Hatchets Flying Again At West Chester Beer Venue

WEST CHESTER, PA — Social distancing requirements won't stand in the way of hatchet throwing in West Chester. Stumpy's Hatchet House keeps throwers at a safe distance, with alternate pits to keep ax enthusiasts apart. Hand sanitizer will also help, as the venue's self-pour beer wall again flows.

America’s original hatchet house, Stumpy’s Hatchet House is officially reopened at 706 E. Market Street in West Chester Borough. Stumpy's said it has introduced additional safety measures, including alternate pits, frequent sanitation and private pits.

The self-pour beer dispensing features local Pennsylvania breweries such as Levante, Stable 12, Brothers Kershner, Yards, Victory and others. Stumpy’s self-pour technology lets customers sample from among 20 local beers by the ounce.

With safety in mind, during an ongoing pandemic, the venue has made provisions since it reopened June 26. Staff continuously sanitize the self-pour beverage wall and other surfaces, but every customer using the beer wall is required to use hand sanitizer before they self-pour, Stumpy's said.

Business closures, then a slow reopening, has been challenging. Stumpy's owner Ted Clements said "Like all small businesses we are struggling."

Clements thinks it's important that businesses like his "continue to offer a release. Our guests need to be able to unwind, but they also need to know they are safe."

Clement said he has worked to keep customers and employees as safe as possible. "Our team needs are the same. We are constantly cleaning and sanitizing, to ensure the safety of our guests and our team. These are the two greatest assets we have and we love them all."

Mostly, Stumpy's is a place to safely unleash one's inner marksman. With a 7,500 square-foot throwing space, customers can enjoy ax throwing solo or with a group of friends. One hour reservations are $25 and accommodate one to four people, and 2-hour reservations are $40, accommodating five or more.

With social distancing protocols are in place, guests will never be closer than 8 to 10 feet from another group or pit, since it is an indoor venue.

Stumpy's Hatchet House is a destination for holiday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, and casual get-togethers. Its hours of operation are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays, noon to midnight, and Sundays noon to 9 p.m.