The Town Pump Tavern: The Oldest Pub in Black Mountain NC
The Town Pump Tavern was originally a a Trailways Bus Station where people traveled to, from or through Black Mountain and the WNC Mountains. In 1982 Bill Harkness opened The Town Pump Tavern at the Cherry Street location. In the early 80′s The Pump looked very different, but despite the cosmetic changes over the years The Town Pump Tavern remains a Black Mtn. tradition.
In the spring of 2009, local brother and sister team Steve McMahan and Julie Davis purchased The Pump from Bill
Harkness. It was their goal to make some changes, such as going non-smoking in January 2010 in accordance with the NC state law, bringing more live music to The Town Pump stage and adding a variety of beers from local WNC breweries. Since March of 2009 Steve and Julie have hosted a diverse collection of bands and musicians each week, supported local community groups and organized benefits for local residents and causes. The continue to work to make The Town Pump a place where locals, visitors and artists feel at home.
People at the Town Pump Tavern are also considered Nexus Keepers. There is a brass stake in the ground that marks the crossing of the mountain Ley Lines.
