Latest reviews from Nelson

“A really cool place. Inside is a church, outside is a big sprawling beer garden. Lots of taps, flights available. Well worth visiting.“

explosivedog 1848 days ago

“A great place for a beer and a meal, nice if you can sit outside. The food is good, and the service excellent. The beer is mainly Mac’s with some guest taps. Definitely worth a visit.“

Luvystypotables 1957 days ago

“Truly amazing bar ! Wasn't expecting to find such a cool bar in Nelson, but may be the cooler bar I've visited in NZ, maybe in the world ! Set up in an old church, the inside is gorgeous and deserve to go such for a photo ! The outside garden is also pretty enjoyable. The selection is really good too. And staff was helpful for helping us to choose, letting us try many beer before choosing. Snacks and platter were also good, too bad they don't have real meal though !“

jujumaries 2286 days ago

“Stopped in for dinner and a tasting tray. Quite loud and raucous for a Sunday night, with a particularly bad live singer. Food was good. Large selection of beers, though none that overly impressed me. Nice enough, nothing special.“

explosivedog 2624 days ago

“craft beer selection at this place is easily the best in Nelson. it’s my happyplace.“

littleden 2755 days ago

“2016-05-23. We popped into FreshChoice about a minute before they closed but they did not have the Craftworks beers I was hoping to find, despite having a good selection of NZ craft offerings. Well worth a visit while in town, fairly centrally located.“

jercraigs 2877 days ago

“2016-05-23. The decor is neat, and there is a pretty decent tap list with 8 or 9 drafts, and 3 casks. Good range of styles, though focus seems to be more on local craft offerings vs. the best of NZ. I don’t believe they did a sampler tray per se but they offer a range of glass sizes, and the friendly staff were happy to provide tasters before committing to a glass. Cool arty stuff on the walls, The nice fireplace is cozy but a bit too warm for me tonight - I’m sure others loved it. Outdoor seating plus a yurt when busier but it didn’t seem to be open tonight. Crowd was eclectic and included us and another hardcore beer geek, a couple enjoying wine and cheese and board games, and a bunch of somewhat fragrant cyclists who had just finished a ride. Very nice spot, wish we could have spent more time here. “

jercraigs 2877 days ago

“2016-05-23. Big sprawling space with good amount of outdoor seating. Indoors there are a few proper tables and a lot of booths with low tables or high tables. Not sure what the logic is there as it seems like it would make it hard to eat at some of them. The food was great, I had a delicious venison pie with a side of mustard mash that was almost worth the price on its own! The food menu is a bit pricier, but good sized portions and rather tasty. Not sure if I would go out of my way to visit unless you are keen to try some Speight’s beers, but it is conveniently located next to the World of Wearable Art museum and we enjoyed our visit. “

jercraigs 2877 days ago

“2016-05-22 Big bar, with some cozy nooks but also some awkward open spaces. It was quite busy when we first arrived for dinner - we had to wait for a table - and essentially empty when we left around 8:00-8:30!! The $20 Sunday roast deal drew us in, and was quite tasty. I opted for the lamb on principle to say I’ve had lamb in New Zealand. It was tasty but I’d probably opt for the pork on a return visit which is what the rest of the table got. The special included dessert. My apple crumble was not really up the standard, but was enjoyable (if not ’to style’ for a crumble) and effectively free given the price of the deal, so not really an issue. Decent selection of their own beers on tap, we did a tasting flight that covered most of them. Friendly staffers. Beers were all serviceable to good. “

jercraigs 2877 days ago

“2016-05-22. A nice little spot it was smaller than expected and pretty quiet today. Small patio was empty today but looked nice. Food can order from their smallish menu or order from the takeaway place next door. Decent selection of their own beers. Nice spot for lunch. We walked past the downtown Sprig and Fern location in the evening which seemed much more raucous, so I appreciated the more laid back vibe here. Worth a stop, especially if you haven’t tried any of the Sprig and Fern beers.“

jercraigs 2877 days ago

“Is this the coolest little pub in Nelson? I think it may well be. Picturesque surroundings and a warm welcome were my initial impression. I only came to get a growler filled across the bar, but the hankering to stay for a pint was too much to overcome. An excellent selection of the S&F range, which is considerable anyway, and reasonably priced. Next time I shall stay to try the food, but by all accounts this is another strength.“

Jimthechap 3324 days ago

“Not generally a fan of bars in abandoned churches but this one does suit Nelson’s ’hippie’ culture. Service and selection was good and the Rugrats running around provided entertainment. Well worth checking out when visiting the region.“

beer-yum 3335 days ago

“The most remarkable thing for me is not the array of beers, which is good, but that when you walk through the door, you’re not assailed with the regular hackneyed music that you were sick of 30 years ago. It is a three minute walk from where I usually stay, but I would travel across town to buy here based upon the jazz, classical music and the friendly staff. Big like.“

Jimthechap 3434 days ago

“I have been here a few times at the end of an arduous journey. Last time there were two drunk guys asleep on the grass outside the building. This was not a drawback because aside from snoring, they buggered off quietly. A reliable source of well served beer and knowledgeable staff in my favourite small NZ city. Amiable surroundings and a good place to bat on from.“

Jimthechap 3434 days ago

“For a New Zealand supermarket the selection here is pretty damn impressive. Not only is there an abundance of Kiwi craft offerings but there are also plenty of US bottles to be found with a rather large choice from Rogue at time of writing as well as German, Belgian and UK. Prices are more than competitive and, like-for-like (Renaissance for example), cheaper than New World or Countdown. If wine’s your bag then check out the selection too.“

sm89walt 3713 days ago

“A neighborhood foot traffic sort of pub. Small outdoor patio, modern interior. Small snack plates. The fish fry burger joint next door will serve you on the patio. Around 10 Sprig and Fern staples with 2-3 seasonals / special releases on draft.“

3fourths 3741 days ago

“Central Nelson. Small church re-opened as a draft-only beer bar. No more than 10 taps pouring on my visit. Almost everything local or regional, no national brands. Lots of IPAs and strong beer, one lager, no Belgian styles. Pleasant proprietors and grassy grounds full of picnic tables and chairs. I sat in the shade for a spell as I drank a beer at my table, just being able to lean out of the way of a beam of hot sunlight. It was almost hot enough to sweat and if the beam caught me I’d perspire for sure. I cleverly timed the consumption of my beer with the arrival of a sun beam such that my forehead and glass were spared. This was an afternoon visit while in central Nelson, and I left to explore the super market bottle selection next door (which was much superior to that of the Free House). I intended to come back another day but found that I did not, as planned. A fun place, but I think it had little to offer me a return visit.“

3fourths 3741 days ago

“It’s a Macs tap with a few other large breweries on offer (Emmerson’s Asahi, Steinlager, etc.) I do not recommend it as a beer destination in Nelson, and didn’t plan to visit for beer, just happened to be in the area and wanted to go for a bite. The grounds are nice, there’s a wide courtyard with picnic tables against the harbor. The inside is decorated in farm equipment and brick-a-brack. Pleasant setting but not really beer-worthy.“

3fourths 3782 days ago

“Centrally located and easy to find, this supermarket has the best bottle selection in Nelson. A number of Kiwi beers available in singles, six-packs and mixed cases, as well as a limited import selection (Belgian and American). They seem to have high turnover so there’s no risk of old bottles (which stinks given the relatively high cost of bombers here). The Mussel Inn, Hop Federation, Eagle Brewing, ParrotDog, Duncan Founders and a host of others, including a substantial amount from Christchruch area breweries. Sale prices on a lot of items (not old stock) and everything is stored in a cooler.“

3fourths 3782 days ago

“Love the handpumps and the church building :) good service with tasting and some info about the beers. Good place to go!“

Viter 3803 days ago

“This place had a nice atmosphere, sort of a cluttered English pub, full of farm instruments and what not tacked to the walls. It also served very tasty food, large portions for a reasonable price. The one thing it didn’t have was interesting beer. Tied to Lion’s, it had only the Mac’s range. Best to be a free house and serve what you like. But if you have to serve just the Lion’s products, why not have an Emerson’s or two on offer? This place was likely entered by the owner, I certainly didn’t enter it. Still a nice place to visit, but it would be greatly improved if it supported the local Nelson brewers, of which there are enough of good quality to satisfy a pub this size - Lighthouse, Golden Bear, Dale’s, Bays, just to name a few.“

Travlr 3926 days ago

“This is essentially aworking brewery with a cafe / brewery tap at the front. The cafe had more of a coffeehouse feel to it, butmoffered a dozen or so of the McCashin’s range, plus a variety of cider and perry. Taster paddle of five beers and/or ciders is just $10, and staff were generous with small tastes of various things. Easy to find on the main road to Stoke. I didn’t try the food, but they had pizza on offer, and I assume other things. Bottle shop had lots of stuff available, including a bargain bin. Definitely worth a stop.“

Travlr 3927 days ago

“Posto assolutamente fantastico. Una chiesa come pub è geniale! Più una yurta fuori ed un bel giardino. Le birre sono tutte selezioni locali davvero notevoli. Il miglior posto in NZ da me trovato!“

fiammanghilla 3995 days ago

“Good beer at its best. Excellent and friendly service. Very relaxed venue with clear focus on providing great beer in relaxing surroundings. Food can be brought into the bar from nearby take-away venues, and the Free House provides plates and cutlery at no charge. Cask conditioned ales included in the choice. Hard to beat.“

ahhh_caskale 4047 days ago

“It is in a church. That is OK. Lots of odd, depressing indy music. Not so good. One big Yurt outside for extra seating capacity. Interesting vibe but I am too old not hip to appreciate it. Really average beers. 3 hand pumps and 6 taps. All supposed to be "real ale". More like real dull. Nothing over 6% and nothing with a lot of flavor either. Service was solid. Lots of free tasters and willing to go over the top. Some local beers and their house beers called dead good ales. UGH, not impressive at all. Can bring in food or can order from other area places. Had Pizza from Stephano’s. Was not bad and price was good. Several options to choose from. That was pretty cool I thought Was OK. Better options in the Nelson area. A little odd for my taste and too darned indy for me “

fletchfighters 4270 days ago

“Visited over the Marchfest weekend and thus was bustlin’ with a good mix of locals and beery folk. I suspect the beer selection changes regularly, so it can be hit or miss with what’s on offer. There’s a few ’house’ brews that are contracted elsewhere, though the beers I found underwhelming. Regardless, it’s a great pub, fun and the BYO food is a brilliant idea. Top pick for Nelson.“

nate2g 4363 days ago

“We spent our New year celebration over here. Very cosy place inside a church. Nice garden outside, where you can relax as well. Friendly staff, beers are good. Only I was hoping for some strong beers to start the New year. Unfortunately, mostly english beers. Definately worth a visit.“

skortila 4438 days ago

“Nice cosey place, 1-2 miles outside the city centre. Has mostly own beer. Really nice cheeses all together and very helpfull and friendly staff. For your wine friends; you can have some decent wines there as well.“

skortila 4438 days ago

“Very cool place. Comments below are accurate. No bottles. Only issue is they focus very narrowly on S. Island beers/beers from around Nelson. This means they get a lot of specialties, but don’t expect to find awesome beers from other parts of the country that you might find at a top beer bar. Still, as a tourist, this place rocks. Great service to boot.“

TimE 4597 days ago

“Ambiance aplenty in this former church rededicated to the worship of quality beer. Good range on tap and handpump and as each keg runs out a new beer comes on. The food policy is a new one to me; BYO food or order in from the range of excellent takeout restuarants nearby and they deliver to your table! We had the pizza and it was great. If I lived in Nelson this would be me local.“

Vas 4906 days ago

“I didn’t even notice if these guys have bottled beers but their tap and handpump options are fantastic - and truly free! Everytime something is finished, something different comes on. One evening there is not enough, I must get back soon. Family friendly environment that feels more like a lounge than a pub... I also love the fact that you can bring your own food in.“

yalnikim 5120 days ago

“Nice place, huge and open. Very friendly staff. I stayed only for a small taste of their magnificent seasonal, the Brewjolais, but given more time, I would comeback.“

DuffMan 5475 days ago

“Hardy Street location. Popped in here for a sit-down while waiting for my Indian take-away order to be ready. Bright, simply decorated and clean, with plain wood tables and chairs, and a medium-sized outdoor patio area in the back. A band was setting up in the middle of the joint. I stood at the bar (there are no chairs) and enjoyed a glass of their we heavy, and the extremely helpful staff kept bringing me samples of the other taps. They don’t do tasting platters, but they have no problem pouring free tasting samples! Simple, open, friendly, helpful staff, good beer. Worth a stop for sure.“

DuffMan 5475 days ago

“A fantastic cottage pub with fifteen Tasman brews available from the taps. The beers are kept and served well and with the exception of a couple of experimental brews I found them hard to flaw. Everyone is extremely friendly and genuine and makes for a great night meeting some interesting characters be it locals or wandering travelers. Stop by for a pint or fill the rigger up, also there’s another S&F on Hardy St, which also has a great ambiance.“

nate2g 5521 days ago

“A pleasant building housing the Mac’s beers which were being consumed at copious amounts by patrons the night I visited. If you’ve been to the Mac’s brewpubs in the North you’ll know what to expect, it’s reliable and a nice place to sit down for a meal.“

nate2g 5521 days ago

“One of 3 Sprig & Fern pubs attached to Harringtons / Tasman Brewing. This pub, housed in a beautifully converted Edwardian cottage just outside of the Nelson CBD, is one of the best pub / bar combos I have been to in Australasia (indeed perhaps the best). Full of locals from all walks of life as well as a never ending stream of folks coming in to fill up ’riggers’ (ie 2lt plastic bottles) of any one of the 20-odd Tasman / Harringtons brews on tap. The take-ways are sold at bargain prices (say $9 each). It warms the hart to see the locals showing such support for a small brewer (try finding this in Australia!)“

Stew41 6037 days ago