Monitor staff
Traditional New England charm sparkles from just about every corner of the Lake Sunapee Region. And enjoying the area on scorching days in the sun or blustery afternoons on the ski slopes can really work up one’s appetite. Fortunately, Peter Christian’s Tavern, a local favorite in New London’s downtown for more than four decades, will reopen its doors this summer to fill those grumbling stomachs with signature, homestyle dishes.
Construction on the more than 110-year-old building at 195 N. Main St., began in March, with property owners Doug Dow and Tom Chadwick paving the way for the project.
“We are in the ‘big push’ toward opening,” Chadwick said in early June. “The goal is as early as possible, within the next 30 to 60 days.”
Exuding the snugness and warmth known to New England, the pub has welcomed guests since 1975 with its dark wood interior, friendly atmosphere and notable “Original Mustard Sauce.”
When renovations are complete, first-time and returning customers will be accommodated with outside, ground-level patio seating, a full bar area, and restored (with the likeness of the old space) dining room, said Chadwick.
While scanning the menu, tavern diners can expect to find signature sandwiches such as Peter’s Russian Mistress – open-faced with roasted turkey, crisp bacon, spinach, tomatoes, homemade Russian dressing and melted Swiss – or hearty classics like shepherd’s pie and beef stew.
And although much of the staff employed at the restaurant before construction began will return upon reopening, a new member will join the team to fill an important position.
“Peter Christian’s Tavern will also have a 40-plus year Swiss Master Chef take the helm of the kitchen, bringing back the classics and starting new ones,” Chadwick said.
In January, a rumor surfaced that the popular pub would shut down indefinitely, causing a brief uproar to echo through the Interstate 89 corridor. Restaurant regulars in fear of the eatery becoming just a distant memory flooded the tavern’s Facebook page with comments. Soon after, the rumors were addressed by restaurant manager Sarah Haas, and a notice was posted on PC’s website announcing a six to eight month closure due to renovations.
On your next trip exploring the beauty of the area, make sure to stop in and try out the new flavors and atmosphere Peter Christian’s Tavern has to offer. You will likely find yourself coming back for more.
Aside from PC’s, diners visiting the Lake Sunapee Region can expect to choose from a variety of unique eateries that provide patrons a true New Hampshire experience. Many offer local farm-grown menu items, rustic atmospheres and mountainous views that highlight the region’s history and natural beauty during all seasons.
Come enjoy lakeside dining at The Anchorage, located at the heart of Sunapee Harbor. Sit back and relax on the deck overlooking the lake while indulging in the delicious dishes and keeping cool with a cold beverage. It has been bringing together friends and family for decades, The Anchorage is a summertime destination offering a pleasant dining experience and an entertaining nightlife featuring live music. 71 Main St., Sunapee. anchoragesunapee.com, 763-3334.
Family-owned and operated since 1977, the restaurant in the gateway to the Sunapee region offers country-style meals and also hosts live musical acts. 63 High St., Bradford. appleseedrestaurant.com, 938-2100.
This restaurant offers fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, brick oven pizzas, entrees that are large enough to satisfy anyone’s appetite and award-winning seafood chowder. 976 Route 103, Newbury. bubbasbarandgrille.com, 763-3290.
The Foothills
A staple restaurant in downtown Warner serving traditional American breakfast, locals or those just passing through are graciously welcomed to the family-run restaurant. The home-style meal will have you coming back for more. 15 E. Main St., Warner. facebook.com/The-Foothills-of-Warner, 456-2140.
With renovations expected to be complete by beginning of July, the bakery bread and pastries will once again be made from scratch onsite, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and not to mention mouth-watering aroma. 12 Lovering Lane, (on the corner of Main Street) New London. blueloonbakery.com, 526-2892.
Country Kitchen
This homey chain eatery serves breakfast all day and other American comfort fare in a casual environment. 339 Sunapee St., Newport. 863-7881.
With farm-fresh and local foods, a wood-fired brick oven, a wine and beer menu, awesome pizza, great service, a warm and inviting atmosphere awaits you. 249 Route 10 N., Grantham. farmerstablecafe.com, 863-9355.
A family-owned, family-friendly restaurant with a fireplace and mountain views offering pub grub and house-brewed drafts. 40 Andover Road, New London. flyinggoose.com, 526-6899
Bistro Nouveau
Boasting a “from scratch” kitchen with fresh, local ingredients, the bistro offers guests exotic yet comforting food, with menu options changing throughout the year. Some unique dishes include the Coconut Curry Shrimp Lo Mein or Maple Mustard Tofu. The restaurant also has catering services available. Located at The Center at Eastman, 6 Clubhouse Lane, Grantham. bistronouveau.com, 863-8000
Locally owned and run restaurant with full bar including craft and domestic beers. Excellent burgers and fries. An atmosphere that your family and friends will love. 2 E. Main St., Warner. thelocalwarner.com, 456-6066
Diners enjoy an original variety of menu items at Millstone at 74 Main. Find an assortment of appetizers to clench your palate, soups and salads to pair with the exclusive main menu and specials cooked up daily by the chef. 74 Newport Road, New London. 74mainrestaurant.com, 526-4201
The restaurant offers a wide array of Chinese dishes, such as Pepper Steak, Sesame Chicken, Pork Egg Foo Young, Shrimp Lo Mein and Egg Roll. You can dine in or online order your favorite Chinese food for take out. 3 S. Main St., Newport. newportmingchina.com, 863-7730
With a five-course signature dinner menu changing daily, the restaurant’s kitchen is stocked with locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring guests indulge in a fresh dish, often procured that day. Lead by recently welcomed Chef Bryan Leary, each night’s selections are custom prepared to showcase New England’s rich history. Having assumed oversight of dining operations in April, the Granite State native marked a rare event for the restaurant, which had been operated by the same head chef for 19 years. Enjoy flavors from the inn’s very own herb garden while looking out toward the views of breathtaking Pleasant Lake. The Oak & Grain located inside the historic inn’s dining room is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, with reservations required. 853 Pleasant St., New London. innatpleasantlake.com/new-london-nh-restaurant, 873-4833
This circa-1826 building served as the district courthouse for the past 25 years. It is located behind the Newport Opera House and features an elegant dining room and full service bar. Enjoy a menu that can carry you from lunch to dinner or Sunday brunch. 30 Main St., Newport. eatatthecourthouse.com, 863-8360
With five different locations in the Sunapee Region, the restaurants offer Irish-American comfort food and pub fare. Pair it with a perfect pint of a craft brew and sit down to enjoy some live music. 7 Lebanon St., Hanover; 58 Main St., Newport; 1407 Route 103, Newbury; 2 W. Park St., Lebanon; 5 Airport Road, West Lebanon. salthillpub.com
Serving coffee, breakfast and lunch, guests can enjoy a relaxing space with complimentary internet access. Located in the heart of Warner’s downtown, the cafe offers a range of espresso drinks, fresh smoothies, and soft-serve ice cream for those summer months. It also offers open mic opportunities Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. 1 E. Main St., Warner. facebook.com/Schoodacs, 456-3400
Suna Restaurant offers some classics like House Chips, Ahi Tuna and Lobster Mac & Cheese as well as some tried and true exclusive favorites like “Rubbin Butts Nachos” and Smoked Gouda Tater Tots. In addition to the standard menu, Suna offers nightly specials to consider. Come by and check out the latest addition to the Sunapee area. The cozy dining room and spacious bar await your arrival. There’s no dress code and no fuss. 6 Brook Road, Sunapee. magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com, facebook.com/SunaRestaurant, 843-8998
One of four locations in New Hampshire, Tucker’s in New London prides themselves on locally-sourced products, a helpful and smiling staff, and guests leaving with a satisfied stomach. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch, fans of the restaurant find themselves constantly returning to taste the newest special. 207 Main St., New London. tuckersnh.com, 526-2488
Smother your fingers in sauce at this wood-fired barbecue joint set in the heart of Sunapee Harbor. Wildwood Smokehouse’s menu includes baby back ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork. All the dishes feature sides and sauces. They’re open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with happy hour daily, Tuesday-Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. 45 Main St., Sunapee. wildwoodsmokehousesunapee.com, 783-1178