Arriving late spring 2023, Green Heart Hospitality will open the doors to The Elms Restaurant and Bar, a celebration of the flavors and spirit of the Lake Sunapee Region. The Elms is centrally located along Main Street in the heart of charming New London, New Hampshire, within the historic New London Inn, just steps from Colby-Sawyer College, the New London Barn Playhouse and Pleasant Lake.
“The Elms is a nod to the historic and storied past of this beautiful location, dating back to its first days as an inn during the 1870s. The design was inspired by the area and its natural resources and artisans, while the menu is a reflection of classic American dishes geared toward comfort and familiarity, utilizing the freshest local ingredients prepared with skill and care,” said Green Heart Hospitality Founding Partner, Danny Bortnick. “Decades of passion for the hospitality business coupled with 150 years of history and tradition in this space have led to this, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the local community and visitors alike to our table.”
The Elms is rooted in the traditions of regional American cooking, drawing inspiration from dishes we all grew up craving, executed with equal parts skill and care. Presentations are meant to be fun and approachable, aimed towards a mantra of “delicious, not precious.” The Elms believes a meal should always represent more than just sustenance; it is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, bond, and enjoy the company you’re with while you fill both your belly and your heart.
Guests can enjoy a table in the newly renovated 72-seat main dining room with views of the town green and a striking floor to ceiling New England granite fireplace, take a seat in the 22-seat bar lounge, or arrange for dinner for up to 40 people in the private dining room with adjacent patio. During summer months The Elms offers outdoor dining on a charming wrap-around porch and intimate courtyard patio, as well.
An entirely new menu will be introduced, where guests can enjoy dishes like Pan-Roasted Striped Bass with vibrant local produce, Mussels & Clams alongside a cold, crisp Sancerre, or settle into the house Tavern Steak with a big, bold California Red. There is an abundance of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options as well, ensuring everyone feels right at home. A handsomely stocked bar, perfectly balanced classic cocktails, regional beers on draft and bottle, and a well-appointed wine list round out the offerings.
“The opening of The Elms on Main Street in New London is a wonderful addition to our community,” said New London resident Jerod Rockwell, “The team at Green Heart Hospitality will bring a local flare combined with years of experience and professionalism in the industry.”
Great care and thought have gone into the restaurant’s renovation, which features materials ranging from locally made solid walnut tabletops to the Boston Blend and Woodbury Granite fireplace with reclaimed elm mantel piece, plus art pieces, murals, and cabinetry from local artists and carpenters. Color schemes draw inspiration both from the local forests and mountains as well as historical references from the inn itself.
The Elms Restaurant and Bar is located at 353 Main Street in New London, New Hampshire, and will be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm, bar opens at 4pm, closed Sunday and Monday. Additional dinner offerings, along with breakfast and weekend brunch are set to follow later this summer. The Elms joins Green Heart Hospitality’s sister restaurant, Oak & Grain, located at 853 Pleasant Street, 1.5 miles away along the shore of serene Pleasant Lake.
