Decades after its closure, the Altes Fährhaus still stands as a testament to time. It whispers tales of change and resilience. The Altes Fährhaus Hamm, currently closed in February 2025, once thrived as a restaurant. It held a special place in the Hammer Osten district.
Following the departure of the city gardening services, the Klinik für manuelle Therapie embarked on a meticulous restoration of the heritage-listed Heimbecks Kotten in October 2011. In early 2014, a modern structure with a kitchen and bar was added. The goal was to create a high-end restaurant with outdoor seating.
The Altes Fährhaus finally opened on October 24, 2014. The KMT Service GmbH, a subsidiary of the Klinik für manuelle Therapie, managed it. The restaurant could accommodate up to 90 guests. Its outdoor area could host an additional 250. The staff reflected its upscale ambitions. Fabian Uerpmann, previously at Sacher Café-Restaurant in Innsbruck, led a team of twelve. Tülay Tsakiridis, who had worked at the Michelin-starred Wielandstuben, became the restaurant manager.
In 2015, the Altes Fährhaus expanded with an annex. This addition could accommodate up to 200 guests for events. Construction began in March and finished in August. By September 2015, the Klinik für manuelle Therapie decided to withdraw from operating the restaurant and lease the building. On October 18, 2015, the Altes Fährhaus served its last customers under the Klinik’s management.
The Waltrop-based family business Hohoff took over. On November 11, 2015, they reopened it as Hohoffs 800° Altes Fährhaus. It was envisioned as an upscale steakhouse with an ultra-hot grill kitchen. After its closure, the building was remodeled to align with the Hohoff concept.
On July 30, 2018, Hohoff announced it would close the Hamm location in mid-September. The final day of operation was September 16. The owner cited a shift in business focus towards Dortmund, Hamm, and Hagen. Nearing his 50th birthday, he wanted to refocus on craftsmanship. The Hagen site would be enhanced. Dortmund would be available only for events. Hamm would close entirely.
On November 30 of the same year, the Altes Fährhaus reopened under new management. Olaf and Jürgen Weber, unrelated, took over. They had run the Hotel-Restaurant In der Kaiserau in Kamen for years. The menu at the twenty tables offered good German cuisine. Seasonal dishes, fish, schnitzel, and salads were highlights. In 2019, Olaf and Jürgen Weber parted ways. Olaf Weber continued to run the restaurant. His wife, Ivonne, became the operations manager. The restaurant operated as a GmbH, HRB 9555, AG Hamm.
On May 22, 2019, Health Minister Jens Spahn made a campaign appearance at the Altes Fährhaus.
In August 2024, the Altes Fährhaus declared bankruptcy. Business operations continued initially. High costs led to rent arrears. No agreement was reached with the Klinik für Manuelle Therapie, the property owner.
By late October 2024, the Altes Fährhaus closed on November 1.
In December 2024, a new tenant was found. Starting in March 2025, they plan to offer fine Oriental cuisine.
On February 20, 2025, it was announced that Bayram Senlik would run the Altes Fährhaus. Senlik owns the Steinofen restaurant in Ahlen, open since 2007. He aims to set new standards with a strong team and an expanded menu. He emphasizes high-quality dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant is expected to open in May.
Today, the Altes Fährhaus houses a wedding room of the Hamm registry office. Weather permitting, weddings can take place on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lake. The adjacent modern event hall can also be booked for wedding celebrations.