Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery is a British-style gastropub. However, its location in historic downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, means the staff serves up more Southern twang than Cockney dialect along with the traditional food and beverage.

As the name suggests, the first business to grace the property was a hardware store. It was established in 1904 by Benjamin Huske, who led the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry during the Spanish-American War and unsuccessfully ran for mayor of the city.

The hardware store was initially successful (contrary to the predictions of many locals). As a result, the building was expanded with an additional floor above and three new storefronts to the west. After Huske Hardware closed in 1970, various businesses—from jewelers to furniture stores—leased the property.

In 1996, the building was converted to a pub and restaurant. Its most recent renovation took place in 2008, though several historic elements remain, such as the Victorian-era masonry frame, old tools from Huske’s days as a hardware store, and vintage railroad beams.

Today, Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery is a hit with the locals and has been credited with reinvigorating downtown Fayetteville. Many of the menu offerings are distinctly British: shepherd’s pie (a meat pie with a mashed potato crust), bangers and mash (mashed potatoes with sausages), and old-fashioned fish and chips. Additionally, Huske serves five year-round and two seasonal beers brewed in-house.

But this local fixture isn’t just a great place to get British-style pub food and a pint; it’s also perfect for taking a break from everyday life. On Friday and Saturday nights, DJ Tommy King (who was voted the best DJ in Fayetteville) makes sure that the dance floor gets crowded, and during football season, games are routinely shown on the big screen.