By Shannon Maria Jones

Iron Hill Brew Pub in West Chester and Phoenixville are known for being an integral part of Chester County’s restaurant landscape, and has indeed made a notable impact on the food and beer industry of the greater Philadelphia area.

Most widely known for their fresh, rotating beer, creative menu, and excellent service, there are several fun facts about Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant that are lesser known but add to the allure.

The Iron Hill bird icon was inspired by a Japanese motif (of unknown origin) and enhanced with hops and barley images on its wings. The combination is a distinctive, striking and evocative symbol.  It graces Iron Hill’s glassware, napkins, menus, and website.

The brewery is named after Iron Hill Road in Delaware.  You can go visit the actual “Iron Hill” by traveling south on I-95; the little hill that you see on the left just before you hit the Maryland tollbooths is the place. It is also notable for being the highest hill in Delaware—at a whopping elevation of 331 feet.

Though he spent most of his working years in the restaurant industry in some way, famed Iron Hill President Kevin Finn had a variety of jobs on his way to opening his successful chain.

Over the years he’s delivered newspapers, mowed lawns, painted houses, and worked at the local Burger King before moving to Vermont to be a “Ski bum.”  Thankfully, he followed his heart home to Delaware to work at the family business, and continued to moonlight at well-known restaurants like Stanley’s, and the Stone Balloon.

So next time you’re throwing back a pint at the Iron Hill closest to you, look around at the magnificent architecture featuring, of all mediums, IRON, and appreciate a little more fully the artistry that contributes to Iron Hill’s success.

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Shannon Maria Jones is co-founder of Dashing Rogue, LLC, “bringing back the dinner party” by providing customizable beer pairing dinners in your home. She hosts the weekly podcast, “Beer Mistress’s Microbrew Review” available on iTunes. Visit www.BeerMistress.com for her beer reviews, pairing tips, and recipes.

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