This week, MidWeek Cheer takes you to three Lake Norman destinations with three distinctly different personalities. From cocktails inside a historic Huntersville farmhouse to craft beer in downtown Davidson and the comfortable feel of a British-inspired neighborhood pub in Cornelius, each offers its own reason to stop, settle in and enjoy a midweek cheer.
Hunter House proves that a great cocktail experience doesn’t have to begin in a traditional bar. Set inside a historic farmhouse dating to 1913, the setting gives an evening here a sense of occasion before the first drink even arrives.
The cocktail program fits the surroundings. Along with familiar classics, the bar features creative house cocktails and bartenders who can craft something specifically around your preferred spirit.
Think intimate cocktail lounge rather than busy neighborhood bar. The historic rooms, veranda and surrounding property create an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the evening.
Hunter House describes its cocktail lounge as having the intimacy of an after-hours jazz club, with botanically inspired cocktails served in distinctive glassware. It’s refined without losing the warmth of the old home.
The custom craft cocktail is one of the features that makes Hunter House especially interesting for MidWeek Cheer — tell the mixologist what you enjoy and let them take it from there.
The current drink offerings combine house creations with an extensive collection of classics, from Old Fashioneds and Manhattans to French 75s, Negronis and Paper Planes. Hunter House also hosts special experiences including mixology classes, bourbon tastings and wine dinners.
King Canary brings its craft-brewing roots into the heart of downtown Davidson while creating something that feels like a true neighborhood gathering place.
And don’t let the word brewery fool you. Beer may be the foundation, but the Davidson taproom also serves craft cocktails, wine, cider and Prosecco, making it an easy choice when everyone in the group wants something different.
The Davidson location feels intimate, relaxed and community-oriented — the kind of place where stopping for one drink can easily turn into spending an evening catching up with friends.
King Canary opened this second taproom in downtown Davidson in October 2024. Beer is brewed at its original Mooresville brewery and brought to Davidson, while the broader beverage selection makes the location more than a traditional taproom.
One of the biggest differences at Davidson is Marlee Jean’s Raw Bar & Kitchen, the in-house food partner serving everything from oysters, ceviche and fish dip to flatbreads, salads and sandwiches.
There’s also a patio, non-alcoholic choices including mocktails and kombucha, and beer available to take home in crowlers and four-packs. It’s a brewery experience that gives everyone at the table options.
Penny Lane L18 brings something entirely different to this week’s MidWeek Cheer — the personality of a British-inspired neighborhood pub.
It’s comfortable, casual and built around conversation and camaraderie rather than formality. The British and Liverpool influences give Penny Lane an identity that’s difficult to confuse with anywhere else around Lake Norman.
Expect a cozy pub atmosphere with comfortable seating, a fireplace and the feeling that you’ve walked into someone’s favorite neighborhood gathering place.
Sports — particularly soccer — are an important part of the personality here. Penny Lane has become a destination for fans gathering to watch matches, sometimes opening early for international games. As the evening progresses, the atmosphere can shift from relaxed neighborhood pub to a livelier late-night crowd.
If you’re coming for the British pub experience, Guinness is naturally part of the conversation. The pub has developed a following for its Guinness pours along with British-style beer selections and a broader beverage lineup.
Entertainment adds another dimension, with karaoke, DJs, live entertainment and special sports-viewing events appearing in the mix. Penny Lane isn’t trying to be an upscale cocktail lounge or a brewery — and that’s precisely why it belongs in this week’s lineup.
That’s what makes this week’s MidWeek Cheer fun.
Hunter House gives you history, atmosphere and carefully crafted cocktails. King Canary Davidson delivers local craft beer and a modern neighborhood gathering place. Penny Lane L18 brings the comfortable camaraderie of a British-inspired pub.
Three communities. Three personalities. Three reasons to get out and discover somewhere different around Lake Norman.
Cheers, Lake Norman!
