NORTHFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Millpond Gatherings in Northford is breathing new life into a historic Connecticut property. Owner Andrew Bozzuto purchased the property on Middletown Avenue seven years ago. After five years of planning and renovations, it was open to the public in February of 2022. Millpond Gatherings is home to a steakhouse, tavern and event hall.
“Millpond Gathering was started many years ago in the late 60s and it was really Millpond Tavern at the time. Today we are Millpond Tavern Gathering because we’ve done an extensive addition to the original restaurant that many of the area people know,” Bozzuto said.
The Millpond name comes from the rich history of the property, long before it became a space for eating and celebrating. According to Bozzuto, multiple inventions are traced back to the site.
“We are the first patented ladle in the United States,” he said. “That history that started 1760, manufacturing went all the way through the early 1900s. From a nail factory, to horse drawn rakes, even a brick factory at the end.”
Parts of the former mill have been incorporated into the design, including a hydro powered wheel at the entrance of the steakhouse, which is one of two restaurants on the property. Another, more casual, tavern is located below.
“Here at Millpond Gatherings we have two concepts: we have our high-end fine dining steakhouse, specialized in dry-aged steaks. But also we do like Tavern, like casual meals. It’s mac and cheese, french fries” Pedro Avila, the executive chef at Millpond Gatherings said.
Fresh, local ingredients are a main focus for Chef Avila. The kitchen uses a dry aging process on all the beef, so that the steak is both more tender and flavorful.
“I have a 150 acre ranch, I do angus cattle. We have our own hanging room, everything is USDA inspected,” Bozzuto said.
Millpond Gatherings also specializes in private events, from corporate outings to wedding. The indoor venue can hold up to 200 people and 120 seating’s are available outside.
Below are a list of weekly events:
- Taco Tuesday
- Burgers & Beers Wednesday
- Date Night Wednesday
- Lunch Fridays & Saturdays
- Sunday Brunch
A retail-butcher shop will open on the property this summer. Plans are also underway to build an Inn to enhance private events. To learn more about Millpond Gatherings and to plan your next event, click here.
