The history
Brobyværk Inn 2020-2022
It was a different start for Brobyværk Kro when a change of ownership in 2020, and all the plans that were on the drawing board, were overtaken by Corona. Nevertheless, the two extensive shutdowns were used constructively to renovate first the main house, and then the room wing. Although there were many closed days in the first years, the Inn, with its new surroundings and adapted concept, was greeted with interest and support from near and far as soon as the doors were opened.
With the slowing down of the coronation, followed by enormous activity, came the aftermath of the crisis of 2021. A huge effort and spirit, from the associated staff, kept the Inn at full speed while searching for missing staff. In particular, a candidate who could manage and strengthen the gastronomic profile of the Inn was looked for.
In October 2021, the renowned chef and former owner of Restaurant Lindetræet, Brian Madsen, joined the team as Head Chef. Brian quickly took over the Inn - stabilising the kitchen at a higher level, and within the first year Brobyværk Kro was nominated for Country Inn of the Year, and trained the Inn's first apprentice chef with a silver medal. With Brian's experience as a self-employed chef, and not least his commitment to the development of the Kroen, it made sense for him to take over as director.
By 2022, the Inn has become an integral part of the local community, both as a venue for events, major celebrations and, not least, as a preferred dining venue. The inn's history and development in the physical sense, but especially in the gastronomic sense, has put Brobyværk on the map of Denmark, attracting guests from far and wide.
The reputation that the Inn has earned is maintained by continuously adapting and fine-tuning the concept in line with the composition of the Inn's team, increased experience and lessons learned.
At the end of the year 2022, another renovation was launched and the Inn's banquet hall, the Salen, was transformed at the beginning of 2023 into a unique and contemporary space in conjunction with the rest of the Inn's transformation.
Brobyværk Inn in 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, 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 area. Three function rooms are newly refurbished and ready, the "Udsigten" with a great panoramic view, right down to the Odense river. The "Pejsestuen" with built-in gas fireplace for the less intimate gatherings and the large "Sal" is ready for the beautiful parties of the future. The inn's restaurant "Havestuen" has been modernised with respect for the building and the inn's history with raw bricks and beamed ceilings. There are new and handicapped accessible toilets, a beautiful wine cellar and a lounge/tv room on the first floor. Local craftsmen have done their utmost to make use of the many layers of the inn's history, so that Brobyværk now stands as an authentic inn in contemporary development.
In the future, it is planned to build a beautiful orangery, which will connect the restaurant, function rooms and room wing. The orangery will offer a fantastic view of the countryside and Odense Å.
The Orangery will be the setting for a cornucopia of tropical plants. As Claus is a gardener and runs Scandinavia's largest nursery of green plants, it is natural to use the Inn's stunning surroundings to showcase the very best in indoor greenery and at the same time give the Inn's guests a unique experience by being able to move in this environment.
Jannik Jensen became Brobyværk Kros new Kitchen Manager, and is now in charge of the daily operation of the kitchen. Jannik is a trained chef from Kongebrogaarden, and has also worked at wonderful Funen restaurants such as Hindsgavl Castle, Skovbakken Restaurant Zoo and Gammel Brydegaard. But Jannik also grew up in an inn, and has a chef in his belly. So besides guaranteeing solid craftsmanship in the kitchen, Jannik is fulfilling a dream: combining the role of chef with that of innkeeper. Jannik has teamed up with partner and former colleague, Henrik Mundt Krammager. Henrik is a trained waiter, and has, besides Kongebrogaarden and Skovbakken, also made his mark at Hereford Beefstouw in Odense. Henrik is looking forward to creating unforgettable experiences at Brobyværk Kro - the place will be full of joyful events, cosy stays and exciting events for the enjoyment of the entire region of Funen. As the inn's physical surroundings have been modernised, the two have looked at development opportunities in the gastronomic field. They both have a passion for Danish/French cuisine, and their gastronomic approach is to add a modern twist, while respecting traditional Danish cuisine and serving dishes inspired by French brasseries in a rustic style befitting a Danish inn.
The change of ownership in Feb. 2020 was a historic moment. The inn had been in 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 - the extremely pleasant cooperation in connection with the transfer is proof of that.
There is certainly a large group 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 run with the hope that guests will take the development as an experience and help write the new chapter for Brobyværk Kro
