Fru Petersens Cafe

Stepping over the threshold of Fru Petersens Cafe is like stepping back in time. This charming blue-and-white, half-timbered building on Almindingenvej near Østermarie, Bornholm, isn’t just a cafe. It’s a living museum, breathing with the stories of generations past. Fru Petersens Cafe, opened in 1997 by Venny and Jens Petersen, offers more than just “Grandma’s cooking”. It offers a portal to a simpler era. The building itself dates back to 1908, designed by architect Mathias Bidstrup. Originally a church school, it served as one of four community schools in Østermarie. A faded relief of the Virgin Mary, the parish’s patron saint, still graces the gable, a silent testament to its history. The school served the community until 1967. It then transitioned into a school for children with disabilities, and later, a center for disabled adults. In the 1980s, the building’s purpose shifted again, becoming a flea market and antique shop. Finally, in 1993, Venny and Jens Petersen purchased the property, transforming it into the beloved Fru Petersens Cafe we know today. Inside Fru Petersens Cafe, the spirit of the past truly comes alive. Original furnishings, old photographs, and vintage decorations blend seamlessly with modern touches. It’s a cozy, homey atmosphere where time seems to slow down. Kit Wisweh and Søren Nexø, the current owners, maintain the cafe’s unique charm. They continue the tradition of homemade cakes and pastries, prepared according to old family recipes. The menu boasts traditional Danish dishes and open sandwiches, made with the same love and care as generations past. The large flower garden behind the cafe offers a tranquil escape. Guests can relax at coffee tables amidst the fragrant blooms, while children explore the hidden corners. The gentle hum of bees among the herbaceous borders creates a soothing symphony of nature. Fru Petersens Cafe is more than just a place to eat. It’s a place to reconnect with the past, to savor the simple pleasures, and to create new memories.