December 22, 2023 · Culinary Journalist
They call it the ‘living room’ of Groningen themselves. The Market Hotel, a stunning eye-catcher on the east side of the Grote Markt in the city. Designed by Berlin architect Thomas Müller. ‘A restaurant where you can sleep instead of a hotel where you can eat,’ says manager Niek Strous. ‘We deliberately wanted to create a place that is accessible to everyone. That is why the hotel entrance is not prominently located within the restaurant.’
That restaurant is called Café Willem Albert. A grand café where you can go for breakfast every day starting as early as 7 a.m. After lunch and dinner, you can also enjoy a lovely drink there to round off the day. The menu is very extensive, and you can go there for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or soup. There is an extensive snack menu. But perhaps the best part is the amuse-bouche dinner. From this, you can put together your own multi-course menu from 13 different small dishes. Not suitable for diners with decision fatigue.
And if you really can't choose, you can always go for the runner. According to Strous, that is and remains the croquette on bread. But not in the ‘ordinary’ way, but served with some fresh raw vegetables and mustard mayo.
Although The Market Hotel falls under Westcord Hotels (originally from Vlieland), Strous considers it important to showcase the Groningen spirit as well. A bit subtly, though. For instance, the menu features a Groningen meatball, and always a stamppot.
‘Our bakery is a nice addition,’ says Strous. ‘There we sell all kinds of fresh homemade pastries and cakes.’ How about a tasty slice of pumpkin pie, a whipped cream banana schnitt, or a popcorn entremet, for example? In addition, bread is baked throughout the day that you can take home with you, for instance.
The place is bright, fresh, and pleasantly spacious, with nice little nooks everywhere. Suitable for larger groups or cozy for just the two of you. In the center of the café stands a beautiful bar that creates a convivial atmosphere. That is also what you notice immediately upon entering. There is a sense of calm. The music isn't too loud, you are noticed right away as soon as you enter, and you are also received very warmly by the staff. "That is also something we invest in," says Strous. "We employ our own hospitality trainer who trains our staff to ensure that we are as hospitable as possible. Of course, I can't guarantee that everything always goes 100% right, but we do our utmost to ensure it."
Café Willem Albert in The Market Hotel is open daily from 07:00 to 00:00.
For more information, see: The Market Hotel
