April 1, 2016 · Team HG
In the early evening of Thursday, March 31, 2016, the new city and terrace café Pronk was officially opened during the sabering of champagne. Groningen has gained another hospitality establishment to be proud of.
In the afternoon, all invited guests will be welcomed with a drink in the unique terrace garden of city café Pronk, to be subsequently addressed by owner Wim ten Cate, historical researcher Beno Hofman, and Alderman Joost van Keulen.
Motto
Ten Cate looks proud as he explains that he and his partners Joop and Gerben started renovating the building on February 1st. He thanks the former owners of the old Zomers for leaving behind a solid foundation and for their advice. Many parties made suggestions for the name of the new hospitality venue, but Ten Cate explains that the name Pronk was the right one. It is short, Dutch, and Gronings (derived from the Gronings word ‘Pronkjewail’ from the Grönnens Laid), and it says something about the building; it is something to be proud of.
Pronk must radiate Groningen Enjoyment, which is achieved through, among other things, collaboration with various distinctive urban entrepreneurs and suppliers. Ten Cate mentions Homemade Bread in the Brugstraat and Barrel Wijn in Haddingestraat, which will also offer various wine tastings in the cellar during the opening.
History
The building at Vismarkt 56 is one of the first stone houses in this part of the city. Inside, masonry can still be found dating back to the Middle Ages, around the 13th century.e century. Beno Hofman, historical researcher and publicist, once dedicated an episode of his program Beno’s Stad to the restoration and conversion into a hospitality establishment. Hofman recounts that upon hearing the name Pronk, he was reminded of the Pronk fish shop in Scheveningen at Folkingestraat 14, some 80 years ago, or of Cornelis Pronk, a well-known topographical draftsman whose drawings can still be found in the Groninger Museum.
He also mentions several notable residents of the building: William Macdowell, for example, one of the first professors at the University of Groningen in the 17th century.e century. Subsequently, a century later, the building came into the ownership of Reverend Jacobus Fruytier, who presumably installed the monumental staircase and commissioned the beautiful stucco work. From 1856, the renowned painter H. W. Mesdag lived here with his wife Sientje van Houten. Before the building was converted into a hospitality venue, it housed a bank (1975–2005). During the renovation last February, elements from this bank are still visible, such as the bulletproof glass.
City and terrace café
Pronk knows how to beautifully highlight its old historical elements and enhance them through the contrast of a modern interior. The hospitality venue in the heart of Groningen is a valuable addition with its heated city terrace, bright garden room, and stylish restaurant. In addition to enjoying a bite to eat and a drink, the city café also offers suitable spaces and facilities for parties, business meetings, or as a flexible workspace. Joost van Keulen calls the venue a wonderful asset to the city. “Groningers are quite modest; that could do with changing, we could be a bit prouder,” says the alderman. Who knows, the new Pronk might help with that.
For more information about Pronk, see this page or click here for the website.
Main photo: Gerben, Wim and Joop (l.t.r.) by Baudewijn Fotografie (baudewijn.nl)
