Our Story
A "freehouse" traditionally describes an independent pub; a place untethered to a single brewery, where the doors are open wide and the taps belong to the community. But for us, the idea runs a little deeper. It’s a place free from compromise, free from exclusion, and free from the anxiety of wondering what you can eat or drink.
The story starts in 2015, when TWØBAYS founder Richard Jeffares was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. Suddenly, a night out with friends meant limited options, negotiating with kitchens, or sitting at the table with a glass of tap water while everyone else enjoyed a beer.
Refusing to settle, Richard set out on a mission to bring world-class craft beer to anyone avoiding gluten. It was a journey that took him across the globe: from his very first taste of gluten-free beer in Portland, to researching dedicated malt houses in Colorado, collaborating with pioneering brewers in Seattle, and ultimately building Australia’s first dedicated gluten-free craft brewery.
Over years of relentless trial, unique recipes, and taking home back-to-back gold medals at the World Beer Cup, TWØBAYS proved that removing gluten didn't mean removing flavour, quality, or craft.
But brewing world-class beer was only half the dream. The missing piece was a venue where great beer, incredible food, and the best hospitality came together under one roof.
That vision led us to The Freehouse, a sprawling bar and kitchen in the heart of Collingwood.
Built on the philosophy that everyone deserves a seat at the table, every single dish from our kitchen and behind the bar are naturally gluten-free. But that’s not the headline – it’s just how we operate. More importantly, it means The Freehouse is for everyone.
It’s a place where everyone can sit at the same table, order whatever they want, and have a good time together, whether that’s catching up over a beer and game of pool, long family lunches, date nights, or big Saturdays.
Just as importantly, The Freehouse exists to champion Victorian producers, using South American techniques to serve generous plates built to share, paired with cold TWØBAYS beer, local wines, native-detailed cocktails, and zero-proof options.
We’re called The Freehouse because that’s exactly what we are: free from compromise, free from exclusion, and free to order anything on the menu without second-guessing what’s on your plate.
Welcome to your Collingwood neighbourhood local.
