Cork Street, one of the oldest streets in Winchester, still retains its original name-the one given in 1759 by Lord Fairfax and his agent. The building lots along Cork Street were listed in the original city plans.
The building in which Cork Street Tavern originally existed, 8 West Cork Street, was completed in the 1830’s. It survived heavy shelling from three major campaigns during the Civil War. During this time, the city changed hands over seventy times.
This site was home to several businesses up until 1932. In that year, with the repeal of the Prohibition, two enterprising young men, John Hockman and William W. Warrick, opened a small beer parlor, The Rustic Tavern. The Tavern survived the “The Great Depression” and World War II. Post War Winchester saw prosperity and the Tavern expanded to a full service restaurant. Throughout the forties and fifties, the excellent reputation of the Tavern grew and it was not uncommon, on the weekends, to see lines of patrons out the door and along Cork Street eagerly waiting to get in.
As time passed, there were changes in the ownership. Eventually the Rustic Tavern became a one man operation. He moved the business next door, into a building where a church had previously been located. The original Rustic Tavern site, in the mid-seventies, became the Colonial Inn. This enterprise underwent several ownership changes through the early eighties.
In 1985, five young people got together and, along with the building’s owner, extensively remodeled. On the 19th of August it opened as The Cork Street Tavern. Within a few weeks, a sixth person joined them. The building was designated a historical site in 1986. Over the next several years the Tavern built a reputation for good food, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Once again, it wasn’t unusual to see lines along Cork Street.
On February 19, 1993, the sixth partner, Anthony Andriola, and one of the original five, Joel E. Smith, bought out the interests of the others. The next month they bought the Rustic Tavern. In 1994 they bought the property on the other side of the Rustic Tavern, Polly’s Cab, which had been there for over 30 years. Both the buildings were demolished and the Cork Street Tavern expanded to take up all three properties, with the expansion opening in December of 1995.
In 2008, Anthony Andriola became the sole owner of The Cork Street Tavern. With over 20 years of passion and experience, Anthony will continue to uphold the custom of excellence while incorporating his vision to renew the vibrancy and tradition the Tavern has held for so many years. As you enjoy your experience at The Cork Street Tavern, we invite you to share in our pride of decades of history, and the thousands of guests who have passed through our doors.
Cork Street Tavern…Haunted?
Both patrons and employees alike have experienced strange occurrences over the years including doors that won’t open, food being tossed off shelves and into the floor and disembodied voices. And with such a colorful history, it’s not that surprising. Don’t be shocked if you hear the voices of Emily and John or find yourself tripping through the non-smoking section…but not falling!
- Paranormal investigators examine Cork Street Tavern for ghost activity – Nortern VA Daily
- Historic Haunts of Winchester: A Ghostly Trip Though the Past
- Ghostly Haunts in Virginia
