A Hereford Beefstouw in Kolding is a unique experience. The building, which dates back to the 17th century, is the second oldest in town and sits next to the oldest. The two buildings make a unique historical sight, a vision of a protected Renaissance. Ruben Bech and his wife Helle Daasbjerg have managed the restaurant since 1992 and have blessed the restaurant with their personal touch through the years. Most remarkable perhaps is the huge old olive mill that is placed in the middle of the restaurant. Old historical farming tools decorate the walls, creating a nice rural atmosphere which evokes thoughts of old fashioned farming villages and idyllic times of the past.
"All we really need are a couple of fields outside the windows," says Ruben Bech. He adds that German tourists from time to time mistake the restaurant for a museum. "When that happens, we realize that we have most likely gotten carried away – that we have brought too many old things into the restaurant," says Ruben Bech with a smile.
Originally the building served as a merchant’s house. In 1938, however, the building was transformed into a very respectable Inn. in 1984, A Hereford Beefstouw took over the now protected buildingand, in close collaboration with the architect Jørgen Stærmose, it was returned to its original state from around 1850. The façade was restored while the original entrance towards the street was re-established. The windows were fitted in traditional style and, today, the ball-shaped ornaments on the facade glow with gold leaf. Over the years, A Hereford Beefstouw in Kolding has developed into one of the best restaurants in town – with a large loyal crowd of regular customers.
The original restaurant has room for 60 dining guestsand, in 2006, it was expanded to provide another 40 seats on the first floor.
