April 4, 2024 · Culinary Journalist
Bar Players Poelestraat really belongs on the list of places in the city you simply must visit. A café where you feel welcome and where it’s always a party. We can safely say it’s an institution in Groningen. Great for singing along to the classics in your native language. Probably recognizable to the slightly older reader.
Anita Makken has been around for quite a few years. She has been the owner of this, as she calls it, "brown pub" for over 35 years. Right in the middle of the entertainment district, on Poelestraat. She started working in the business back when it still belonged to her parents.
What makes a place like this so successful? ‘Everyone is welcome at Bar Players,’ says Anita. ‘From young to old, from all walks of life. Everyone comes here. And it is the Dutch-language music in particular that connects people.’ She doesn’t have another explanation for it herself. However, she does emphatically mention the high level of tolerance the visitors have for each other. Something that, according to her, is no longer found in that way everywhere. By the way, if you are under twenty, don’t even try to get in. ‘For that age group, there are plenty of other places they can go,’ adds Anita.
According to Anita, Bar Players is a real traditional pub. In the early evening, it is a typical regulars' pub. People hang out at the bar, chat, and if there is a good game on, football is put on. ‘Later in the evening, the bar changes, the music gets louder, and the party starts. Of course, that doesn't happen overnight, but builds up gradually.’
Occasionally there is live music. Then a Dutch-speaking artist comes to perform. "Then it's always a huge party," says Anita.
At Bar Players, you don't need to show up with all sorts of trendy requests, unless they are in Dutch; then they might make an exception. Generally, they play whatever Anita herself feels like. After all, it is her café. ‘I really love Django Wagner, so I play that often. And of course, lots of Dutch hits; we’ve played *De Engelbewaarder* to death here. Hazes always goes down well too.’ And as for the Groningen artists, Burdy makes an appearance every now and then, but it isn't more extensive than that at the moment. Perhaps there is still work to be done there for Groningen artists.
Bar Players is open three days a week: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Anita still stands behind the bar herself every day. She intends to continue doing so for the time being. She can't bear the thought of sitting on the other side of the bar watching staff do her work. "That seems terrible to me," she says. "As long as I can do it and enjoy it, I will keep doing this."
Bar Players is open from Thursday to Saturday.
For more information, see www.barplayers.nl
