It is the building in the Noorderplantsoen where everyone has had a drink or at least cycled past. That beautiful beautiful round pavilion, on the edge of the pond. The pavilion dates from 1930 and was designed by city architect Siep Bouma. Over the years, various entrepreneurs have tried their luck there, for the past eight years Svende Reeskamp has held sway there, together with her friend Hans Moerkerk.
'I've actually always lived in the area,' says Svende, 'and every time my boyfriend and I walked past we thought: this is something for us. At one point we made an offer and from that moment on it all went very fast.'
'Do you know what you're getting into'
Without any catering experience, Svende started the entrepreneurial adventure. 'In the beginning, many representatives gave me those pitying looks like: Do you know what you're getting yourself into, just get on with it. But in the end it all went well. Yes, of course you step into all the pitfalls there are, but you also learn from them. Don't make the same mistake next time.'
'No need for a bartender shaking cocktails'
What Svende hopes to convey with her business is that it is an open, warm place where people can find what they need. A kind of everyone's friend. 'And besides that', she continues, 'this place doesn't scream for very special catering either. Most people in the park don't have very high expectations or anything. It is often grandmothers with grandchildren who come to eat a grilled cheese sandwich, or students who come to drink a beer or mixed drink. We don't need a bartender here with a leather apron, a beard and tattoos shaking cocktails in front of you.'
Consciously unhip
Fun is what it's all about at Sunday. 'Sometimes there are representatives who come up with all sorts of hip things. Too flashy, too hip or too niche, then we don't do it. In a place like this, such a public location, you don't want to bet on a special group. You want everyone who comes here to think: yes, that's my tent. From the elderly to students. I think it's important that people feel at home,' says Svende. 'That's exactly what I'm looking for when I'm in the hospitality industry. I don't want to be a guest somewhere, I just want to be part of it. When people say: I think it's so nice with you, I think that's by far the most important thing.'
'We deliberately do not let the business be rented'
Something Svende is averse to is taking on large groups who want to rent the place. "We deliberately don't do that," she says. 'People walk into the park especially for us to drink a cup of coffee or eat a cake with their grandchild, and then a large group is here and they can't come to us. No, I don't, I always want to be open to everyone. That you arrive here and know, this is where I can go.'
The menu: something for everyone
And as far as the menu is concerned, you can also go for everything. From pancakes, sandwiches and yogurt with granola to burgers, pasta and chicken. And for those who have looked a little too deep into their glass the night before and are looking for hangover food to satisfy the greasy hunger: the brackish sandwich, with egg, cheese, tomato and bacon, is ideal for this.
Sunday is open every day from 10.00:22.00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm.
The kiosk daily from 9.00 a.m. to 21.00 p.m.
For more information, see www.zondagnoorderplantsoen.nl