Theft at a landmark Philadelphia restaurant: Stolen heat lamps almost freeze McGillin’s Olde Ale House Valentine’s Day weekend reservations

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Several outdoor heat lamps were stolen from McGillin’s Olde Ale House early Friday morning, bringing upcoming romantic dinners at Philadelphia’s oldest tavern to a halt.

The theft took place at around 1 a.m. at the tavern at 1310 Drury Street in Center City.

Owner Christopher Mullins said they had dozens of outdoor reservations for Valentine’s Day weekend, which were now in danger.

“It’s a lot of money this time of year if we don’t do that much business,” said Mullins.

Staff need to keep their outdoor dining area warm as it is a busy weekend for them.

“We have a good track record of love,” said Mullins.

McGillin’s is a popular place for couples to meet for the first time.

The inn’s staff has books documenting all the married couples they helped kickstart.

In it you can see the names of the couples, photos of them and read how they met.

So on Valentine’s Day weekend, couples return to celebrate where it all started.

But with the stolen heat lamps and eating outside a necessity during the pandemic, the inn was in trouble.

Founded in 1860, McGillin’s survived worse, however, such as during Prohibition and the Civil War.

Fortunately, with some help from donations, the heat lamps have been replaced and those Valentine’s Day memories can be made at McGillin, as planned, even in the winter temperatures.

“This weekend, I think they’ll have to cuddle up here for the heat to happen,” Mullins said.