Looking for the heart of Sergeantsville

Really, it was inevitable that the Sergeantsville Inn would wind up on the American Public House Review sooner or later.  In fact, I am stunned it has taken this long.  After all, bellying up to the Sergeantsville’s bar is a weekly ritual for Editor Chris Poh and Creative Director Ed Petersen.  Though I am certain this isn’t the only pub that falls into a “weekly ritual” category for these guys, the Sergeantsville is probably the longest occupant of said category as these two have been going there for years.

And for good reason, I might add.  The Sergeantsville Inn is an amazing building, built in the first part of the 18th century.  Its warm atmosphere and even warmer hospitality makes it a perfect place for a romantic dinner, or even just a late afternoon snort.

Kathleen Connally, our renowned photographer, provides some beautiful images of the Inn and mostly of the people that make this place so great.  So, a toast to the staff at the Sergeantsville Inn as well as the thousands of others who make our favorite pubs such great places to enjoy.  Cheers!

by David McBride

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The Tavern at the Sergeantsville Inn

On Black Friday, I ignored shopping invitations from Mr. Macy & Mr. Gimble and whiled away the afternoon talking and taking photos in the warm & cozy tavern of the historic Sergeantsville Inn with APHR cohorts Chris Poh and Ed Petersen, as well as friend Don “Juan” Garrido. The Sergeantsville Inn is quietly situated in the heart of rural, yet posh Hunterdon County, New Jersey, ranked as America’s wealthiest suburban county in 2007.

Don Juan Garrido Sipping a Guinness © Kathleen Connally

Sergeantsville was first called Skunktown because it served as a market center for skunk pelts in the late 1700s, but was renamed in 1827 for Charles Sergeant, a local landowner and Revolutionary War soldier. The Sergeantsville Inn was originally built as a private home but was later used as a grain & feed store, a grocery store and an ice cream parlor.

Old Speckled Hen Tap © Kathleen Connally

While I was sipping on a beautifully poured pint of Old Speckled Hen, Chris mentioned that a section of the handsome stone structure once served as the town’s ice house, and that some of the Inn’s staff have experienced ghostly encounters in that part of the building.

I was thrilled to learn that Ed is researching and writing a full story about the Sergeantsville Inn for an upcoming issue of APHR, where he’ll interview the employees about their adventures with the shadows and spectres that live there.  I’m looking forward to Ed’s story and to returning to the tavern later this month as I search for the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Chris Poh in the Ice House © Kathleen Connally

— Written & Posted by Kathleen Connally