ABOUT RESTAURANT ZELESTE
Back in the very old days Store Strandstraede was one of the biggest main streets leading in to central Copenhagen.
Zeleste and area around Nyhavn is known today as as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, and all this because "we" luckily escaped the great fires that ravaged in the year 1728 and again in the year 1794.
These fires almost made the entire central Copenhagen burn down to the ground.
The house, here at Store Strandstraede nr. 6, is from the year 1664.
At that time it was driven as a blacksmith. The horses were pulled from Store Strandstraede through the great white gate and tied in the barn which today is located near our bathrooms. The blacksmith stood by the fireplace in the courtyard, sweating as he struggled to make each shoe fit perfectly.
In the year 1671 the excavation of Nyhavn was presented by Christian the 5'th.
Nyhavn has always been af cheerful place for sailors from around the 7 seas to gather. Therefor it has also found an outlet for those who spent several months of loneliness at see - untill they were brought to a boiling point.
With the location of Store Strandstraede nr. 6 kept in mind the house of course could not be spared and was driven as a brothel for a number of years.
Later on it changed into an erotic shop and museum - therefore the large windows in the entrance room.
At the same time many families with children were living on the 2'nd and 3'rd floor in narrow rooms and one toilet in the courtyard for all to share.
From the year 1907 undtil the year 1970 the house was owned by the Höyberg family and driven as a draper's shop.
Although an unknown woman was managing the shop for the last ten years.
In the begining of the year 1970 a gallery was opened on the 1'st floor - therefore the large section of windows headed towards Store Strandstraede.
Near the end of that decade the house was bought by the famous flower arranger: Tage Andersen.
From here he was selling everything from beautiful fragrant bouquets to out door plants to be viewed in the cozy courtyard.
In the year 1986 the house was bought by the famous architect Nis Nissen and he started what recognise the house for today: Café Zeleste.
Amon other things he designed the plates of zinc to be seen on the walls in the entrance room.
Even though the house now had a new owner and several new functions Tage Andersen kept on delivering flowers, simply because of his love for the place.
In the year 1996 Zeleste was bought by Tholstrup by whom it is still driven today. The place as we know it today started taking shape.
One of the first changes to be made was making the place in to a Restaurant and not a café even though the sign made by Nis Nissen saying: "Café Zeleste" is kept for nostalgic reasons.
An attempt to maintain as much as possible of the original shape and charm of the house is made. Therefore you will find many cozy nooks to dine in.
On the ground floor you will also find an unique courtyard with a southern kind of atmosphere. Out here you can crouch in the cozy wicker chairs while watching the open fire.
When night time arrives and the mist is about to fall Zeleste will fold out her wings in shape of a giant awning.
In this way the night can continue wrapped in blankets under the many heat lamps.
On the 1'st floor of the restaurant partys with up to 50 guests can be held.
Would you like a table for a business meeting a place more discret the 1'st floor also contains a small room called "The Cabinet" where 6 guests can sit quietly and undisturbed.
Restaurant Zeleste is specializing in fish, shell fish and venison.
The highly committed staff is handling every aspect of the profession of good service with such grace.
Therefore you will experience the feeling of being at home when you visit Restaurant Zeleste.
We are looking forward to welcoming you