Murphy's on the Green - Exceptional Food in Hanover, New Hampshire

library Overview

Murphy's on the Green opened on May 5th 1992 and has become an institution of legendary proportions. We serve over 100,000 meals a year. From the start it was known as "Murphy's Tavern" and was perhaps more famous for its libation than quality dining. On May 5th 1996 the name became "Murphy's on the Green" and many things changed. The quality redirected food initiative took off. Since that date we have grown our business annually as our customers have locked into our programs. We have been voted 'most popular' restaurant in the Upper Valley since the name change (1996 – present). Our most current renovation (Oct. 2008) has been universally applauded. All businesses must continually innovate and Murphy's is no exception to this rule.

The rest of the story . . .

Murphy's is a 99-seat restaurant located on the corner of the Dartmouth Green in downtown Hanover. The inside is friendly in the sense and detail of a classic Irish or English tavern. We are a community-based restaurant located in the heart of Dartmouth College. As one might expect we have a very enriching well-traveled clientele, quite typical of a vibrant college town. Our menu is diverse and broad as it captures the tastes and desires of the local community, the college body and a very lively tourist arena.

In April 1999 we renovated our back room with an even more detailed wood wainscoting look and added the original seating pews (circa 1898) from the Webster Hall Dartmouth College Library. The room was dedicated on May 5th 1999 and is named 'Webster's Web' after Daniel Webster 1852-1872, a socially "strong" individual!

In October of 2008 we completed yet another major renovation, giving Murphy's (we dropped the 'on the Green part) a very current and tasteful 2008 look. Chef Stephen Dow joined Murphy's and began wowing our guests with his style and flair for food. Stephen is a local talent and espouses the 'locavore' mindset. Fresh products from our many local farms and purveyors are the norm and we are proud and willing to support their local efforts of sustainability.

Nigel Leeming (Boston College '78) who was born in England and raised in New Zealand is the President of Silver Fern Inc., the parent company of Murphy's. A former "rugger," he is married to a 'Murphy' (the true inspiration for our name "and the only one she (Liz) would let me consider" says Nigel). Nigel has four children, Courtney, Bryanne, Trevor and Brendon. They all agree without any coercing that Murphy's is the best place in town!

Murphy's is owner operated. Executive Chef Stephen Dow and our culinary team create the tastes and innovation that excite our customers on a daily basis.

Enjoy our website and enjoy Murphy's if you should happen by. When you do, you will know why many of our customers say " Boy, I wish we had a Murphy's in our town!"

wise men

This picture-taken in Dingle, Ireland by Nigel in 1977-is displayed in two places at Murphy's. It is iconicaly connected to the spirit that is Murphy's

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