Hidden in the Turftorenstraat lies perhaps one of the city's biggest secrets: Café Wolthoorn. An old-fashioned brown pub where you feel the history as soon as you step inside. It seems as if time has stood still. The interior exudes old-fashionedness, but at the same time it also feels familiar.
A place where everyone is welcome and feels welcome. 'I want people to come back here after 30 years, so to speak, to walk in and say: Wow, nothing has changed here,' says owner Arnold Ensing, 'while in reality a lot has changed. Worn out is allowed, but worn out is not.'
Journalist cafe
It is clear that Ensing is not talking about his people. The staff behind the bar is neatly groomed, complete with waistcoat and bow tie. And you don't have to order at the bar, it's just served at the table. Where else can you find this?
Traditionally, Wolthoorn, popularly known as De Wolthoorn, has been a journalist's café where all kinds of people have been enjoying drinks for decades. From actual journalists from, then, the Nieuwsblad, to writers and poets.
In 2008, the pub was also discovered by the 'general' public. During the Café Top 100 election of trade magazine MissetHoreca, Wolthoorn was declared the best café. And they noticed that. 'Suddenly we were in everyone's attention and it became even busier. Fortunately, it has always remained that way.'
Little rot
Nowadays the audience has become a bit more mixed and students and some younger elderly people also come. "It's often called an old-fashioned pub," says Ensing, and that's what we're known for. But I have to say that I don't really do my best to make it clear to the entire city that this is not the case.'
Café Wolthoorn is almost in the heart of the city center, but there is almost never any real rot, according to Ensing. He attributes this to the fact that, for example, only very soft music is played in the café, and the bow ties that apparently also have a positive effect.'
One hundred years of Wolthoorn
This year exists Café Wolthoorn hundred year. A milestone, and certainly one that Ensing will not let pass him by. There are various activities throughout the year, but in November there will be a big party for the regular guests. Because that is what Ensing is most proud of. That in all the years, especially that he has been the owner, there has always been such a large crowd of regular guests. Who come for their weekly (or more often) drink and then sit down at one of the brown wooden tables in the attractive café.
Café Wolthoorn is open every day. From Sunday to Wednesday from 16.00:15.00 PM, from Thursday to Saturday from XNUMX:XNUMX PM. https://cafewolthoorn.nl/