Portsmouth's Treeline Outfitters gets OK for outdoor drinking, dining space in West End

PORTSMOUTH — The owners of Treeline Outfitters , an outdoor retail store and taproom, recently received permission to open a small patio dining and drinking area as part of their business.

The business is located at 125 Brewery Lane in Portsmouth’s West End.

Treeline Outfitters, which is owned by Cody and Emily Whelan, opened in October 2023.

The Planning Board voted recently to grant a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to the couple’s business “for an outdoor dining and drinking area as an accessory use,” according to documents filed with the city.

Cody Whelan told the Planning Board during their recent meeting that the outdoor dining and drinking area will be located “on the back side of the property.”

“We're seeking to expand the space that we have available inside for a small 470-square-foot outdoor patio,” Whelan said. “Currently the space is not used for anything.”

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The outdoor drinking and dining area will be created by using an existing gravel area and an adjacent landscaped area, he said.

The outdoor space will offer customers of Treeline Outfitters “some outdoor seating for what will hopefully be a cooler rest of the summer,” he told board members.

In response to a question, Whelan said, the business offers “beer and (outdoor) gear” to customers.

What Treeline Outfitters offers

The couple’s business sells outdoor apparel and gear, footwear and camping equipment, in addition to running a bar with four to six beers on tap, wine, kombucha from Auspicious Brew in Dover and non-alcoholic beverages, they previously said.

During the recent board meeting, Whelan confirmed the new outdoor area will be surrounded by a barrier.

Aldrich Road resident Dave Higgins spoke in support of granting the permit for the outdoor space.

“The most important thing is Cody and Emily had this dream, it’s not just beer and gear but it’s a community location to meet new people, talk about stories of hiking (and) biking,” Higgins said.

“Having an outdoor space, as well as the indoor, would just enhance the whole point of being all sweaty and hot,” he added. “We could be outside, have our drink and sit down, enjoy a place to go.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth's Treeline Outfitters gets OK for outdoor drinking, dining space in West End