After more than two centuries, The Pub @ "The Temperance Tavern" has restored its colonial tradition of providing great food and drink, while serving as an early "publick" meeting house for the community and travelers crisscrossing the state.  It all began again on June 1, 2019, under the stewardship of the present owners, Bob and Becky Ronstadt. 

Built in 1793, The Temperance Tavern, which houses The Pub on its first floor, is acknowledged as a New Hampshire architectural treasure.  The Tavern and its two-story carriage barn were built from the planks of the king's lumber, with the six working open-hearth fireplaces, indian window shutters, wide pine floorboards, and original period stenciling that adorn the walls.

Located in the center of the Gilmanton Historic District, "The Tavern" is an elegantly restored 14-room, 18th Century Colonial that served as an important way station for 18th Century travelers.  Today, The Tavern is known more as a 21st Century "thought station," where ideas, big and small, were created and exchanged among the guests of a handful of owners who, until 2019, kept The Tavern as a private residence.

To nurture those ideas, The Tavern has maintained a "casual friendly atmosphere" with stenciled walls that have witnessed the presence of countless visitors, including Grace Metalious, the author of Peyton Place.  And "yes," Gilmanton IS Peyton Place.  If only these walls could talk.

But even before Peyton Place, there were notable comings and goings, because The Tavern once served as the town's post office, court house, and Masonic Lodge.  Today, five well-appointed rooms exist on the second floor, each with modern conveniences and private bath.  Two of the bedrooms have working fireplaces, and two of the other guest rooms were converted from what was once the original ballroom that at one time housed many a celebration.  Later, the ballroom was divided into rooms for boarding students from the prestigious Gilmanton Academy (circa 1850), now the Town Hall for Gilmanton, just across the street.

"The Tap Room," once a pub and now again revived as The Gilmanton Pub, functions today as a venue for special gatherings.  It can accomoate up to 80 people for small weddings, anniversaries, reunions and other special occasions.

For over 100 years, The Tavern served as the overnight stagecoach stop on the Canada to Dover Road public stagecoach line.  The Tavern's gravity-fed Spring supplies water: a 17th Century battle between Native Americans and early settlers was fought over the rights of usage.  Today, the spring provides the Tavern with its exceptional pure drinking water.

Located in the southern part of the Lakes Region, The Temperance Tavern is minutes from the Canterbury Shaker Village, the New Hampshire International Speedway, and just 23 minutes from the downtown Concord, the state capitol.  To the North and West, we have the towns of Belmont, Tilton, Laconia and Gilford, along with Lake Winnisquam, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the Gunstock Mountain Ski & Recreation Area.

Tax-free new Hampshire shopping is in abundance with regard to antiques, as well as numerous factory outlet stores at the Tilton Tanger Outlet Center.  And if you won't want to leave Gilmanton, across the street we have the extraordinary Four Corners Brick House Antiques.  Within the Tavern, we have etchings, lithographs, monoprints, watercolors, paintings, digital prints and photography for sale . . . along with a number of unique food items.

So come visit.  Have some fine food and drink.  Plan your special occasions here.  Enjoy good converaation, and perhaps have a great thought or two.  We look forward to meeting you!