Beloved Pumpernickel Pub Family And Friends Reunion Slated In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — To most Enfielders, the term "pub crawl" had to have originated during those late Saturday night (or more accurately, early Sunday morning) attempts to find Denny's after leaving the Pumpernickel Pub, a longtime mainstay on Elm Street. All kidding aside, the Pub was a second home to many, and the Harding clan became an extension of many local families.

Hard to believe, but it has been 25 years since the Pub closed in April 2000. Yes, it's been that long since the last Nickel Night, since the last 7 oz. burger was cooked, since the last champagne brunch. However, a quarter-century after closing the doors, the Hardings are inviting old friends, family and dedicated customers to a gathering of great food, beverages, music, laughs, tears and storytelling.

The Pumpernickel Pub 25th Anniversary Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Enfield Elks Club at 138 North Maple Street. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance, as none will be sold at the door. A buffet dinner and cash bar will be available, and in a true throwback to the Pub's glory days, live music will be provided by Coconuts, which performed numerous times at the old nightclub.

Al and Joan Harding opened the Pub in 1978 as a bar, featuring entertainment six nights a week, in a freestanding building on the eastern edge of Elm Plaza. Over time, the place evolved from a nightclub into a family restaurant and gathering spot, where loyal customers were treated like royalty.

The Hardings' children, Barbara and David, were involved in the business since day one.

"It was always my father's dream to own his own place," Barbara Hull told Patch. "He was the face of the place, but my mother was actually the backbone."

Al Harding became known as "The Waffle Man," while also becoming noted for his carved roast beef au jus and those giant burgers. Sundays are remembered for scrumptious champagne brunches, while Monday nights, customarily the slowest night of the week in the bar business, were normally wall-to-wall people thanks to being designated Nickel Night.

In addition to being gracious hosts, the Hardings were also known for their involvement in the community. Al Harding served as president of the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, working on projects like the annual Home & Product Show, and he and his family were very generous when it came to sponsoring youth teams and offering charitable donations.

Joan, Barbara and David will all be present at the reunion, as well as many other extended family members. Al passed away in 1997, and in his memory, proceeds from the reunion will be donated to the American Lung Association.

"Al will be there in spirit," David Harding told Patch. "It's been 25 years since we have all been together. The Harding family wants to get all of our family and friends back together to remember all the wonderful times we shared at the Pub. We are all of a generation that will probably never be again. Times have changed, but I'll bet most of us would love to go back to "our" simpler times. We talked to the people next to us. We did NOT text them. I think we all grew up and lived in the best time ever. Let's go back in time for a day and enjoy being with the people that affected our entire lives. The Pub was truly a place "where everyone knew your name." We are family."

Tickets may be ordered here. Anyone with questions may call David at 561-633-9883.

One request: please do not wear any of the outfits depicted below, especially the collars that can double as a hang glider with a good running start.