Imagine a time long ago. The year is 1860. This building behind me was not a gourmet restaurant. It was a schoolhouse. Yes, this is the Gammel Vejlby Kro. But let us travel back to its origins.
The locals of Vejlby wanted a school for their children. In 1858, they decided to build one. It took two years. In 1860, the school stood ready. The building was constructed of stone. It was painted in a Skagen-yellow color.
Inside Gammel Vejlby Kro, the layout was quite different. The west end housed the teacher’s residence. The east end had two classrooms. There was also room for the second and third teachers. They were hired a few years later.
If you look at the gable of Gammel Vejlby Kro, you will see something. It reads: “OPBYGT 1860 AF VEJLBYE COMUNE”. This translates to “Built 1860 by Vejlby Commune”. This inscription tells the story of its creation. It speaks of a community’s commitment to education.
For many years, the building served as a school. However, times changed. Eventually, the building stood empty. It remained unused for a long period. Then in the 1990s, a transformation began. The old schoolhouse became a restaurant. It also became a venue for social gatherings. The Gammel Vejlby Kro was reborn.
In its new life, Gammel Vejlby Kro became known for fine dining. Gastronomy Denmark recognized it. Lasse David Povlsen owned and ran the restaurant. He was a chef known from Prins Ferdinand in Aarhus. He was also known from Kong Hans Kælder in Copenhagen. Povlsen brought culinary expertise to the Kro.
Sadly, Gammel Vejlby Kro faced financial difficulties. In 2009, the restaurant went bankrupt. Despite this setback, the building’s story does not end there.
Today, Gammel Vejlby Kro is a protected building. Its history is preserved. It stands as a reminder of Vejlby’s past. It tells a story of education and community. It also tells of culinary ambition.
As you stand here, consider the many lives of this building. From a schoolhouse filled with children. To a gourmet restaurant. The walls of Gammel Vejlby Kro have witnessed much. They continue to tell their story. The story is about Vejlby and its people. The past is not forgotten, it’s still felt here.