C.W. Obels Plads is one of the most central and well-known squares in Aalborg; named after the tobacco manufacturer, Obel, as this is where his old factory was located. Today, the square is full of cafés and restaurants – the most special one being Søgaard’s Brewery. The brewery is housed in the square’s largest and most distinguished building, designed in 1918 by the known architect, Hother A. Paludan, as a civic restaurant.

Time has run out for civic restaurants, but time will never run out for the making and serving of good food and good beer to people. Claus Søgaard knows something about this and therefore, it was obvious that he would establish himself with the first brewery in Aalborg – 20 years after the town’s highly respected brewery, Urban, closed.

The first Søgaard bottling took place on 13 August 2004 at 11.31 a.m.!
Prior to that, a comprehensive renovation of the old building took place with the placement of the brewery in the middle of the restaurant and not to forget: the development and brewing of beer!

It is an impressive experience to see the large, German copper boilers spreading from the cellar and up into the ground floor where the restaurant, beer café and shop are located. To follow the many, many metres of always newly polished copper pipes and, not least, to see the master brewer now and again develop the beer by pouring secret ingredients into the boilers or by simply checking the process on the computer.

But not only has the brewing installation decorated Søgaard’s Brewery. Attention to detail can be seen in the interior with lampshades from Holmegaard’s Glassworks and with a number of wall friezes created for the place by the glass artist, Hanne Thomsen, also called the Marsh Wife.

Now you don’t visit Søgaard’s Brewery just to look – it’s all about tempting and/or satisfying the sense of taste. The beer board lists no less than 18 types of beer. Often, the brewer turns up with a taste of one of the completely new inventions – with enthusiasm shining out of his eyes.

Both Claus and his wife Lisa are cooks and this is apparent in the menu.  They don’t have time to be in the kitchen constantly, but their joy of fresh and good raw products and the demand for high quality shines through. Nonetheless, they have succeeded in keeping moderate prices for the selection, which naturally changes with the seasons.

In 2005, a high-technology bottling line was established in a small neighbouring street. Of course, bottling of their own beer takes place here, but also for other breweries, specialty stores and several supermarket chains.

The distribution occurs over the entire country with the help of One Pint.
The daily life at the Brewery is garnished with events all year round: summer music on the square, October fest and other events – all year round there is beer tasting and guided tours. Oh yes, and then there’s a project like the Egtved Girl’s Brew.