Adrienne and Paul Waterman never envisioned themselves as restaurateurs. Still, when the owners of The Library restaurant, located within the historic Rockingham building at 401 State Street in Portsmouth, decided to retire, the couple heard their plea: “We need someone to take over who loves the history of this place and will keep it going,” And the rest, as they say, is history. In February of 2023, the Watermans became the stewards of this Portsmouth gem and haven’t looked back. Sitting in the historic bar, surrounded by walls of books, Adrienne talks about this passion project.
Tell us about your journey to Portsmouth and coming to own a landmark restaurant.
In 2020, we embarked on a New England tour from our home in New Jersey. Almost instantly, I fell in love with Portsmouth and its rich history, and shortly after, we were lucky to buy a condominium in The Rockingham. We frequented the downstairs restaurant and got to know the owners and staff. I’m an industrial engineer, and my husband is an international businessman, so we never considered buying a restaurant, but everything about it spoke to us. We feel this is our time to preserve the legacy, and then it will go on to someone else who will do the same.
Of all the historic features, what do your guests cherish the most?
Everyone fancies the lions, of course. For centuries, people have posed with them on the front steps—a symbol of the legendary Frank Jones, who owned The Rockingham when it was a hotel in the 1800s. Our Lion Project is a display of visitors posing with the iconic lions. Guests also delight in the dining room’s mahogany paneled walls, colorful stained-glass windows, and perfectly preserved fresco ceilings—still breathtaking after all these years.
What part of The Rockingham history do you find most interesting?
It has been the center of Portsmouth’s social and business life for centuries, which I find fascinating. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and seven U.S. Presidents have visited, including George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. Politicians and celebrities, including Mark Twain, have stayed here. The legendary Frank Jones built a labyrinth of tunnels under the building, wide enough for his horse and carriage to travel to and from the beach or his famed brewing company in the West End.
How did The Library get its name?
Ladies entered through the right-side entrance, while men used the main entrance on the left to enjoy a whisky and a smoke while talking around the grand fireplace in their separate lobby. The ladies rested and read in what was called the Gold Room, which is now the bar. Newly repainted, it’s believed that’s where the idea of The Library originated. We name cocktails after great literary works, like The Great Gatsby. Our bookshelves hold thousands of old books, and we encourage guests to “borrow” from the collection. We go through about 2000 books a year, but an antique dealer keeps our shelves full. Recently, a man donated his family’s Charles Dickens collection.
What changes have you made to The Library since taking ownership?
In the 1960s, Tommy Gallant performed here, making The Library a destination for jazz enthusiasts. We added a Wednesday Jazz Night as a nod to this rich jazz history. We also expanded our staff, bringing on a mixologist and a new Chef de Cuisine, Cody Finch, from the Food Network’s Chef Boot Camp, along with in-house florist Paula Davies, who makes our guest’s special evening even more memorable with a custom centerpiece.
With 120 restaurants in Portsmouth, what sets The Library apart?
We are unquestionably the restaurant for special occasions. Whatever you’re celebrating—retirement, birthday, engagement, or anniversary—this is where you want to be. We keep a guest book to record these celebrations in our history.
The fall menu includes bewitching cocktails and deeper, warmer flavors reflecting The Library’s classic personality with a contemporary twist. While the menu may change seasonally, what will never change is the elegant ambiance, delicious steaks, and extraordinary history that has made The Library a Portsmouth icon.
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