The music is coming back

Stanhope n Residents of a certain age in Sussex, Warren and Morris counties, and some from as far as the Jersey Shore, have been spreading the word: “the Stanhope House is back.” Not that the historic tavern had closed, but, under the last owner, The Stanhope House had moved away from its former role as the premier music venue of the area. New owners, Richard Urmston and Matt Angus have already changed that, only three weeks at the helm. Sporting a t-shirt that read “The Last Great American Roadhouse,” Angus said “we respect the history of the musicians who have played here The music business has changed,” he acknowledged, “but the Stanhope House is all about live music.” The partners have experience in the music business. They publish “Upstage” magazine which has offices in Asbury Park and Stanhope and are running DYI Radio out of Stanhope. They also run Black Potatoe entertainment which runs a two week music festival every summer in Clinton, Hunterdon County, where they operated a recording studio. In addition to bringing back the music, Urmston and Angus have the kitchen up and running and have plans to move the bar back to its original location. The three-sided square bar was a landmark to the old timers who loved The Stanhope House. They have opened a beer garden at the rear of the building in a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street. Other than that “we’re just cleaning and painting,” Urmston said. Marion Murdoch, who owns a business across the street, said she is going to suggest some low-maintenance plantings for the front of the old tavern, a typical gesture of friendship among business owners in the downtown.