Theft at a Philadelphia restaurant: stolen heat lamps almost freeze on McGillin’s Old Ale House Valentine’s Day weekend reservations

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Several outdoor heat lamps were stolen from McGillin’s Olde Ale home early Friday morning, nearly freezing the upcoming romantic dinner in Philadelphia’s oldest tavern.

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

Owner Christopher Mullins said they had dozens of outside bookings for Valentine’s Day weekend, which was now in jeopardy.

“This time of year it’s a lot of money if we do not do so much business,” Mullins said.

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

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

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

The tavern staff has books documenting all the married couples helping them kick.

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

So on Valentine’s Day weekend, couples come back to celebrate where it all began.

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

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

Fortunately, with the help of donations, the heat lamps have been replaced and the Valentine’s memories can be made at McGillin ‘, even in winter temperatures.

“This weekend, I think, they’ll have to cuddle a little closer here to make the heat happen,” Mullins said.