Among the student associations is The brewery a concept. It is a bit hidden, among the other catering establishments in the entertainment center of Groningen: the Poelestraat. Jan Hoeve has been the owner of the small but oh-so-popular café for over 25 years. For the older ones among us, the café used to be called Ome Ko.
Target group: students
The Brewery is mainly a pub for students. But where the café does things slightly differently than its neighbor The Ninth Circle (also from Hoeve) is that it mainly focuses on study associations, boards and other discussed groups. As Hoeve himself nicely puts it, he wants this business to be a 'home base for united and studying Groningen'.
Private parties
You walk into the café from the terrace. It is a narrow, long pub that, judging by the photos, often serves as a party café. At the very back you will find access to a separate area that is often rented out for private groups, such as study associations. A cozy space, with its own bar, where there is room for 50 to 60 people. And that space is well found, because the hall is rented out every evening. Years ago, this part was still a snack bar in Peperstraat. But times change and so the cafeteria had to make way for the pub.
Beer & bitterballen
Contrary to what the name suggests, there is no brewery involved in the café and the beer is not brewed in-house. "We are not doing anything very special or distinctive with the café," says Hoeve. 'We simply meet the expectations of the student, and to put it bluntly, that means real beer and bitterballen. We sell that. No complicated situations with us. So no Burgundian bitterballen. But beer in pitchers. People often drink a lot and quickly and you have to facilitate that. What I think is important is that it should be affordable for everyone. The prices are therefore very reasonable. I really try to keep it fun for the students.'
Party music
Hoeve calls the music that is played really student-like. 'Sing-along people, in Dutch, danceable and cheerful. And above all, female-friendly.' By this he means music that is not aggressive and in which women are not insulted. “That is important,” Hoeve emphasizes.
Café De Brouwerij is open every day from 20.00 p.m. Private groups by reservation. For more information, go to www.cafedebrouwerij.com
