Stone's Public House - Ashland, MA

Stone’s Public House, located at 179 Main St. in Ashland, MA, was originally an historic hotel dating back to 1832, built by local businessman, John Stone who offered travelers from near and far rooms that fit their budget ranging from large in size to a basic room with a bed on the upper floors.

At the front door, we were offered a choice of dining areas - either in a traditional dining room, or a pub setting complete with fireplace and a beamed ceiling from the original building.  An outside dining area is available during the warmer weather.
 

We chose to be seated at a table in the pub. The natural wood fireplace was blazing and inviting on this winter afternoon. We immediately noticed the handwritten beer menu hung directly over the 24 tap handles displaying that number of draft offerings being poured today.
 

Behind the taps there is a unique backdrop, a blue door framed in a section of lath and plaster wall from the original construction.  The door is from room 28, one of the original rooms in John Stone’s hotel.  Very impressive!

Our waitress Maddie came by, greeted us with a friendly smile and provided us menus, but we had already decided on our beers.  We chose Miles to Go Pale Lager (6.2 ABV) by Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, CT. This is an easy drinking unfiltered German style lager with balanced herbal hop notes; All Day IPA (4.7 ABV) by Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, MI.  A flavorful session beer with a well thought out balance of malt and hop bitterness with great IPA taste that will not overpower you; Hefe Weissbier (5.4 ABV) all the way from Weihenstephaner Brewery in Freising, Germany who has been brewing beer since the year 1040!   With its pleasing clove spice aroma and white foam head, it finishes with a hint of banana; Stranger Than Fiction Porter (5.5 ABV) from Collective Arts Brewing in Hamilton, Ontario.  Loaded with great roasted malt/chocolate flavor and thick creamy head, it’s clean and smooth.
  

We asked Maddie for the most unique appetizer that Stone’s offers and she immediately said Poutine, which is a Canadian delicacy of french fries, melted local farmers cheese and bacon served over a healthy ladle of beef gravy. Sounding like a perfect pairing for our beers - we said bring it on!  This appetizer was amazing and was, in fact, a perfect choice for our beer selections.

Stone’s menus offer a wide variety of a la carte selections with sides; sandwiches; small and large plate dinners, desserts and a children’s menu.  Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday.  We chose Warm Corned Beef on Rye sandwiches with hand cut fries and a salad, and the Toasted Ham & Cheddar sandwich with Dijon mustard, tomatoes and red onion with fries.  The food was well prepared and delicious.

As we were eating our lunch, Andrea, the bartender on duty today, stopped by our table to ask how we were enjoying the food and our beers.  We complimented her on the overall ambiance of the restaurant, the superb poutine, great sandwiches and of course, the excellent selection of local craft beers.  When we asked how Stone’s decides which beers are offered Andrea mentioned that they have a bar committee.  The committee is comprised of Stone’s management and all of their bartenders who meet to decide on the products that they bring in to offer to their guests.  The drafts are offered on a rotating basis and Stone’s works enthusiastically with local craft breweries encouraging them to bring in samples to possibly have them offered in their rotation.  The results of their efforts are obvious.  16 of the 24 drafts are from New England Brewers.  Props to Stone's!  

In addition to beer and an extensive wine selection, there is a full liquor license with a separate menu of unique cocktails such as the Stone’s Corpse Reviver, named after its founder, whose spirit is rumored to still inhabit the restaurant!

While Stone’s has a substantial base of local regulars, it is also a destination Gastopub, serving high end beer and food attracting customer from well outside the Ashland area.  With an extremely friendly staff, live music on the weekends, great food and drink, Stone’s has it all covered!

As a suggestion, when you visit Stone’s, be sure to reserve an extra chair at your table in case John Stone happens to drop by to say welcome to the Public House!

For more information, visit their website at www.stonespublichouse.com or on Facebook at Stone’s Public House.