Na entry into the opened this week Bar 1672 On the Gedempte Zuiderdiep, the eye is drawn to the imposing and antique-looking espresso machine from the Italian brand Elektra on the corner of the bar. It is one of the many eye-catchers in the new catering company that Fred Dalebout and his wife Ilona will operate under the umbrella of the Martini Hotel Group.
''It is the first business that we have been able to build together entirely according to our own insight and taste. A bar where delicious dishes should ensure an unforgettable time, with a rich artistic history as the main ingredient," says Fred Dalebout.
The building certainly has history, because in the facade you can find two cannonballs that were fired by Bommen Berend from the Kempkensberg during the siege of Groningen in 1672.
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The map of Bar 1672 deviates quite a bit from what is common in the many eateries that can be found in the city of Groningen. No starters and main courses, but small tasty snacks that are prepared by the kitchen in any desired quantity. All this can be enjoyed with champagne or one of the many cocktails that can be made by the bartenders. If there is still a need for a beer, Bar 1672 is one of the first in the Netherlands to serve the Belgian Cristal.
History
The name 1672 that now adorns the facade does not come completely out of the blue. In the winter of 1974 the doors opened under the name Boetiek Waterloo annex Café 1672. It functions as a stage for all kinds of expressions of cabaret, such as cabaret, jazz, poetry and theatre. The Celtic folk band Rapalje starts with its first performances. The last manager of Café 1672 is Hans Vos (Leip), who also runs jazz café De Spiegel in Peperstraat. After his departure, the name changed to eatery Roezemoes.
Not only the impressive espresso machine attracts the attention of the guest. The large artwork A wonderful world by James Chiew adorns the back wall of the mezzanine, which brings together world-famous politicians, artists, royal families and clergy in a funny group portrait. Worth a look! This also applies to the building that bears the status of a national monument and, as the historiography would have it, has been on this site since the seventeenth century.
Fred and Ilona Dalebout hope that Bar 1672 will become an establishment where guests can enjoy the exquisite drinks and tasty snacks in peace.
“The atmosphere in the building is calming. The menu offers a wide variety for a target group that, in our opinion, finds it difficult to find such a concept in the city of Groningen. We have arranged the interior on a number of floors in such a way that the guest can spend the evening relaxed. You eat by sharing; we share love and like food'', is the statement of Fred and Ilona Dalebout.
Bar 1672 is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 16.00pm, Friday at 15pm, Saturday and Sunday from 00pm and closed on Mondays. In the summer months, when the terrace can go outside, the business opens earlier during the day.