Marple Public House

Written by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of the Marple Public House

The wait is over. Finally, after almost 100 years, we now have a local bar to gather with friends and enjoy a drink by the glass. The Marple Public House opened its doors in August and is serving up Philly style food and delicious cocktails right here in the heart of Broomall. The friendly wait staff, talented bartenders, open-air seating and community vibe are all the ingredients that make this a great neighborhood pub.

The last time Marple had a bar was in the 1930s after prohibition ended and the 21st amendment made the sale of liquor legal. But at that time townships could decide for themselves if they wanted to ban bars, beer and liquor. In 1939 the majority of Maple residents voted to ban alcohol, and Broomall remained a “dry” town until 2019, when the issue of liquor sales was back on the ballot. This time voters decided to resign Marple’s “dry” status making liquor sales legal at convenience stores, hotels and the Marple Public House.

John McKenzie, co-owner of Marple Public House

Nick Reynolds, co-owner of Marple Public House

The Marple Pub is owned by Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie, local entrepreneurs and the owners of two successful other businesses just down the road from the pub, Splash and Delco Steaks.

These two childhood friends and longtime Marple Newtown residents are also the founders of the Marple Civic Association and it’s been their mission to make Marple a desired place to live & raise families. For years, they’ve been wanting to add an attraction that was lacking here in Broomall: a neighborhood bar. After securing one of the seven liquor licenses on the ballot two years ago, they were finally able to make their dream a reality.

I’m so proud and honored to open the Marple Public House,” said Nick. “Growing up here, I would have never imagined opening the first pub in nearly 100 years. The Marple Pub is going to live on well past me and will be a place where friends and families gather, eat great food and drink great drinks. A lot of great memories will be made here. I am so happy to be able to do this in my own community.

Located on Sproul Road just off of West Chester Pike, the pub can serve almost 100 people with eight tables inside, four more out on the patio and ample seating at the bar. The Pub’s interior has a clean minimalist look with wood beams along the ceiling and vintage photographs from the Prohibition era lining the wall. The 36-foot long bar top facade seats 25 and opens completely for an open-air alfresco experience.

Patrons enjoying the patio at Marple Public House

Steve Reynolds, Nick’s younger brother, serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Marple Pub, Splash and Delco Steaks, which opened in March of 2020. Since the Pub’s opening in August, Steve said he's been ecstatic about the response from patrons.

It’s been great hearing from people who’ve lived in Broomall for 20 or 30 years. They’re so happy to now have a neighborhood pub,” said Steve. “Nearby residents are especially excited to have a place they can even walk to.

Executive Chef Dean DuPuis has curated a menu that includes traditional gastropub food but with a twist. Dean, who previously worked at Rouge in Philadelphia, is an award winning chef who also serves as the Culinary Director at Splash and Delco Steaks.

The Marple Pub’s menu includes customer favorites like corn fritters, “Marple” fries topped with crab meat and special sauce and a Big Daddy Burger: Two patties slathered with mustard, cooper cheese and caramelized onions. Other highlights include fried shrimp and pickles, rigatoni a la vodka with Louisiana crawfish and a butcher board with daily selections. All of the beef comes from a farm in Chambersburg — the same beef that Delco Steaks uses, which recently won them the honor of the Best of Philly Award for Best Cheesesteak.

Big Daddy Burger and Marple Fries

Of course any of their signature dishes would not be complete without a refreshing cocktail to wash it down. You’ll find traditional drinks at the pub as well as several house creations like Marple Tea, made by mixing oolong mint tea with passion fruit and Maker’s Mark bourbon. There is also a wide selection of premium wine and craft beers. Steve credits the fantastic staff who are making everything run smoothly at the Pub.

In addition to DuPuis, head chef Paul Trowbridge, sous chef Scott Statler and general managers, Matthew Brenner and Bob Wilkinson also get credit for the early success of the Marple Pub. With delicious food and drinks and a friendly and talented staff, it’s no wonder the Marple Pub is already a popular hangout. Open Wednesday through Sunday 11am–12am, The Marple Public House is located at 31 North Sproul Rd and dining is on a first come, first served basis. Check out their website (www.Marple.Pub) and Facebook page for updates. If you have a large party, are planning an event or need catering services call 484-420-4502.

Marple Public House