Cleveland Park

A couple of weeks ago I shared some scuttlebutt that 4 Fields (formerly 4Ps) would be closing in Nov. at 3412 Connecticut Ave, NW in Cleveland Park. The owner confirms on the Cleveland Park listserv:

Friends,

Sadly the rumors are true. It is with heavy heart and with much regret for me to inform you that Ireland’s Four Fields will close on November 5, 2011. Unfortunately, the requested increase in monthly demands will not make it economically feasible to remain at this location. It is my understanding that the building will be leased to a chain restaurant.

Ireland’s Four Fields (the old 4P’s) has been a member and a proud contributor to the DC community and especially to Cleveland Park for over 35 years. We are a neighborhood and a DC icon. We have been host for numerous events: fundraisers, reunions, receptions and wakes, among other things. Many, many wonderful memories were made here. I discovered many years ago that no matter how far I traveled, I would always run into someone that had either been here or had heard of us.

As for me, I have come full circle. I opened the doors to the 4P’s in 1976 as manager, one of the few Irish restaurants at that time, and I will now be here the day the doors close.

My intentions are to reopen at a different location and I have several options which I am currently exploring. I will be sure to keep everyone updated.

I would like especially to thank all of you for your continued patronage and friendship over the years. I have enjoyed meeting all of you. I hope to see all of you before we close.

Slainte,
Frank

The owner mentions that he hears the space will be leased to a “chain restaurant”. Back in Nov. I heard a McFadden’s had leased the space. I’ve heard a little bit more scuttlebutt on that front. I am still hearing that the ownership behind McFadden’s has leased the space but there is actually a different concept planned. So it is very unlikely that we’ll see a clone of McFadden’s on Pennsylvania Ave, NW set up shop here. It’s not even clear what the new name will be. In Nov. I’ll try to get more details. And if 4 Fields finds a new location, I’ll be sure to update that info as well.

A couple of weeks ago a reader posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv:

“I heard a rumor that Ireland’s Four Fields (formerly known as Ireland’s Four Provinces) is closing. Folks said that the owner cannot pay the increased rent and they will be closing some time in August. This would not be like a one-week closing (see: Brickskellar), but permanently ending their time in Cleveland Park. Can anyone confirm this?”

Formerly Ireland’s Four Provinces (4Ps), currently Ireland’s Four Fields is located at 3412 Connecticut Ave, NW. Ever since the Cleveland Park listserv message went out I’ve been getting emails asking if I knew what was going on. After digging around I’d heard lots of names of potential groups interested in taking over the space. But I think I now have the answer. A source with pretty good knowledge tells me the Four Fields Irish Bar in Cleveland Park will be taken over by – McFadden’s.

McFadden’s currently has a location at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Their Web site says:

“McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon opened in the Washington DC area on St. Patrick’s Day 2003 and has quickly taken its place among the premier Irish Pubs/ Restaurants and citywide nightspots. McFadden’s is open for lunch & dinner with seating available for over 100 people. We have Happy Hour Specials Monday through Friday with a Live DJ spinning the hottest music Tuesday through Saturday nights.”

I’m told that Four Fields will close sometime in November and McFadden’s will take over after that. It is not clear if the space will close temporarily or what/if any renovations will take place. While this is unconfirmed scuttlebutt – it does seem very likely that the 4Ps/4 Fields is going to close. I’ll be sure to update when/if McFadden’s confirms that they are taking over the space and what their plans will be.