Classic Towns News

Of course our Classic Towns are home to charming main streets, picturesque parks, and strong communities. But did you know that many are home to great local and craft breweries, too?

Brewing has a long and strong tradition in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. More than 100 years ago, our region was home to nearly 200 breweries spread throughout the city and suburbs. Unfortunately many disappeared during prohibition, but today, a new generation of brewers is working to reclaim Greater Philadelphia’s rich brewing history. Many are doing it in the Classic Towns. And what’s great about these breweries is not just their beer, but the roles they’re playing in bringing local communities together.

Phoenixville is home to one of the most acclaimed craft brewers on the east coast – Sly Fox. Sly Fox was founded by the Giannopoulos family in 1995, and continues on as a family business to this day. They operate a brewhouse and eatery in Phoenixville and another one up the road in Royersford.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant owns eight brewpubs throughout the region and plans to add more. Founded in 1994 by two homebrewers, Iron Hill runs a flagship brewpub and restaurant in Newark, Delaware. It also operates restaurants in West Chester, Media, and Phoenixville, which all help support their downtown neighbors by hosting local events and participating in fundraisers.

Similarly, Triumph Brewing Company has branched out with several locations since it brewed its first batch and opened its doors in Princeton in 1994. Triumph expanded to New Hope in 2003, building a brewery on a former industrial site. The New Hope brewpub is close to the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad station — a shortline heritage railroad offering sightseeing rides.

Manayunk Brewery is another local favorite. Founded in 1996, Manayunk Brewery operates out of an old textile mill along Main Street and adjacent to the Manayunk Canal. Its location, spacious dining rooms, and numerous decks overlooking the Schuylkill River make it a popular spot for people making the most of Manayunk’s recreational, residential, and retail offerings.

One of the newest breweries to open in a Classic Town is Forest and Main in Ambler. Their beer has been served at special events over the past few years, but the brewery is scheduled to open in late September in a restored Victorian house.

Ardmore is home to another exciting new brewing project. Jean Broillet, who started brewing beer in his parent’s garage, is currently working to open a Brew Café called Tired Hands. Before going out on his own, Broillet worked at several breweries, including Weyerbacher in Easton, PA and Iron Hill. Tired Hands will serve Belgian and French farmhouse ales along with hoppy American ales. The café will serve light fare, such as house-baked bread, local cheeses, and cured meats, sandwiches, and salads. With a lot of renovation ahead of them, Tired Hands hopes to open the Brew Café in early 2012.

So, get out there and enjoy the hoppier sides of the Classic Towns. Remember, many are walkable and offer ample opportunities to leave the car at home and take public transportation.

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC