George Hoerrmann, the devoted proprietor of one of St. George's most beloved restaurants for 22 years, The Carriage House, located on 22 Water Street, is all smiles these days and faces the world with joy and gratitude.

He is thrilled to be back in business and his loyal clients are also glad to return to his warm embrace and the restaurant's fine cuisine in a relaxed historic setting.

The Carriage House has been closed for five months after Hurricane Fabian blew in and created a scene of reckless havoc last September fifth.

“Now we are once again open and this makes me very happy! We are located in the temporary quarters of the former Carriage House Museum. Several of the carriages remain and they add ambience to our restaurant.

Mr. Hoerrmann started in the restaurant business in 1958 at the Savoy hotel in London and he worked his way through Europe.

“One of my colleagues came to Bermuda and he was very enthused! I went to Castle Harbour in 1966 and originally I was only coming for one year. A few years later I met my lovely wife, Juliette and we married. Our only child, our daughter, Julie is age 25,” said Mr Herrmann.

When asked how he felt after the devastation of Fabian, he said it took about two or three days to register. He said that he secured the premises on Friday, following the direct hit broadcast and sent the entire staff home.

“When I came to work on Sunday morning I came up Water Street and looked down our alley. I saw tables and chairs in the alley. I realised the hurricane had gone through our premises.

“It came through the restaurant and turned the freezers out of place like they were match boxes! The force sucked up the furniture into the alley and I was numb and shocked!”

Later that Sunday the total impact hit his emotions and he was both sad and fearful as he realised that he was out of business.

Over the past five months he says that the staff were behind him all the way. They were employed as long as they could be. Some staff received monetary losses but we kept them in our employment.

“The ambiance of the location lends a historical scene. and many favourable comments have been heard from all guests, locals, as well as visitors. Their first day open, February 3, they served about 36 for lunch and the same for dinner.

“People have been surprised by the beauty of our new quaintness. On the first business day Mayor Jones dined with us as well as many others and we are very grateful that our customers continue to support us.”

Their menu has been revised to professionally operate up stairs in the former museum and the kitchen is down stairs. Daily the staff prepare for their marathon. The menu offers a fare for all tastes and budgets. You can choose a lovely salad or juicy burger or fresh fish from the a la carte menu.

Mr. Hoerrmann describes his restaurant as relaxed and casual where everyone can dine in comfort.

“We want our clients to relax and enjoy our elegant meals. Years ago a coat and tie were required but now it is a new era and the world has changed. We offer light meals, less expensive, with quality wines by the glass or bottle.”

“We had Mike Perinchief and June Caisey who donated two evenings of entertainment when we first opened. Mr. Perinchief performs some weekly evenings and at our Sunday Brunch.”

Oddly, a lovely silk flower arrangement made for the restaurant by a family friend, Rose Douglas, survived the hurricane when all around it was broken. Be sure to take notice of the lovely bouquet when you are there.

The hours for lunch are 11:30 to 2:30. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 9:15 and the last seating is 10 p.m. in summer.

Sunday brunch is served from noon to 2:15. Reservations are generally required for meals and you may call 297-1270 or email: carriagehousenorthrock.bm

During winter they are closed on Monday but they will resume to open seven days weekly again with full staff in April.

If you want delicious food, beautifully prepared and served in a romantic atmosphere, this is the place and the service is impeccable.