Manu Willie of Olde Hansa: Immersive Medieval Group Dining in Tallinn
- 47:07
- November 4th 2025
Step into a 700-year-old merchant house where dinner is served by candlelight, guests wash their hands in copper basins between floors, and brown bear is on the menu.
In this episode of Table for 30, I sit down with Emmanuel "Manu" Willie, Master Cook at Olde Hansa in Tallinn, Estonia—a medieval restaurant that's become one of Europe's most unique group-dining destinations.
Manu shares how they create an immersive experience for corporate groups of up to 300 people, from hand-painting every plate to aging schnapps for two years.
We also dive into his unexpected 30-year journey from Belgium to Estonia, including wild stories from the 1990s and his role in shaping Estonian gastronomy.
If you're planning events in the Baltics or looking for truly memorable dining experiences, this conversation will change how you think about group meals.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Olde Hansa Restaurant, Tallinn: https://oldehansa.ee/en/
DMC Baltic (Thomas's destination management company): https://www.dmcbaltic.com/
Group Menus (B2B platform for the MICE industry and its restaurants):
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/
Email Thomas:
Table For 30
Great events aren't built in conference rooms - they're built around tables. Table for 30 is the podcast for MICE professionals and event planners who understand that a memorable meal does more for team bonding than any trust fall ever will. Host Thomas Danielsen sits down with chefs, restaurateurs, destination experts, and event professionals around the world, uncovering the stories, logistics, and philosophy behind meals that matter. From bear meat to dietary restrictions, from incentive travel to modern logistics—if it involves feeding groups and creating unforgettable experiences, we're talking about it.