July 30, 2018 · Team HG
HThe infamous brown café De Witte Raaf is closing on August 1st, but is also reopening immediately under the new name: “Café Uit de KastThe current owner is Erik Verschragen, who left the unique interior of the café, located near Der Aa-kerk, completely intact last year. He has been running the café for exactly one year now.
"I wanted something new in this unique location and with this beautiful café. I was at the Ritz near the A-bridge a few times over the last few months. I spoke to guests at the bar there, and that's when the idea started to open a gay-minded café myself," says Verschragen.
Today, workmen are busy renovating the toilets once again. Tools are scattered throughout the café, and music is playing. Unlike the previous owner, Frans van Donderen, who never played music, he simply wants to keep doing so now: “The café must retain its original charm. Just look at this beautiful bar and the original side walls; isn't that lovely? Later, we’ll be playing hits from the 80s and 90s, as well as current hits. We’ve also just hung up new party and disco lighting for an even better atmosphere.”
Erik Verschragen is an experienced bartender and this is his first own café. But soon it will be under the name “Café Uit de Kast”. He also used to have his own program at OOG radio. “That was a great program with only Dutch hits, OOG Nationaal. And naturally, we play that music here occasionally too,” he says.
Property owner Harry Roggen of HR Vastgoed didn't have to hesitate for long before deciding to rent out De Witte Raaf as a café again last year. “We have created apartments and studios above, but I wanted to preserve this café for the city. It is such a beautiful, nostalgic establishment. And I fully support Erik’s new concept. I wish him every success with “Café Uit de Kast”.
From August 2nd, “Café Uit de Kast” will be open in the afternoon from six o'clock until the early hours of the morning, from Thursday through Sunday. The date of the official opening will be announced later.
