shy away from restaurants that are in the hotel because they tend to be pricey. We felt, for Americans, that this was decently priced and that each time we ate here, we got a different meal FOOD WE TRIED: - Chicken and vegetable dumplings - Prawn and chive Gyoza - Arancini - 55 day aged beef brisket sliders - Seafood Risotto - Spaghetti with mussels, snapper and prawns The sliders, gyoza and spaghetti with seafood was VERY good. I wouldn't order the dumplings again, but I always forget that chicken dumplings just aren't the same as pork and/or shrimp. The Arancini was a bit disappointing in flavor, maybe just a touch more salt would have been helpful and same thing with the flavor of the Risotto. The seafood was cooked perfectly, but the sauce on it just wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked, for a risotto. Service was always great with the staff always helpful with recommendations. We were very happy to have access to this restaurant during our stay the Four Points

    Photos
    Queens Head Tavern - Wine and pizza

    Wine and pizza

    Queens Head Tavern - Bar bites chicken

    Bar bites chicken

    Queens Head Tavern - Margherita pizza

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    Margherita pizza

    Vultures' Lane - Pint and pie

    Vultures' Lane

    4.2(20 reviews)
    2.5 kmAuckland CBD, Viaduct
    $$

    Great bar and food. Place was moderately busy but easy to find a table. It was easy to order…read moredrinks and food at the bar. They had a large tap list which satisfied both my partner and I. My partner and I both had a pint, shared a beef and cheese pie, a burger, and mac and cheese. They have 3 different pies a day and sold out pretty quickly. The pie was one of the best we had, nice and flakey and very big. The burger and mac and cheese were good as well but I prefer creamier mac and cheese. However the fries were great, crispy on the outside and potatoey on the inside.

    On my last day in Auckland, I looked for fun ways to spend my last few hours. While I was tired, I…read moreexplored the little bars off Queen Street. I had been to many a few years ago, but somehow Vultures' Lane was missed. I saw their fantastic tap list and said I'd stop in for just a beer and respite from the rain. I ended up trying eight thanks to a super friendly and generous bartender. This is a free house, so not tied to any particular brewery or company. They pour what they want, which includes a lot of excellent choices. What hooked me as they also have their own line of house beers (contract brewed off site due to the size constraints of the cozy pub). They have outdoor seating and a few tables and bar stools inside - it's not a large place more cozy for pairs and small groups. They also have a full food menu if you're hungry. When I explained I was on a mostly beer trip and was interested in a tasting board of their beers, he said he'd just pour them all for me and charge the regular price for many less - you can't refuse that kind of offer (8 for the price of 6). It was fun to try them all, diverse styles. Of course some were better than others, but overall they have excellent house beers if you're in the area. If you're a beer fan and in CBD seeing too many bars, it's worth your time to find this one.

    Photos
    Vultures' Lane
    Vultures' Lane - Mac and cheese

    Mac and cheese

    Vultures' Lane

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    The Occidental - the aftermath

    The Occidental

    3.8(74 reviews)
    2.5 kmAuckland CBD, Viaduct
    $$

    My wife and I ate here during a recent visit to Auckland. The food was excellent--we ordered the…read moremixed grill mussels platter and ribs, and everything was delicious. We were really enjoying the food, atmosphere, and service from our waitress. The reason for the lower rating was an interaction we witnessed involving a tall, bald staff member. An older Asian group was seated near our table. A few moments after they sat down, several additional members of their group sat at a nearby table without first checking with the hostess. The staff member approached them and explained that the table was reserved and that other guests might be arriving. While the request itself seemed reasonable, the way it was handled was not. He spoke very loudly and aggressively, to the point that the entire restaurant turned to see what was happening. The group appeared embarrassed, stood up, and left the restaurant. As Asian visitors ourselves, the incident left us feeling uncomfortable. We understand that restaurants need to manage reservations and seating arrangements, but customers should be treated with courtesy and respect, especially when a simple explanation would likely have resolved the situation. It's unfortunate because the food and the rest of the service were excellent. This would have been a 5-star experience otherwise. I hope management addresses situations like this more professionally in the future.

    Great vibe in a historic alley. Beer selection is vast and the food is delicious. Oftentimes these…read morebrewpubs don't focus much on the food, but that was not the case here! It was my last meal in Auckland and I was not disappointed. Mussels were fresh and meaty, the rump steak was perfectly cooked and the chips were spot on with a crisp exterior and soft creamy interior. Staff is super friendly and handles the lunch rush like pros. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    The Occidental - Entrance

    Entrance

    The Occidental - Always get a kilo of the mussels!

    Always get a kilo of the mussels!

    The Occidental - Entrance

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    Entrance

    The Lumsden Freehouse - pubs - Updated August 2026

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