Former world champion chef opening hotel and food academy in Norway

Ørjan Johannesen is opening Beckerwyc House, a family run hotel at Austevoll island outside the city of Bergen, Norway. With his own food academy he will provide world-class food experiences and knowledge for his guests.

"The dedication and feelings regarding precision and taste is something that I have been longing for, and is something that can now be realized through our new restaurant Mirabelle, where local ingredients from our island Austevoll is in centre of attention. We will work hard every single day to create unique dining experiences for our guests through carefully planned service and menu", says Ørjan Johannessen, who has brought his mentor Odd Ivar Solvold with him to run the food concept of Beckerwyc House.

Exclusive boutique hotel

Beckerwyc House opened its doors on June 16. The hotel is beautifully situated on the hillside by Bekkjarvik Harbour in Austevoll, just south of Bergen, offering magnificent views of the idyllic harbor as well as the fjord and the mountain peaks of Sunnhordland. It has 20 exclusive rooms and suites, half of which have their own patio. The outdoor area consists of several terraces where hotel guests can relax in both the lounge and jacuzzi. There are car parks with charging points for electric cars for guests arriving by car. The hotel is a natural part of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri Hotel & Suites, just four minute’s walk from the traditional and historic guest house.

"In Bekkjarvik there has been an accomodation business since the 17th century. With our feet firmly plantet in history, we are now taking a big and important step into the future. We believe that Bekckerwyc House will have an international appeal for both foodies who travel for unique food experiences, and for people who want to find peace and experience the destination Austevoll with its wode range of activities. At the same time, we are very excited about strengthening our overall offer to both local, national and international travelers", saus CEO Rønnaug Nymark at Beckerwyc House.

The signature building was designed by Ajas Mellbye. The references to the surrounding area are obvious, with its rock formations and a facade that looks like a fish hatchery. The interior by Sol Design picks up colors and shapes from the sea and nature. Through a total contractor, LAB Enterpreneurs has been a steady partner in the building process.

World-class food knowledge

But Beckerwyc House will be much more than an exclusive hotel. With Ørjan Johannessen at the helm, the Beckerwyc Food Academy will offer guests food expertise and knowledge along three axes.

"The food cathedral on the hotel´s top floor will provide room for a variety of food and drink experiences, which are given considerable attention in Beckerwyc House. The academy aims to increase food skills by offering food courses for private individuals and businesses, digital food courses via streaming, and competence for our own industry", says Johannessen.

A chambre separée is designed for both private dining experiences, groups and meetings. In November, the exclusive restaurant Mirabelle by Ørjan Johannessen wil open, with the signature “Island Gastronomy”.

"I am looking forward to starting a new culinary journey with high ambitions, together with our eminent team and family", saus Johannessen.

The family dream continues

Chairman of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri & Suites, Asta Johannessen is very pleased that Beckerwyc House is now a reality.

"For me personally, it is a great pleasure to see that together as a family we can realize new and ambitious projects, and that the next generation has found its natural place in the family business. It confirms that what we do is viable", says Asta Johannessen, who is Ørjan Johannessens mother.

Contacts:

Ørjan Johannessen, Chairman of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri Eiendom. Tel.: +47 922 18 422

Asta Johannessen, Chariman of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri Hotel & Suites. Tel.: +47 932 45 075

Rønnaug Nymark, CEO, Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri Hotel & Suites. Tel.: +47 99237918