Free House Focuses on Local Beer and Canadian Cuisine in Kensington

The new beer and food hall has a cozy atmosphere, elevated-casual Canadian fare and lots of local beer.

Calgary’s Creative Restaurants Group, who is also behind local gems like Bonterra Trattoria, Posto Pizzeria & Bar and Cibo, has added a new restaurant to its roster.

Free House is a new beer and food hall located in the Kensington space that was once the home of Molly Malone’s and the meatball-focused Prohibition Freehouse. Now, the space boasts a cozy atmosphere, elevated-casual Canadian fare and lots of local beer as Free House.

Here’s a look at what you can expect inside.

 

The Drinks

Photograph courtesy of Free House

One of the most impressive aspects of Free House is the 24 Calgary beers and ciders on tap. The rotating selection highlights local breweries from across the city, with offerings like the My Best Friends Girl Kolsch from Establishment Brewing Company, the Innsmouth Mango Passionfruit Sour from Zero Issue Brewing and the Red Rage Strong Ale from Tool Shed Brewing Company. If that wasn’t enough, there are 13 more local beers available in cans. A selection of cocktails and wine round out the well-thought-out drink list.

 

The Food

Photograph courtesy of Free House

When it comes to the food, Free House focuses on Canadian fare that balances classic, casual bar offerings with more elevated items. Along with snacks like cheddar cheese biscuits, beef tallow fries with garlic aioli, shrimp dip and crispy pork belly, there are five kinds of toast and three flatbreads made with a local brewery’s spent grain. The menu also includes braised lamb tacos, red ale braised beef short rib poutine, marinated beets, Humbolt squid, beef tartare, an elk Reuben, a spicy fried chicken sandwich and more.

Don’t miss the daily happy hour, which runs all day on Sundays and then 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight from Monday to Saturday. During that time, you can get your hands on half-priced snacks, as well as drink deals like $8 signature cocktails and $4 draft beers.

 

The Space

Photograph courtesy of Free House.

Designed by Fort Architecture, Free House has a warm, inviting vibe thanks to strings of twinkling lights, warm wooden tables and benches, and decor elements that nod to Calgary’s beer scene. The mix of regular and long tables makes this a great spot to come with both small and larger groups of people.

1153 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-452-1339, freehouseyyc.com

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