In 1720, a new building was constructed on the site which in that day was still surrounded by fields. The town only continued as far north as Accisevej/Allegade. Town musician S. J.F.Krebs, who owned it from 1742, ran an illegit inn in the building. In 1759, after a renovation of the buildings, he obtained a royal license to operate a mail and coaching inn. It was given the name Norske Løve after one of the naval ships that participated in the Battle of Køge Bay on 1 July 1767. It was commanded by Niels Juel, had a crew of 568 men and was equipped with 86 canons. After S. J.F.Krebs' death, his widow married a chemist named Carl Hansen. Norske Løve developed into a popular excursion destination for people in Køge. The large garden, with fishing pond, music pavilion and an "estrade" for dancing, was often frequented by travelling fun fairs in the summer time. When the equestrian statue of Frederik VII was unveiled in 1862, Norske Løve hosted a dinner with 800 guests.