The Pearl
The Pearl is one of Madbury's best-known and best-loved restaurants. The nautical-themed chowder house, oyster bar and tavern is located on the waterfront at 10 Coffin’s Wharf in the village of Coffins Landing. The iconic local eatery is famous for its New England clam chowder, and claims to serve “the finest lobster in the world.” The Pearl is a favorite dining and gathering spot for tourists and locals alike.
It is unknown exactly when the Pearl first opened, but town records confirm its existence at least as early as 1859, occupying a former colonial era sail loft and machine shop used by the early shipwrights of the area. According to local legend, the restaurant was named after the ship on which Capt. Peter Coffin first arrived in Little Bay, although any records which might substantiate that claim have long been lost to history.
The business was purchased from the presumed original proprietor, one Ahab Seaver, in 1863 by George Warrick and Christopher Atwell, who ran the tavern as a partnership until 1877, when Mr. Atwell bought out his partner’s share. The Pearl remained in the Atwell family for three generations until 1946. Christopher’s son Charles Atwell operated the restaurant from 1891 until 1916, followed by his daughter (Christopher’s granddaughter), Maureen (Atwell) Davenport, along with her husband David Davenport, who continued the family business for another 30 years.
In 1911, the Pearl burned to the waterline in the tragic fire that destroyed Coffins Landing. Proprietor Charles Atwell was severely injured attempting to fight the blaze and never fully recovered, dying five years later. The building was rebuilt and modernized after the fire as part of the extensive reconstruction effort that ultimately revitalized Coffins Landing, and the Pearl has continued to be a landmark attraction in the village ever since. It was during the 1912 reconstruction that the popular outdoor waterfront dining area was added.
The American cuisine restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience in the upstairs “Commodore Room” (jacket and tie required), while providing a more casual atmosphere in the bar and the “new” al fresco waterside patio. Owned and operated since 1946 by Audley Boothe, it is the fifth oldest continuously operating tavern in the State of New Hampshire.
It is unknown exactly when the Pearl first opened, but town records confirm its existence at least as early as 1859, occupying a former colonial era sail loft and machine shop used by the early shipwrights of the area. According to local legend, the restaurant was named after the ship on which Capt. Peter Coffin first arrived in Little Bay, although any records which might substantiate that claim have long been lost to history.
The business was purchased from the presumed original proprietor, one Ahab Seaver, in 1863 by George Warrick and Christopher Atwell, who ran the tavern as a partnership until 1877, when Mr. Atwell bought out his partner’s share. The Pearl remained in the Atwell family for three generations until 1946. Christopher’s son Charles Atwell operated the restaurant from 1891 until 1916, followed by his daughter (Christopher’s granddaughter), Maureen (Atwell) Davenport, along with her husband David Davenport, who continued the family business for another 30 years.
In 1911, the Pearl burned to the waterline in the tragic fire that destroyed Coffins Landing. Proprietor Charles Atwell was severely injured attempting to fight the blaze and never fully recovered, dying five years later. The building was rebuilt and modernized after the fire as part of the extensive reconstruction effort that ultimately revitalized Coffins Landing, and the Pearl has continued to be a landmark attraction in the village ever since. It was during the 1912 reconstruction that the popular outdoor waterfront dining area was added.
The American cuisine restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience in the upstairs “Commodore Room” (jacket and tie required), while providing a more casual atmosphere in the bar and the “new” al fresco waterside patio. Owned and operated since 1946 by Audley Boothe, it is the fifth oldest continuously operating tavern in the State of New Hampshire.
The Pearl
RESTAURANT
The Pearl - Interior
10 Coffin’s Wharf
Madbury, N.H. 03823
(603) 742-7375
Tue-Sun 12-12
Madbury, N.H. 03823
(603) 742-7375
Tue-Sun 12-12
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