BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – It was 1985 when Leslie and John Marston purchased a 218-year-old former tavern at 660 Rockingham Road, once owned by the Lovell family of Bellows Falls. Circa 1790, Enos Lovell built the main structure, which later became a tavern, providing food, a place to stay, and lively hospitality to travelers arriving by stagecoach. At the time, Rockingham was nicknamed “Village of Seven Taverns,” for its cluster of inns along Post Road (now Route 5).
The Marstons restored the historic building, and in 1986 christened the new restaurant Leslie’s The Tavern at Rockingham. For 40 years, John and Leslie earned a loyal customer fanbase by creating delicious and memorable, Vermont-inspired fine-dining cuisine, served in a cozy setting, using fresh, local ingredients.
When the Marstons began considering retirement last year, Sam Putnam had been working as John’s sous chef for five years, and Sam’s wife Ashley was in restaurant management. Sam asked if John might consider leasing the restaurant to them, and John was open to the idea.
Both Sam and Ashley are New Hampshire natives, and their families had been coming to Leslie’s Tavern for years. “On one of our first dates,” Ashley recalled, “Sam took me to John’s cooking class.” The couple currently lives in Charlestown, N.H.
Sam’s affinity for cooking started early. Not only did Sam have a natural knack for it, but he was eager to learn recipes and techniques directly from his “Grandma Put” in the family kitchen.
As 2026 kicked off, and the Putnams started to settle into their new roles, Ashley was pleasantly surprised to learn how much she enjoys bartending, and wished she had discovered it sooner. Sam, Ashley reported, was having fun experimenting with new sauces for the nightly specials menu.
Although the new Leslie’s Tavern will not offer cooking classes, they do host other types of events, charity fundraisers, corporate galas, and birthday parties. Live music performances happen most Thursdays and Sundays, with no cover charge.
“The cooking classes were really John’s thing,” Ashley said. “But we hosted a Christmas party for the Walpole vet last year, and other events.” For a private party of 40 or more, they will close the restaurant to the public.
The couple is excited to expand the bar service, and are already offering a more casual happy hour menu from 3-5 p.m. The rustic bar area is warm and inviting. “We really want to open that bar up and make it a place where you want to stop in for a quick bite and a beer,” said Ashley. “You don’t have to come in for a fancy meal.”
Of course, the “fancy” meals will remain on the menu. Ashley and Sam’s plan is to continue the fine-dining traditions established by John and Leslie, including using fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the gardens planted by the Marstons more than 30 years ago, but, at the same time, grow the more casual tavern experience, and expand their local clientele.
Ashley said they want Leslie’s Tavern to be “not just [a place] for special occasions. We want employees from Sonnax to feel like this is somewhere they can swing by after work.”
Current hours are “Thursday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 8ish,” said Ashley, making the point that closing time can be flexible. For instance, for a private event, or if someone traveling to the area arrives at 7:30 p.m., Ashley wants those folks to know they are welcome, will be happily served, and the staff will never make them feel rushed.