The Hawthorn

Evoking the vintage charm and industrial spirit of the city it calls home, The Hawthorn is Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s unrivaled historic wedding and event venue. Once home to the Frank Jones Brewing Company, The Hawthorn’s towering ceilings, wood beams, expansive red-brick walls, and original slate roof have witnessed more than 140 years of Portsmouth’s history — and are evolving into something altogether new, available for Spring 2025 events. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding, a grand reception, a meeting of the minds, or a soirée to remember, let your story unfold against the backdrop of one of downtown Portsmouth’s most treasured relics.

History:

Our story begins in 1858 when Frank Jones arrived in Portsmouth with a dream of brewing ale. Within three decades, The Frank Jones Brewery became the largest ale producer in the country.

As ale production expanded, the brewery added a cooperage and scald house to clean the barrels. Workers used scalding hot rocks to sanitize barrels because soap and water would cause them to warp. Once cleaned, the barrels were filled with Jones’ signature ales. The Hawthorn now occupies this Scald House, retaining its original red-brick walls, towering beams, and industrial windows.

“Cheers,” then, has a whole new meaning at The Hawthorn. When you raise your glass at your event, you’ll be toasting in a place that’s positively brewing with Portsmouth's ale-making heritage and local history.

Let’s craft the perfect event together. Contact us today.

Be sure to check out the gallery for an exclusive 360° Virtual Tour!