January 15, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer, Photos by Zoe Stoner
There’s exciting news to help chase away the wintertime blues! Ironwood Hingham — South Shore Country Club’s new restaurant and events venue — will open Jan. 20, offering sophisticated comfort food, craft cocktails, and inside and outdoor event space.
The former Greenside Grille has been transformed into a brighter, more open and inviting space that also features a comfortable lounge.
Head chef Tina Conte and business partners Jessica McInnis and Danielle Barnes share extensive restaurant, catering, and event experience through their work at South Shore eateries that include Rustic Kitchen, Novara, Abby Park, and Steel & Rye.
“We’ve been here day in and day out since Jan. 1 [getting ready for the opening]!” Barnes — Ironwood’s general manager — told the Hingham Anchor during an interview with the Ironwood team.
Warm, welcoming atmosphere
Conte called the opening “very exciting. We’ve created a welcoming, warm environment for people to hang out.”
Jen Collett, Conte’s wife, designed the space — bringing colors, textures, and warm light fixtures together in a cozy environment.
Conte, who has 25 years of experience working at acclaimed Boston restaurants and was also the Greenside Grille chef, created Ironwood’s locally sourced menu.
Winter offerings include short rib shepherd’s pie, chicken wings, homemade soup, Tina’s sausage and rigatoni, super poke bowls, truffle macaroni and cheese, and homemade bread.
Offerings inspired by the season
Because Conte is a chocolate lover, many of her dessert creations will feature chocolate — including a gluten-free brownie sundae during the winter months.
“Our offerings are inspired by the season,” she said. “Because the restaurant is near a golf course, we are offering food that’s approachable — not stuffy. There will be something for everyone, with every aspect done well.”
Conte’s goal as the owner of a small organic farm and a beekeeper is to create farm-to-table meals.
“My cousin helps me run the farm. In addition to bees, we have chickens, goats, and a pig. We also grow vegetables,” she said.
“During the winter months when garden hoses freeze, I carry a five-gallon bucket of water in each hand from quite a distance to bring water to the animals.”
‘There’s no cutting corners’
Everything is “made from scratch. There’s no cutting corners,” McInnis — who serves as director of marketing and events — said. “It’s amazing to see.”
The Ironwood team “is excited to collaborate with our community to create unforgettable events,” McInnis said. “Our stunning year-round setting, personalized service, and exceptional food and drinks — including craft cocktails and mocktails — make every dining occasion and celebration truly special.”
The cocktails are made with fresh ingredients, including blood oranges, and homemade orange bitters for the bourbon cocktail, as a tempting example.
There have already been a wide variety of bookings for the event spaces, which are perfect for bereavement gatherings, weddings, bar mitzvahs, baby showers, community meetings, and celebrations of all kinds, among many other uses.
The Hingham Ballroom accommodates up to 250 guests; the Lincoln Ballroom, up to 125; and the three-season Tent Pavilion overlooking the 18th hole, up to 160 guests.
Panoramic views
Ironwood features panoramic views of the golf course — where golfers can be seen at all times of the year, contingent on the weather — and sledders gliding down the glistening snowy hills in the winter.
“Ironwood is a place where people can put their cell phones away and just relax and have a conversation,” McInnis said.
A grand opening is planned for the beginning of the Spring golf season.
Restaurant hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More updates are to come, including changes to the Snack Shack, drink cart, bowling alley, and golf simulator menus. Member-specific dining benefits will be introduced starting this Spring.
For more information and news, visit www.ironwoodhingham.com and the Ironwood Facebook page or Instagram at @ironwoodhingham.