The Lumsden Free House image

The Lumsden Free House

Bar and grill

One of the Top rated Bar and grills in Auckland


Address

444 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

Website

www.thelumsden.co.nz

Contact

+64 9 550 1201

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1.5K reviews)


Working Hours

  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (24) great (20) staff (19) beer (17) Great (15) beers (14) nice (14) drinks (13) service (12) friendly (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Heemi K. 1 year ago on Google • 320 reviews
    This iconic pub has evolved to be a regular gathering hole for many. We watched the AFL final here cos it had the smarts to provide its venue as one of only a couple in the city. Well done and thank you!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jamie neville b. 2 years ago on Google
    Showing up to what looked like an Irish’s pub, I was pleasantly surprised that the night life on a Thursday was more than enough to work with. We came in hot with old friends knowing that this was going to be no ordinary catch up. Beers were spilt and smiles all round matched with a good feed to kick it all off. If you decide to bless this god given pub with your presence be sure to ask for rob. This big burly man had a strong pour but a soft touch with the presentation. Couldn’t have been more pleased with the food, service and staff. End up walking out with a full belly and my head swinging. 10/10 would recommend. Till next time The lumsden.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marsha R. 1 year ago on Google • 430 reviews
    This was the perfect place to come after a day at the zoo. We loved the British classic pub feeling— wood paneling, bar stools, booths, punched tin ceiling, carved wooden bar — but it’s more than just a pretty face. They have an extensive selection of beers on tap, wines, and a full bar, and the food choices are more creative than most pubs. We loved our Chicken and Waffles! If I lived in Auckland, I’d be a regular.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alvin 10 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Great food and drinks. Lots of drinks choices. Before the pandemic, the price it is quite reasonable. I presume it is slightly high this year, but it's still ok. I'm hoping they can reduce it. This year is the first time we have visited since the pandemic time. This place is good for after-hours gathering with colleagues. Tried different pizzas, and it is good.. Can't name it as forgotten.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rachel S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place for a meal and catch-up - great staff and the food was tasty. They don't do table service so once you know what you want order at the bar and your food/drinks will get delivered to you. We were too full for dessert but the options looked pretty delish so will have to try them next time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cassy G. 1 year ago on Google
    A surprising craft bar in Newmarket. Stumbled upon this place and was impressed at the selection of drinks they offered. The pink cider was a refreshing hit after walking all afternoon. Unfortunately the keg ran out halfway through a pour of one of the stouts which resulted in a not so nice mix of 2 beers mixed together. The bartender however was amazing and provided a free drink of any other beer that was still available. The food options weren’t broad and after trying the (burnt) fries I probably wouldn’t get any food next time. Overall 4/5 stars for a nice spot for a brew or two before moving on with the day. Staff were great and would come back solely to be served by them again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AJ J. 1 year ago on Google
    A stunning little bar on Lumsden green. Been here a number of times now and the are staff always friendly and welcoming. The range of craft beers is excellent. And the nibbles yummy. Don’t tell too many people, I don’t want to loose my seat. Good work
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly C. 1 year ago on Google
    The best experience! Amazing service, most delicious food and relaxing atmosphere. Thank you Lumsden Team!! Will absolutely be back soon
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucia L. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice spot to meet up with friends and have a bite to eat with a drink. Good space to sit outdoors as well as indoors. A variety of different fries and potato skins on the menu, all tasty and good portions. Great Jalapeno poppers that are perfectly stuffed as to NOT drip its contents out and burn your chin with melted cheese...Friendly South African barman with a "can-do" attitude, serving beer-shandies for grannies to pink lemonade for little girls with great recommendations for those unsure which beer to choose from their broad selection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 T C. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited this place yesterday evening coz the closing party of beer festival. End up with worse ever experience when a young female staff forced us to quickly finish up the drinks that we were having at the middle! She stood next to us and stressed us out to finish all then grabbed our glasses back to the pub. Oh my gosh, what an experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Benedict U. 3 years ago on Google
    We usually come here for any sort of after works drinks since there is a really nice selection of beers, ciders and whiskeys. There is plenty of seating outside as well as inside, with more seating in the back area of the restaurant. You generally head up to the counter to order, both inside and out. They did sometimes come around to take order and brought an EFTPOS terminal when they brought the beverage. The menu changed recently and they had added and readded some items including the chicken waffles. The chicken, waffles and bacon were all quite crispy and the plate had quite a few layers of them. It was then drenched with maple syrup. I really enjoyed it. We tried the cajun wings and they were ok. The flavour wasn't very strong so it was almost like normal fried wings. The honey chicken pizza and the garlic cheese bread (which was pretty much a pizza) were both also quite nice. It is a nice place to come by for drinks and food. The outdoor area is quite nice during summer too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ANEET S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great selection of beers. Tried the Black Forest Stout which is low in carbonation and storee in room temperature. We were in two minds initially but it soon was a no brainer once the bartender got us to taste some. The wings pizza and nachos were pretty good too but the one thing that blew my mind away was this little beauty that I found in their vast collection. The North West Petit Luna. It's a hibiscus lime and sour ale, which has by far been the best sour beers I have ever tried. So thanks Lumsden Free House and the very warm, welcoming and friendly staff members who attended us. Cheers
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron K. 2 years ago on Google
    Lively atmosphere and a great range of wines and beers. I was dining in with 16 work colleagues. Tina took fantastic care of us, she is friendly and knowledgeable about hospitality. Tina got our drinks and food orders perfect. The food was great. I had slow cooked brisket which was out of this world. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M w. 3 weeks ago on Google • 321 reviews New
    The food and drinks were good, and the service was great. At good atmosphere there.

  • 5/5 javier y. 1 year ago on Google • 283 reviews
    Great food and drink selection, nice atmosphere and service. I had the Southern chicken burger and it was delicious and the curly fries were cooked perfectly. The cocktail of the week was mojito and i was pleasently surprised by it as the place is known for its beer selection. Will be back and would totally recommend. The chef deserves a recognition.

  • 5/5 Kym M. 3 years ago on Google • 184 reviews
    Have been a couple of times and would thoroughly recommend it for a lunch or dinner and a chance to try great craft beer. You can get tasting racks, with plenty of different taps to sample. Their pizzas are excellent and the curly fry poutine was delicious. Good seating options inside and out. Staff were really friendly and attentive.

  • 5/5 David P. 2 months ago on Google • 130 reviews New
    Haven't called in here for years, but a Friday Guinness $14 was on the menu 😋 👌 😋🇮🇷🍺. 22 August 2024. Great pub.

  • 5/5 daniel n. 9 months ago on Google • 129 reviews
    We came upon this place on our last day in Auckland. The atmosphere and service was top notch. Good for people watching even on a rather quiet Sunday afternoon. The food was serviceable and appropriate for a place whose primary function is a meeting place for friends rather that attempting a Michelin star. I found it a perfect respite from our travels.

  • 4/5 Stewart J. 4 months ago on Google • 103 reviews
    Great sports pub, plenty of screens and room to sit and enjoy.

  • 5/5 Jamine sony M. 1 year ago on Google • 90 reviews
    i loved this flower shop and it's really handy to get to especially when you're just live up the road from it plus it's right next door to kiwibank witch is absolutely perfect for me

  • 4/5 Felix H. 1 month ago on Google • 81 reviews New
    Disappointed one can't get a drink in Newmarket on a Friday night after 10.30pm... daytime beers are awesome though :-)

  • 5/5 Salar L. 4 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    I had a 500ml of iron sands. A stout flavourful excellence with chips. Felt great with warm atmosphere. Had heaters inside and outside too. Very nice place to enjoy open air and unfortunately the drizzle turned into rain and had to enjoy the rest of my beer Inside. Very cool bar tender with good tasting beers to offer according to your tastes. Recommended

  • 5/5 Ellenette W. 3 weeks ago on Google • 57 reviews New
    A Newmarket staple. The staff are lovely and friendly. The food is great and it's a nice spot to people watch.

  • 5/5 Sandy S. 9 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    I had been here before with friends , mostly for the range of craft beers they have. This time we paid a visit for lunch. Ordered Chicken and waffles (which was really good), Quesadillas (which tasted all right; could have been better though), and Onion rings (always delicious 😋). Also had a Negroni (quite refreshing), a French martini (not too bad), and a Hazy Pale Ale (simply amazing!!) Fortunately, this time we didn't come across too much crowd, but it would be wise to book your table beforehand if you are a large group. Overall nice place, good location, amazing vibes....and 100% recommended for all beer lovers !! 🍻

  • 4/5 Jill M. 1 week ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    Popped in for drink, didn't eat!

  • 4/5 Lynn W. 3 weeks ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    We chose to eat here due to time as it was past the kids' dinner time, so we were looking for a quick turnaround. The staff were great and put the kids' dinner order through immediately. There are not a lot of options, though, for kids on the menu. The food we did get was really nice, and they were large portions. Unfortunately, the night we were there was a quizz night, so it got rather loud.

  • 5/5 Lukas S. 1 year ago on Google • 29 reviews
    The attention, service and banter with the staff mid week Wednesday is just awesome, so well looked after and we were spoiled for choice enjoying so many different things. You can’t go wrong enjoying a tap craft beer and good delicious food here in Newmarket. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Nelson K. 4 weeks ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    Great customer Service. The perfect place to watch UFC live on Sunday Afternoons if you are around New Market area. You do not have to worry about your phones battery if its low, you can also charge it here while enjoying your meal and drinks. Just Splendid atmosphere and crowd!!!!

  • 2/5 James H. 9 months ago on Google • 14 reviews
    Great beer. Amazing staff but the food was a massive letdown. Pizza slice lacked much by way of toppings and was cooked dry, same with the miniscule chicken wings which had sauce barely drizzled on, but could roll a dice for which flavour ended up coming out. The poutine was the highlight, which is sad as it was flavourless. The only impressive thing was making a gravy based dish dry, very innovative.

  • 5/5 Nicola R. 8 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Such a relaxed vibe in this ‘local pub’ type venue! Friendly staff, eclectic decor and a great variety of menu items including pizzas, tacos and wings. Excellent outdoor area and lots of different spaces inside. Good wine list, wild range of craft beers and the spirits/cocktail offering is impressive too

  • 5/5 Jennifer S. 5 days ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    The staff here are amazing, so friendly and helpful! Beers are good, with a rotating selection. Always ask to try before you buy a pint to make sure it's your thing. Food is a little pricey, but portion sizes are ample and always taste great. You'll be a regular before you know it here :) Back room can be reserved for free if you have a group meeting up. There's a pool table available, in good condition.

  • 5/5 Neville P. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    5 stars all around. The service is second to none - you’ve gotta come and say hi to young Tom. Lumsden Free house is one of a kind. A true institution in Auckland. The selection of beers is amazing and in a cold winter night like tonight, you cannot go past the coffee stout; it’s dense and syrupy and delightful. Two thumbs up for the guys and gals at Lumsden for making every visit a one to cherish! Oh! And Tim is awesome too!

  • 5/5 Doris K. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Absolutely loved the Food and friendly stuff... do lovely to have on a cold winter's night. With nice warmth from the heaters not overbearing that it took from the season of winter but just right to make the atmosphere feel cosy 😊

  • 5/5 志賀圭祐 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    店内の雰囲気がよく、もう1回来たくなる。

  • 5/5 Roch C. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Great place! Even better staff!! The food is amazing!

  • 4/5 Matthew P. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Very friendly and helpful staff. Delicious chicken wings and jalapeno poppers.

  • 5/5 Tracey O. 1 year ago on Google
    I was here at The Lumsden catching up with my bestie. There were4 of us for lunch and drinkies. Staff are wonderful and they remember everything we ordered, did not even have to write it all down! Service was great. We had a cocktail of the week, yum. Food was awesome too.

  • 5/5 Sera 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for your classic pub night-out! Staff members were attentive and friendly, which contributed to the enjoyable experience. Food was delivered to our table within a short time frame, and they were amazing. I highly recommend the mac and cheese bites and the steak. They also have a hot wing challenge which nearly murdered my taste buds, but it was an entertaining experience overall.

  • 5/5 Merlin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great beer and whiskey selection, and superior food to many pubs. Good staff and ambiance. Definitely my go-to pub, reminiscent of bars from back home in the Pacific Northwest. (Portland to Vancouver)

  • 4/5 Steve R. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was pretty good and the atmosphere and lay out of the place is great. We went in for the "insane wings" but they were out of stock. Maybe if that's what you're after best to call in and check first.

  • 1/5 Kat C. 2 years ago on Google
    Very confusing?? Two dudes at the bar had some sort of rivalry with us from the get go. My drink spilt in the wind and the dude wiped it off the table into my lap. Very wet. Very upset. One dude was very stand off ish. What is the beef?

  • 5/5 Sally V. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to pop in for lunch and a few beers, always have at least one or two ciders on tap as well. Would highly recommend :)

  • 5/5 Jarrod E. 2 years ago on Google
    Been coming to the Lumsden since it opened and I love it. The rotating taps are great, especially as they normally have at least one stout. Food is also solid. Service has been great since Rob started and most of the staff there now have been around for ages and are awesome too. Glad it has survived COVID!!! Thanks team!

  • 5/5 Matt 2 years ago on Google
    The Lumsden is my and my partners favourite, it's a bit of a walk to get there from where we live, but worth every step! Always great drinks, amazing food and a genuinely warm and nice environment. Staff seem genuinely happy to be there!

  • 4/5 Anthony M. 2 years ago on Google
    Run by beer lovers. Come here for pub atmosphere and craft beers and basic pub grub. Great location. It is a good honest basic pub in the Newmarket.

  • 5/5 Mike S. 2 years ago on Google
    These guys say on their social media that they focus on good staff, good beer and good food. It's a tick on all three for us. Really friendly and engaging staff, great beer choices and some absolutely fantastic food!

  • 5/5 Charles A. 2 years ago on Google
    Main hostess is one of the nicest most down to earth person I've come across in the service industry. If you're a regular she will always ask how you are and make sure you're ok and sorted with your food and beer. Get to know her enough and she will sit at your table and have a laugh with you. Great beer, impeccable service, cheap and cheerful food

  • 5/5 Michael W. 2 years ago on Google
    Is their poutine the greatest culinary work of art in history? No. But it's very, very good, and everyone who reads this needs to try it as soon as practicable!

  • 5/5 Sharon H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great vibes, food, drinks and team. Cheers to Rob and his team for making us feel welcome and providing on point services. Clear to us why your place has survived the recent years for lockdowns and regulations.

  • 5/5 Nixi L. 1 year ago on Google
    Best Bloody Mary I’ve had in a pub. The food is good quality and the service is great. I’ll definitely be coming back here. Also, the insane wings did not disappoint.

  • 5/5 Malia S. 1 year ago on Google
    My partner and I try to visit every Tuesday after class. The staff are so cool and welcoming. Great prices, and the food is straight-up fire. It's the perfect spot to kick back and relax, and we always leave with good vibes.

  • 4/5 Shujjaat K. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place in the center of the town. Tried their Cauliflower Wings, Calamari, Waffles and some other stuff but Wings and Waffle chicken were not as good as their starters. Everyone loved their Beach bomb and beer though. Staff is very friendly and everything is neat and clean. If you have problems with pigeons then you won't gona enjoy a lot.

  • 1/5 Jonathan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Refused entry by a rude barman with the beard after we had been to a civil bottomless brunch for a friends birthday next door at the VT station, 2 members of the 5 were sober drivers and the remaining 3 were approximately 3 drinks in. The warm welcome we expected was quickly destroyed. He explained anybody who had been to rhe VT station prior was banned from entering the venue due to previous customers "trashing the bar" lovely place will not be back.

  • 5/5 トミイタケル 1 year ago on Google
    This is number one American/ European style diner in Auckland. Food, Beer, Interior, Space, Staff, everything is good quality for this price. You can come here if you want fullfilling dinner.

  • 5/5 Andrae G. 1 year ago on Google
    First rate craft beer on tap, great food, service and atmosphere. Had a huge Philly Cheese Steak with a fab IPA. What more can you ask?

  • 3/5 Max H. 1 year ago on Google
    This pub has an authentic atmosphere, cozy and warm even on the winter night I visited. Unfortunately, the food items we ordered were quite awful. Fish tacos and the fish and chips. The tacos had a awful snot colored goop on top of a pile of slaw and pathetically little fish. The flavors were muddled and off putting, literally ate two bites and moved the plate away. The fish&chips tasted deep fried from frozen and the chips were cold and soft. Again, the plate was left mostly untouched - yuck. The apple juice from the bar fountain I had was served in a tiny glass, $4NZ, and had about 6oz of juice after the ice. No refills, and the waitress was a bit condescending when I asked about them. What didn't leave a bad taste were the bartenders, who were friendly, helpful, and charming. Probably good for a cider and a chat, but I cannot recommend for dining.

  • 5/5 Marvin E. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Went in here with some mates for a short while, chugged a pint of Guinness, and the staff and customers started clapping. Was the best vibe and that honestly made my night.

  • 5/5 Reema K. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Awesome ! Sunday evening at Lumsden Newmarket . Staff absolutely amazing, especially Tom who was looking after us and the all others in the bar. Must visit and meet Tom and enjoy the evening: with them 🥂


Call +64 9 550 1201 Open on Google Maps Open on TripAdvisor

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✗ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✗ Paid parking lot
    • ✗ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✗ Debit cards
    • ✗ Credit cards
    • ✗ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✗ Beer
    • ✗ Food
    • ✗ Wine
    • ✗ Coffee
    • ✗ Alcohol
    • ✗ Cocktails
    • ✗ Food at bar
    • ✗ Hard liquor
    • ✗ Small plates
    • ✗ Happy hour food
    • ✗ Late-night food
    • ✗ Happy hour drinks
    • ✗ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✗ Lunch
    • ✗ Dinner
    • ✗ Dessert
    • ✗ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✗ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✗ Identifies as women-owned

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