November 14, 2023 · Culinary Journalist
The slightly older youngsters among us probably all know it: a restaurant and bar. The Warehouse in the city's entertainment street, the Peperstraat. If you don't know it's there, chances are you'll walk right past it. It's a bit hidden away, at the back of a small alley. A beautiful old warehouse, well over a hundred years old.
The building has a rich history. As a hospitality venue, it originally started as an artist's café. And you can still feel that in the atmosphere. It is alternative and cozy. Upon entering, the first thing you notice is that it is not one large space, but rather that there are different levels, stairs, and nooks. If you immediately take the stairs up to the left, you arrive in the café section of the establishment, which seats a total of 80 guests. It presents a colorful sight with brightly colored wooden chairs and chalkboards displaying the daily special and the specialties. Hendrik Linnewiel has been the owner of Het Pakhuis since 2007.
‘The approach of the eatery is to offer a menu that is as affordable and honest as possible, organic where feasible,’ says Linnewiel. ‘Most of it is prepared in-house, in the kitchen located at the very top of the building. Because the spaces are quite large, there is often room during the week for groups wanting to come and eat. Many student associations, for example, that return regularly.’
‘What Het Pakhuis is originally known for is really the spare ribs,’ says the owner. ‘We also pay a lot of attention to vegetarian dishes and ensure that they don’t become a neglected option here. The daily specials vary every day. A few examples are rendang with rice or a ratatouille. The price for a 3-course menu is €32.50. For that, you get a tasting of starters, a main course from the menu, and a tasting of desserts.’
Downstairs is the bar with an attached dance area. The clientele is generally slightly older than in the other establishments on Peperstraat. The age range is from around 25+ and up, sometimes even two generations, parents with children going out together.
They want to stand out through the music they play. ‘Still a bit less après-ski bar music than the rest of the nightlife street. More like Lowlands and 3FM-style music. Accessible, but distinct from the party bars,’ says Linnewiel. They want to offer visitors a good atmosphere by hiring the right staff and ensuring it is a nightlife spot where everyone feels safe.
Het Pakhuis is open daily from 5:30 PM.
For more information, see hetpakhuisgroningen.nl
