Picture this A grand villa stands before you. It’s the Alte Hahnenburg in Hannover. This isn’t just any restaurant. It’s a piece of history a testament to Hannover’s evolution.
Built near the end of the 19th century the Alte Hahnenburg was initially envisioned as a villa. Architect August Suffrian a student of Conrad Wilhelm Hase designed it. He placed it amidst fields and meadows between Bischofshol and Bemerode. The villa’s style reflects the popular villa architecture of that time. Its main facade facing the street is adorned with turrets balconies and a striking wooden construction in the gable of the projection.
Initially Suffrian leased his creation to Gustav Klingebiel who opened a restaurant. It quickly became a popular spot for travelers and city dwellers seeking respite from the urban noise. Years later Heinrich Hahn bought the establishment. He gave it the name Hahnenburg which it retains today. He successfully ran it as a fruit wine tavern.
Famous author Hermann Löns was a regular guest. He even wrote some of his observations for Hannover newspapers in the tower room. Later in 1930 Walter Buschhold acquired the restaurant. He transformed it into what he called “experience gastronomy” reflecting Hannover’s growth. He added a large beer garden and a dance floor. He even created a small zoo featuring dwarf goats pheasants peacocks and two monkeys Eva and Jonny.
World War II interrupted operations. Buschhold went to the front. The address book still advertised concerts and dances. After the war British military authorities used the villa as a Sergeants’ Mess. Buschhold finally reopened the restaurant in 1950. He later leased it in the 1970s. The restaurant went through some changes. It became a Russian restaurant then a Pfefferhäuschen.
In 1987 Anne Maria Gahbler Buschhold’s great-granddaughter and her partner Klaus Neudahm took over. They revived the family tradition renaming it the Alte Hahnenburg. A large glass pavilion was added in 1999. It serves as a versatile event space. Recently Tanja Machledt and David Stoppel renovated and redesigned the Alte Hahnenburg. They continue its rich legacy. So raise a glass to the Alte Hahnenburg a place where history delicious food and a lively atmosphere combine.