A European-style pub chain with deep Hampton Roads roots is finally setting up shop in Newport News. Park Lane Tavern plans to open in Newport News in early December.
Park Lane Tavern plans to open a Newport News restaurant.
A New GM for Newport News
Leading the new location is Kaitlin Swanson, who will serve as general manager after previously holding the same role at a restaurant.
Co-owners Greg Knox and Jeff Anderson established Park Lane Tavern in 2005.
From Fredericksburg Roots to the Peninsula
Park Lane Tavern was established in 2005, and the chain has locations in Fredericksburg and Hampton. It opened a Virginia Beach outpost at KempsRiver Crossing in 2018. The brand's concept blends pub ambience inspired by European taverns with comfort food cooked from scratch in-house.
The tavern's furniture was handcrafted in Northern Ireland, its lights came from France and England, and its bar was modeled on one in Scotland.
What's On the Menu
Park Lane Tavern's menu leans into American and European comfort food, with staples like beef Wellington, London broil, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie listed among its offerings. Fish and chips are a big seller at the chain, while its own regular menu lists the restaurant's offerings.
The menu also includes cider-cooked corned beef.
Filling a Peninsula Dining Gap
Park Lane Tavern previously made a similar move into the Richmond market, opening its first outpost there in the former Keagan's Restaurant & Tavern space in Short Pump, according to a 2019 report from WTVR. That Irish-themed restaurant had closed after nearly a decade in the 8,000-square-foot space before Park Lane moved in.
With a December target on the calendar, Newport News residents won't have to wait long to see whether the chain's mix of European pub charm and scratch-made comfort food lives up to its reputation from Hampton, Fredericksburg and Virginia Beach.
