Some journeys promise rewards worth every single mile.
The Whip Tavern in Coatesville turns a country drive into an adventure where craft beer in Pennsylvania enthusiasts willingly cross the Pennsylvania border for one of the region’s most impressive tap experiences. 🍺
This isn’t just any road trip—it’s a pilgrimage for those who appreciate local brew selection in Pennsylvania extending beyond state boundaries into Chester County’s rolling horse country.
A Beer Selection That Defies Geography 🌟
The liquid lineup at this English-style pub reads like a masterclass in diversity.
With 30 or more varieties drawn from breweries across the globe, beer on tap experiences here range from traditional British pours to cutting-edge American craft offerings that change with the seasons.
The tap list includes authentic English selections like Boddington’s, Guinness, and Tetley’s alongside regional powerhouses including Founders Brewing Co., Goose Island Beer Co., New Trail Brewing Co., and Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
What separates this destination from typical beer flights at tavern experiences is the commitment to variety—cask offerings, nitro pours, and draft selections that rotate based on availability and season make each visit unique.
Beer lovers travel to Pennsylvania and beyond because Chester County Town and Country Living noted the tavern provides “a relaxed environment…enjoy a brew from 30 or more varieties drawn from all over the world.”
The Pennsylvania Connection: Worth The Drive 🚗
Pennsylvania residents from Wilmington have discovered that the 45-minute scenic journey along Route 82 offers something special.
Reviews consistently mention the drive through covered bridges and pastoral farmland transforms the trek into part of the experience itself.
One visitor noted making the trip “well worth the 45 minute trip from Wilmington De” with “incredible” scenery that enhances the entire outing.
The tavern even appears on Visit Wilmington Pennsylvania official tourism listings, emphasizing its appeal to First State residents seeking seasonal beer offerings in Pennsylvania’s neighboring regions.
Craft Meets Tradition In Every Glass 🍻
BeerAdvocate reviewers emphasize the thoughtful curation behind the selection.
The tap list balances what tourists might expect from a British pub with an emphasis on IPA and stout beers on tap from local craft breweries.
Rare finds populate the bottle list—including Scottish Gruits seldom found elsewhere—creating beer culture at local taverns that attracts serious enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Refreshing craft beers with dinner pair naturally with the pub’s authentic British fare, and the staff understands proper pours matter as much as proper food.
The beverage program extends beyond beer to include specialty drinks like the Black Velvet—a sophisticated fusion of Guinness and cider that exemplifies the pub’s dedication to traditional British drinking culture.
House-made Shandy appears on draft during warmer months, offering a sweet, lemony refreshment that reviewers describe as “delicious” for Sunday brunch sessions.
Growlers are available for takeaway, allowing enthusiasts to bring favorite selections home for later enjoyment.
The bottle and can list changes regularly based on distributor availability and seasonal releases, meaning dedicated visitors discover new options with each return trip.
Staff knowledge proves invaluable—servers can recommend pairings based on food selections and personal preferences, transforming casual dining into educational experiences for those curious about expanding their beer horizons.
Food Highlights 🍔
The menu delivers substance to match the beverage program’s ambition:
- The Black Mack: Two quarter-pound patties of locally raised Black Angus beef topped with Russian dressing, shredded lettuce, American cheese, pickles, and sliced onion on ciabatta bread—described in accolades as a “knockout double burger” that elevates the smash burger concept to sophisticated heights.
- Fish and Chips: Atlantic cod coated in house-made batter and fried golden brown, served with optional mushy peas—reviewers rave about the “best tartar sauce” they’ve ever encountered and praise the perfectly crispy exterior paired with flaky fish.
- Bangers and Mash: Traditional pork banger sausages roasted and served over house-mashed potatoes with onion sage gravy—a “massive portion” that captures authentic British pub cooking with perfectly balanced, not-too-salty gravy.
- Beef on Weck: Thinly sliced locally raised grass-fed beef on a kummelweck roll served with fresh horseradish—a regional specialty that showcases the kitchen’s commitment to local ingredients and traditional preparations.
- Scotch Egg: Deep-fried perfection featuring a crispy, golden exterior wrapping rich sausage and soft-cooked egg—jockeys at the bar often pair this with a pint while viewing local steeplechase races on TV.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Tender braised short ribs beneath creamy mashed potatoes—a comfort food classic executed with skill and generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Each dish demonstrates beer paired with pub food philosophy, designed to complement rather than compete with the beverage selection.
The kitchen sources produce, beef, lamb, and dairy from Chester and Lancaster Counties, ensuring freshness that elevates traditional preparations beyond mere nostalgia.
The Atmosphere That Keeps People Returning 🏴
Dark, lovingly worn wood covers floors and climbs walls, creating warmth that feels genuinely European rather than themed.
The spacious outdoor patio overlooks a stream, offering cold draft beers in tavern setting surrounded by countryside that feels worlds away from urban Pennsylvania.
Inside, the fireplace anchors the space while maintaining conversation-friendly acoustics despite moderate noise levels—TVs exist but don’t dominate the happy buzz of actual human interaction.
Reviewers describe walking in “like walking into a warm hug,” with service that’s attentive without hovering and staff who clearly understand both the menu and the mission.
Special Events and Rotating Features 🎉
Weekend specials rotate monthly, creating beer tasting events in Pennsylvania crossover appeal:
First weekends bring Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, second weekends feature Luxury Pie filled with seafood in rich lobster lemongrass sauce, third weekends offer rotating game preparations, fourth weekends showcase Beef Wellington, and fifth weekends (when they occur) present Haggis for the adventurous.
Rotating beer menu at tavern selections ensure frequent visitors discover new pairings with these chef-driven specials.
Sunday brunch (10 AM to 2 PM) draws crowds early—arriving before 11:30 AM increases chances of immediate seating, though the wait often includes beer flights with friends at the bar.
Smart Planning For Your Visit 📅
Reservations through Resy are strongly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekend brunches.
The tavern closes Tuesdays, operates 11 AM to 9 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday (extending to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), and offers Sunday hours from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Parking can challenge busy nights—carpooling makes sense when the lot fills during peak times.
The establishment is BYOB for wine (they’ll provide glasses and open bottles), though with such an extensive beer selection, most visitors opt for beer brewed in regional breweries already available.
Valet parking assists during especially crowded services, and wheelchair accessibility extends throughout the venue.
Pennsylvania’s Best-Kept Secret (That Everyone Knows) 🤫
This isn’t truly hidden—over 1,440 reviews across platforms maintain a remarkable 4.7-star average.
What makes it special is how it rewards those willing to venture beyond state lines for authenticity.
British expatriates praise it for capturing genuine pub spirit without resorting to stereotype, while American craft beer enthusiasts appreciate the curated selection that respects both tradition and innovation.
The scenic drive becomes meditation, the countryside setting provides escape, and the combination of exceptional beer with executed-with-care food creates experiences worth repeating.
Pennsylvania residents have discovered what locals already know—some destinations justify the journey, and The Whip Tavern absolutely delivers on that promise. 🌄
Bottom Line
Why Visit:
- Exceptional craft beer selection featuring 30+ varieties from global and regional breweries
- Authentic British pub atmosphere in genuine countryside setting, locally sourced menu with standout burgers and traditional favorites
- Scenic 45-minute drive from Wilmington that’s part of the experience itself, consistently praised service and welcoming vibe that encourages lingering.
For more info, visit their website or Facebook page.
Address: 1383 N Chatham Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320
📞 (610) 383-0600
🕔 Mon, Wed-Sat 11 AM–9 PM (Fri-Sat until 10 PM), Sun 10 AM–9 PM, Closed Tue