Jacob’s fish restaurant in Aalborg

In May 2016 a new restaurant opened - Jacob’s - with a large and inviting fish and shellfish buffet. Langoustines, crab claws, mussels, crayfish, prawns, fish dishes, smoked products and various accompaniments are served in inviting surroundings at the harbour in Aalborg.

Troldtekt, Jacobs Fiskerestaurant
Photo: Thomas Mølvig, architect

Prior to the opening, the rooms had been totally refurbished and the furnishings replaced with a charming mix of old and new.

Originally, the beautiful old baroque-inspired building was used as a butter store. Then it was a beer depot for Tuborg, after which the customs authorities moved in. In recent years, the venue has housed various restaurants with different names. Today, Jacob’s fish restaurant occupies the premises, which enjoy the best possible location, right on the boundary between the town and harbour front.

The listed building dates back to 1926, and has distinctive white gables and a red tile roof. It was designed by the well-known architect Carlo Odgaard, originally as a warehouse for its first owner, C.V. Olsen, who ran an export business. Extensive restoration work in 1999 – which was managed by the royal building inspector – gave the building a new lease of life and won several awards for the beautifully executed project.

The restaurant manager Thomas Jensen says: “All the equipment and fittings have been replaced. Moreover, we have gone to great lengths to create a pleasant and contemporary atmosphere for our guests. And in so doing, we have been very careful to respect the building’s original architecture. For example, the original beamed ceiling has been preserved, and white-painted Troldtekt acoustic panels have been installed between the dark, wood beams. Like the building itself, the white ceilings have a rustic feel and make the rooms lighter more comfortable acoustically.”