From margarine factory to Tromsø's social meeting place.
You'll notice it as soon as you enter the historic front doors of Strandtorget 1.
Here there have been people, activity and, not least, proud food traditions in ordinary times.
Today, the venerable building houses the popular meeting place Vertshuset Skarven, which consists of Skarven Kro and bar on the first floor, the seafood restaurant Arctandria and Biffhuset on the second floor, while on top of the building we find Kulinarisk Teater.
The Skarven inn is considered by many to be an institution in Tromsø.
Skarven's history dates back to the early 1900s when Gerhard Hay established a butter factory (Tromsø Smørfabrik A/S) in 1908, in a dock under modest conditions. The factory was a success and was later expanded in 1918-1920, 1954 and 1970. In the 1920s, they were particularly known for the butter brands "Plantago", "Polar" and "Dacapo" (1927).
After a reconstruction in 1929 in which A/S Pellerin, Oslo Margarinfabrikk, injected new capital, the name was changed to Tromsø Margarinfabrikk A/S on January 1, 1934. 1934.
Since 1986, Vertshuset Skarven has been a social meeting place with a reputation that extends far beyond the city limits.
Almost 10 million guests from home and abroad have visited Skarven over the years - what makes it so popular?
-"We focus on diversity. Skarven should be a place where all types of people can thrive, and it's gratifying to see so many people stopping by on our anniversary," said Gunnar Andersen during Skarven's 25th anniversary.
He was one of the founders of Vertshuset Skarven together with Jan Klev.
-"The North Norwegian coastal culture is in the walls here, and it's something we've cultivated. In addition, we have three key words that we constantly work towards: Authenticity, honesty and popularity," said Jan Klev at the same celebration.
The duo have recently passed the baton to experienced restaurateur Morten Lønstad.
-"The previous owners have built up an institution in Tromsø within restaurants and nightlife, and there is a lot of history in the walls here. Naturally, we will take care of it with both hands. We don't want to create a Skarven 2.0, we want to cultivate Skarven 0.0," says Lønstad.
He points out that both the people of Tromsø and visitors are charmed by Skarven's authenticity, which is why he believes it is important that the inn remains local.
-"Karven will remain locally owned and operated, with local products and suppliers. We will do more of this - not less," Lønstad assures.
