‘Villens United by Chris Haskell

Other neighborhoods in the ‘Ville have hip brewpubs and speakeasy style bars that have become destinations for beer lovers and fun local hangouts, but Winter Hill has stubbornly clung to what’s left of Old Somerville (or Slumerville). Pizza joints, sub shops, pharmacies and liquor stores are all scattered a top Winter Hill, but there is no cool neighborhood bar or hangout. Not much seemed to have changed since the Whitey Bulger era. Beer enthusiasts had very little reason to hike up the hill until Winter Hill Brewery opened its doors in early April.

Winter Hill Brewery isn’t your average bar hangout. If you’re looking to suck down light beer and greasy food while watching the game, then you’ve come to the wrong place. Winter Hill Brewery is the type of bar you come to if you want relax with friends after work over good beer and conversation. The brewery has already become a hotspot for young professionals and locals looking to grab some craft beer and a bite to eat, but has also impressed many of the older lifelong Somerville residents.

The real charm of the brewpub is its quality and simplicity. From the friendly staff greeting you at the door to chatting with the founders who often bartend, the WHB has quickly found its niche as Winter Hill’s neighborhood pub. The pub itself is small but spacious, with a long bar in front of the brew tanks of the different rotating beers they have any current day. Five different beers will always be on tap, with 3 rotating. (Frequency Kolsch and Darlin’s IPA are among their current selections.) The small kitchen offers a handful of options of tasty appetizers, salads, and sandwiches that pair well with their beers. I’m personally a huge fan of their reuben sandwich and the beer batter fried pickles are a must try.

Winter Hill Brewery was founded and is currently managed by Bert Holdredge and Jeff Rowe; two beer enthusiasts themselves who had been working within the local craft beer scene for over the last decade. Jeff had worked for Harpoon and Cape Cod Brewing while Bert had actually worked at Moe’s Tavern amongst other establishments before deciding to start the brewpub. Their love for beer is displayed through the quality of the few beers that the brewery produces at a time. All offerings are very smooth and drinkable yet unique in style and flavor. Nothing too fancy here, but nothing boring either.

Fine ales aren’t the only thing that they’re brewing at the brewpub; mornings are open for Counter Culture brewed coffee and pastries. The brewpub doubles as a cafe from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the weekdays and 8:00 a.m. – noon on the weekends. It’s become the only place on the Hill where you can get a decent cup of coffee and grab a bite to eat in the morning. While the brewery is open all week for morning coffee, it’s closed for dinner and beer on Monday and Tuesday nights.

The first month has been a success for Winter Hill Brewery and the neighborhood has embraced the small brewpub with open arms. It seems to have found the perfect balance of appeal to both new and old residents of Somerville.

“The turn out has been great. We’ve been at capacity nearly every night.,” Bert Holdredge says with a smile. “The community has been very supportive of what we’re doing here. It’s great to see people enjoying what were brewing.”

Unlike many new Winter Hill businesses, this one’s here to stay. Within a month, this small brewpub has already become a neighborhood staple and I’m interested to see what the future will bring for Bert, Jeff, and Winter Hill Brewing. This could be but the first step in a larger journey for Winter Hill Brewing. In the meantime, I’ll be stopping in from time to time for a house ale and some of those Parmesan rosemary fries. I’m looking forward to sampling their future seasonal beers.

Winter Hill Brewery, 328 Broadway, Winter Hill, Somerville.

Check them out on Facebook for menu updates and visit their home site at winterhillbrewing.com for any further information.

Later ‘Villens. Get out and enjoy our beautiful city while spring is in full bloom! But beware the dreaded allergies.