The restaurant in Kaivohuone ('the Well Room') was at the very centre of entertainment in Helsinki. Kaivohuone was designed by the architect C.L. Engel. It was opened to the public in June 1838. The building has been altered and enlarged since the 1860s according to the plans of various different architects. Theodor Höijer prepared a large-scale plan for alteration and expansion in 1897. The most recent renovation took place in 2004. Kaivohuone is one of the

city's oldest restaurants still serving their original purpose.
      Mademoiselle Cajsa Wahlund was the first restaurateur, then Louis Kleineh took over in 1841, and later it was Carl Kämp who managed the restaurant in Kaivohuone. Initially, the restaurant was open only during the summer, but since 1858 it has been open throughout the year. Kaivohuone has retained its popularity as part of the Helsinki night life.