Pumpernickel Pub Reunion In Enfield Postponed [UPDATED]

ENFIELD, CT — A planned reunion of family, friends and devotees of the former Pumpernickel Pub in Enfield has been postponed to an undetermined future date, following a ban on gatherings over 250 people by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in the wake of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

The event had been slated for Saturday, April 4 at the Old Country Banquet Hall on Adlen Ave. Organizers hope to reschedule the celebration for a later date.

David Harding, son of Pub founders Alvin and Joan Harding, posted this message on the Enfield Pumpernickel Pub "Rats" Facebook page:

Pub family & friends: Unfortunately, we are going to have to POSTPONE the 20th Reunion due to the Corona Virus affecting our plans. Ct has banned gatherings over 250 people and we do Not want to try to have the reunion possibly putting anyone in jeopardy. We are so disappointed to have to do this especially in the actual month the Pub closed, but we hope that when we can reschedule all of you will still be able to come.

Original Story

ENFIELD, CT — To most Enfielders, the term "pub crawl" had to have originated during those late Saturday night attempts to find Denny's after leaving the Pumpernickel Pub, a longtime mainstay on Elm Street. All kidding aside, the Pub was a second home to many, and the Harding family became an extension of many local families.

It has been 20 years since the Pub closed in April 2000 - 20 years since the last Nickel Night, since the last 7 oz. burger was cooked, since the last champagne brunch. However, two decades after closing the doors, the Hardings are inviting old friends, family and dedicated customers to a gathering of great food, beverages, music, laughs, tears and storytelling.

The Pumpernickel Pub 20th Anniversary Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Old Country Banquet Hall, 4 Alden Ave. in Enfield. Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advance, as none will be sold at the door. A buffet dinner and cash bar will be available, and in a true throwback to the Pub's glory days, live music will be provided by Coconuts, which performed numerous times at the old nightclub.

Al and Joan Harding opened the Pub in 1978 as a bar, featuring entertainment six nights a week, in a freestanding building on the eastern edge of Elm Plaza. Over time, the place evolved from a nightclub into a family restaurant and gathering spot, where loyal customers were treated like royalty.

The Hardings' children, Barbara and David, were involved in the business since day one.

"It was always my father's dream to own his own place," Barbara Hull said Friday. "He was the face of the place, but my mother was actually the backbone."

Al Harding became known as "The Waffle Man," while also becoming noted for his carved roast beef au jus and those giant burgers. Sundays are remembered for scrumptious champagne brunches, while Monday nights, customarily the slowest night of the week in the bar business, were normally wall-to-wall people thanks to being designated Nickel Night.

In addition to being gracious hosts, the Hardings were also known for their involvement in the community. Al Harding served as president of the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, working on projects like the annual Home & Product Show, and he and his family were very generous when it came to sponsoring youth teams and offering charitable donations. In Al's memory, proceeds from the reunion will be given to one of his favorite charities.

Tickets may be ordered by calling Connie Provencher at 860-558-8938, Eileen Urian at 860-745-3226, or Alice Young at 860-745-0002.

One request: please do not wear any of the outfits depicted below, especially the collars that can double as a hang glider with a good running start.

Photos courtesy of the Harding family