If you haven't been there recently, Triumph of New Hope has made some changes for the better.
There is nothing better than the change of seasons in Bucks County. Just warm enough in the afternoon, and just cool enough at night to throw on your favorite hoodie, maybe even shorts, and take a ride with the windows down, enjoying the brisk fall air while jamming to your favorite songs of the summer before the sleepy winter months approach. Sublime and Jack Johnson just don't sound right in the middle of December. On a sunny autumn afternoon, I did just this. I threw on some shorts, my favorite old school Phillies hoodie, popped in Dave Matthews Band's newest CD, and I took the winding ride down River Road to take in the leafy fireworks that autumn in Bucks brings every year. My final destination was Triumph of New Hope. New Hope is a scenic walking district, and if you live in the city, I suggest taking the trip. You have Triumph of New Hope, and right across the bridge you also have River Horse Brewing Co., which offers tours on the weekends. If you haven't visited Triumph recently, they have made several changes for the better. They have relaxed their image a bit, adding a pool table and darts, the popular TV trivia game NTN Buzz Time Trivia, a successful Texas Hold 'Em Tournament on Monday and Thursday nights, and have recently built a stage to feature some of the best music the area has to offer. Triumph's stage has recently been the stomping grounds for the Wood Brothers, Splintered Sunlight, Cornbread, and Juggling Suns. Dave Tyler, the general manager and aficionado of independent artists, is constantly searching for the best acts to play at Triumph; always with a reasonable cover. When he found out the Wood Brothers would be playing World Cafe' Live, he quickly got a hold of their management to see if they could do a set at Triumph while they were in the area. He worked out the details, and told me, “It was pretty interesting. Part of the stipulation to get them to play was that I had to pick them up at the airport. It was a little awkward at first but we settled in.” Dave is a hands on general manager, from picking up the entertainment, to help writing the new menu. From the calamari to the Brewhouse Burger, the food here is great. Paired with their staple Amber Ale or Bengal Gold IPA, you can't go wrong.
Taking care of the brewing end is Brendan Anderson. Brendan got his roots in brewing at Hyde Park Brewery in New York, learning from head brewer John Eccles. He then moved with John to Skytop Brewery and Restaurant, a sister project to Hyde Park. Eight years later, he is now at Triumph. Brendan has done an excellent job in brewing the staple styles that so many people enjoy at Triumph, and doesn't shy away from experimentation. The first Friday of every month Triumph unveils a beer that has been oak aged, either their own or trading beer with other local breweries. They set the oak barrel up right on the bar, hammer in the tap, and it's ready to go. Brendan is currently working on a beer called Orange Blossom that is brewed with orange juice.
All in all, you can't go wrong with Triumph of New Hope. From live music to Texas Hold 'Em tournaments, Triumph made all the right changes to enjoy great craft beers, great food, and entertainment. This autumn, take a day trip and enjoy the scenery on your way to Triumph. I suggest getting their beer flight; the perfect complement to a gorgeous fall day. The oranges, golds, and browns of the beer perfectly match the colors of autumn. Check out Triumph's current menu and beers at triumphbrew.com.