Brittingham's comes back in Lafayette Hill

Two landmark neighbors on Germantown Avenue in Lafayette Hill will open Thursday, Nov. 7.

The General Lafayette Inn, restored and remonickered Barren Hill Brewery & Restaurant, goes public.

So does Brittingham's (640 E. Germantown Pike, 610-828-7351), which shut down April 1 for a makeover.

It's a soft opening - dinner at first. Lunch and weekend breakfast are on the way.

New owners Randy Feinberg, a developer, and David Eckelmeyer, who also owns CJ & Ecks in Manayunk, call it a "top-to-bottom renovation." In fact, it's also a front-to-back renovation led by Morrissey Architects.

"I could have just turned it into a CVS," Feinberg said. "But I believe the area needs a place like this."

Not only is just about everything in the 18th-century building new, but the main entrance has been moved to the rear. The parking lot, which was an issue probably since the horse-and-buggy days, has been extended and free valet has been added.

The dark interior has been brightened dramatically with contemporary creams and light woods. General manager Tim Killeen oversees three rooms, each with bars and each with different vibes: the high-ceilinged Elk Bar, which has an original fireplace; the Elephant Bar, the original barroom; and the Tin Room, lined with white subway tiles and pressed tin and featuring a stainless-steel tap system.

They've also added two firepits and a rooftop deck that will be open most of the year.

Chef Joseph Frost (ex-george's) is doing a pub menu and a raw bar. Menu prices top out at $18 for Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout with lentils and whole-grain mustard vinaigrette.