Wedgwood Ale House recently opened a non-smoking family dining area that is separate from the bar.

In the past, the popular neighborhood pub, located at 8515 35th Ave. NE, was only open to adults, ages 21 and older. The addition of the dining area allows families to bring their children. In addition to the pub's regular menu items, the dining area offers a menu for kids.

The dining room is located behind the Ale House in a space that formerly housed a beauty salon.

Expanding the establishment's kitchen to allow for experimenting with daily specials was also part of the six-month project to renovate the dining area, said Wedgwood Ale House owner Rob Paulson.

The new dining area has seating for 35 patrons. It is currently open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Paulson said response to the new dining area has been positive so far. "It's looking like a success," he said.

Paulson says the new dining area is casual and bare bones for now, but he is open to decor suggestions for the room. "My goal is to please the guy who walks in the door," he said.