The Pump House is a 12,000-square-foot elegant and historic riverside event venue, the first from BE Hospitality’s restaurateur and designer Fia Berisha and chef, author, James Beard Award finalist, and Bravo Top Chef-winner Nick Elmi. Opened May of 2024, the Philadelphia Main Line venue is the latest debut at the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing, an iron and steel foundry founded in 1852 and reimagined as a riverside dining, events, and leisure destination. Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing is also home to BE Hospitality’s coastal Mediterranean restaurant, Lark, and all-day café, The Landing Kitchen. Designed to mirror the industrial and natural elements surrounding it, The Pump House offers a picturesque backdrop for events across five distinct spaces that can host weddings, corporate events, intimate gatherings, and larger parties ranging from 20 to 350 guests. A culinary extension of Lark, The Pump House features Mediterranean-influenced cuisine with robust wine and cocktail options.
The Pump House was designed in partnership with BE Hospitality’s Fia Berisha and Penn Group Co-Founder and Owner, Donna Galvin. Galvin and Penn Group have been thoughtfully developing the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing since 2000 to create an authentic industrial experience imbued with reclaimed elements of the original foundry. Lush, native greenery connects the property to the Schuylkill River that surrounds it. The interior of The Pump House is a continuation of the industrial elements of the property housed under 30-foot cathedral ceilings, accented with natural materials and striking wallpapers that nod to the surrounding nature. Exposed steel beams, handmade tiles, and brass details offer an impressive backdrop.
The venue is home to five distinct, yet complimentary spaces, which can be booked individually or collectively:
- The Main Hall: The venue’s 4,500 square-foot room is drenched in natural light from expansive walls of windows overlooking the Schuylkill River. The space with its own bar, projector wall, access to the riverfront, and private garden can accommodate 300 guests for a cocktail-style reception and 225 guests seated, both factoring in space for a dance floor. The Main Room also features a versatile second-floor suite perfect for brides and hosts that leads into the room via an exposed industrial catwalk for an impactful entrance.
- The Bar: Anchored by a custom walnut bar, the space has finishes like an antique red pine floor, handmade tiles, and steel staircase with room for 125 guests for a cocktail-style reception. The Bar can be furnished to offer a lounge-like experience for a true cocktail reception and features a private, covered terrace.
- The Speakeasy: Located beneath The Bar, The Speakeasy is a Gatsby-esque subterranean lounge space with its own bar and private entrance. With a dark and vibey design, the timeless space hosts groups of up to 60 guests.
- The Atrium: The entrance of The Pump House, The Atrium is a sun-drenched entryway with walls of windows that offers a dramatic entrance to the space and connects directly to the trails and river for a fluid cocktail reception.
- The Train Shed: A light-infused, covered outdoor gathering space overlooking the Sycamore tree-lined river bank offering a scenic backdrop for ceremonies and events.
Amenities set The Pump House apart with an onsite Marriott hotel, and two unique dining experiences onsite (Lark and The Landing Kitchen). The Pump House, at Pencoyd Landing, serves as an events destination that seamlessly hosts every step of the guest experience. On-site weddings become effortless with the host hotel, rehearsal dinner, event suite, ceremony, reception, and brunch the next day all conveniently housed at Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing, with distinct destinations for guests to enjoy during every moment throughout the weekend – all the while surrounded by scenic views of the Schuylkill River.
Nicholas Elmi, a James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef and restaurateur behind South Philadelphia’s Laurel, oversees all things culinary at The Pump House, alongside partner and established restaurateur Fia Berisha.
Menus vary in format offering: seated, family-style, cocktail reception. Chef-driven menu items include:
- Crunchy Lobster Tart with Carrot Jam
- Cavatelli Pasta with Pancetta, Tomato Butter, Ricotta Salata
- Whole Roasted Filet of Beef with Smashed Gold Potatoes, Truffle Beans, Salmoriglio, Beef Jus
In addition, premium offerings include raw bar staples, caviar, lamb pops, and more. The Pump House offers a robust selection of food stations including:
- Live Pasta Station with Orecchiette with Oven Dried Tomato, Pesto Trapanese, Rigatoni with Pork Sugo, Shepherd’s Basket Cheese
- Focaccia Tartine Station with Sweet Sausage, Broccoli, Smoked Mozzarella, Garlic, White Anchovy, Caramelized Onion, Black Olive, Preserved Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, Shiitake Mushroom, Truffled Ricotta, Arugula
- Brownie Sundae Bar with Classic Brownies and Blondies with Toppings
The Pump House is currently available for bookings with daytime and evening booking windows on weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
The Pump House is located at 605 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004.
