The story
Brobyværk Kro 2020-2022
It was a different start for Brobyværk Kro when a change of ownership in 2020 and all the plans on the drawing board were overtaken by Corona. Nevertheless, the two extensive closures were used constructively to first renovate the main house and then the room wing. Although there were many closed days in the first few years, the Inn, with its new setting and adapted concept, was met with interest and support from near and far as soon as the doors opened.
With the slowing corona times, followed by enormous activity, came the aftermath of the 2021 crisis. A huge effort and spirit from the associated staff kept the Inn at full speed while searching for missing staff. In particular, they were looking for a candidate who could handle and strengthen the Inn's gastronomic profile.
In October 2021, the renowned chef and former owner of Restaurant Lindetræet, Brian Madsen, took over as Head Chef. Brian quickly took over the Inn - stabilized the kitchen at a higher level, and within the first year, Brobyværk Kro was nominated for Roadside Inn of the Year, and trained the Inn's first chef apprentice with a silver medal. With Brian's experience as self-employed, and not least his commitment to the Inn's development, it made sense for him to take over as manager.
In 2022, the Inn has become an integral part of the local community as a meeting place for events, large celebrations and not least as a preferred place to eat. The inn's history and development in a physical sense, but especially gastronomically, has put Brobyværk on the map of Denmark and attracts guests from far and wide.
The reputation that the Inn has gained is maintained by continuously adapting and fine-tuning the concept in line with the composition of the Inn team, increased routine and experience gained.
At the end of 2022, another renovation was initiated and at the beginning of 2023, the Inn's party room, Salen, was transformed into a unique and contemporary space in line with the rest of the Inn's transformation.
Brobyværk Kro anno 2020
In 2020, a new chapter has begun for Brobyværk Kro. On February 15, local gardener Claus Feldborg bought the inn from Ib and Anne-Lise after their 47 years of faithful service. Claus saw both the preservation value of the almost 400-year-old and beautiful inn, as well as the great development potential for the site's activities.
A thorough renovation was immediately set in motion, and while the Corona crisis took Denmark's breath away, the time was used to breathe new life into the Inn. The first stage of the renovation included the "Krostuen", which has now been opened up and given a heart in the form of an iconic bar and reception environment. Three function rooms are newly refurbished and ready, "Udsigten" with a large panoramic view, right down to Odense river. "Pejsestuen" with a built-in gas fireplace for smaller intimate gatherings and the large "Sal" is ready for the beautiful parties of the future. The inn's restaurant "Havestuen" has been modernized with respect for the building and the inn's history with raw bricks and a beamed ceiling. New and handicap accessible toilets, a beautiful wine cellar and a lounge/TV room on the first floor have been created. Local craftsmen have pulled out all the stops to fulfill the desire to utilize the many layers of the Inn's history so that Brobyværk now stands as an authentic Inn in contemporary development.
The long-term plan is to build a beautiful orangery that will connect the restaurant, function rooms and room wing. From the orangery, you will have a fantastic view of the landscape and Odense River.
The Orangery will be the setting for a cornucopia of tropical plants. As Claus is a gardener and runs Scandinavia's largest nursery with green plants, it is natural to use the Inn's fantastic surroundings to showcase the very best in green indoor environments, while giving the Inn's guests a unique experience by being able to move around in this environment.
Jannik Jensen became Brobyværk Kro's new Head Chef with the change of ownership and is now responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen. Jannik is a trained chef from Kongebrogaarden, and has also worked at beautiful Funen restaurants such as Hindsgavl Castle, Skovbakken Restaurant Zoo and Gammel Brydegaard. But Jannik also grew up in an inn himself, and he has an innkeeper in his belly. So in addition to guaranteeing solid craftsmanship in the kitchen, it's a dream come true for Jannik to combine the role of chef with the role of innkeeper. Jannik has teamed up with partner and former colleague, Henrik Mundt Krammager. Henrik is a trained waiter and, in addition to Kongebrogaarden and Skovbakken, has also worked at Hereford Beefstouw in Odense. Henrik looks forward to creating unforgettable experiences at Brobyværk Kro - the place will exude joyful events, cozy stays and exciting events for the benefit of the entire region of Funen. As the inn's physical surroundings have been modernized, the two have looked at development opportunities in the gastronomic area. They both have a passion for Danish/French cuisine and the gastronomic line is therefore that they respect the traditional Danish inn cuisine and add a modern twist, while dishes inspired by the French brasserie cuisine are served rustic enough to belong in a Danish inn.
The change of ownership in Feb. 2020 was a historic moment. The inn had been owned by the Jørgensen family for over 100 years and through 3 generations. After no less than 13 years of being for sale, the Inn finally succeeded. There is no doubt that Ib and Anne-Lise Jørgensen want a bright and prosperous future for the inn - as evidenced by the extremely pleasant cooperation in connection with the handover.
There is certainly a large number of inn guests who will thank Ib and Anne-Lise Jørgensen for many memorable moments, and it is with great respect for their good spirit that the inn is now being run with the hope that guests will take the development as an experience and help write the new chapter for Brobyværk Kro
