'There by that mill, that beautiful mill', on the Rijksweg in Ten Post, it is restaurant At the Mill by Daan Vogelaar and his partner Linda Heuker. At the foot of the corn mill De Olde Widde you can go for honest food in a hospitable environment. What started seven years ago as an ambitious adventure has now grown into a beloved place for both villagers and visitors from the region.
'We are open six days a week from twelve o'clock,' says Daan. 'We start with lunch, then drinks for those who want, and of course dinner in the evening. We also have a large hall for meetings, anniversaries or weddings for up to 250 people.'
A good plate full
The menu includes familiar classics such as satay, spareribs and mixed grill, but also seasonal fish and vegetarian dishes. 'Our guests love a good plate of food. So no frills here, but taste and quality,' Daan explains. That quality comes in part from the Vleesgilde in Assen, their regular butcher. 'They have been supplying meat consistently for years, and you can taste that. Our satay is famous here in the region.'
Distinctive in the region
What stands out, and with which they certainly distinguish themselves in the region, is the attention to special dietary requirements. Almost the entire menu is gluten-free and lactose-free, without compromising on taste. 'We want to prevent stress in the kitchen during peak times. By taking that into account when drawing up the menu, we can relieve the guest and the team in advance,' says Daan. And for vegetarians, or their friends, there is always something to choose from. 'We know that vegetarians often decide where a group goes to eat. So we make sure that they feel welcome here right away.'
The Olde Widde
Next to the restaurant is the pride of the village: the mill. This private mill (one of two in the province) is still in operation, but no longer for flour production. That is not possible, say the two owners. 'The mill is our calling card', says Daan. 'Others have a neon sign, we have a mill', he laughs. During mill and monument days it is open to the public, thanks to the efforts of volunteers
Earthquake resistant
The future of Bij de Molen is on the eve of a major change. After years of preparation, the restaurant and the mill will soon be part of the reinforcement program, in connection with the earthquakes in the area. The building will be completely stripped, reinforced and redesigned. 'We hope to have it ready by mid-2026
to reopen, with the same concept in a new guise,' says Daan. 'We mainly want to continue as we are: warm, accessible, and honest. That's what people come back for.'
For more information on Restaurant Near the Mill.
