Uncle Ko goes back in time with a new look

After seventeen years of loyal service, Ome Ko's neon letters are making way for a new name on the facade: De Brouwerij. The dark brown café on Poelestraat in Groningen is undergoing a renovation into a more spacious, robust, yet warm and cozy café. Owner Jan Hoeve talks about his motivation behind the change.

It has already been cautiously brought to attention via Facebook And perhaps some Ome Ko visitors have already noticed, but the café will soon continue under a new name. The café, which has been located on Poelestraat since 1999, is returning to its roots as a city brewery and putting on a fresh new look in the process.

Changes
Traditional yet industrial, as owner Jan Hoeve himself puts it, referring to elements such as copper beer pipes on the ceiling, vintage murals, an old-fashioned brewing kettle, and lamps from former factory halls and Polish bunkers. The café has a completely new look inside. “But we remain a traditional brown café,” Hoeve notes, “that is why we want to continue focusing on the cozy and warm elements.” Aspects such as the dark wood and atmospheric candles will remain.

The corporate identity is also taking a new direction with a sleek yet warm look that is even incorporated into the glassware. Brewery elements are recognizable everywhere; male guests can actually relieve themselves in specially designed urinals made from beer kegs.

Government and study
The reason behind these adjustments stems from changes in nightlife, the clientele, and consequently a different demand for nightlife venues, explains Hoeve. “Groningen used to be known as the city where you could go out seven nights a week; now that has become two, at most three.”

The owner suspects that the changes are due to study-related measures and government decisions. First, the age limit for drinking alcohol has been raised. Second, the smoking policy has had an impact, and additionally, study pressure has increased due to the student loan system. As a result, students are left with the feeling that there is less time and money to spend on going out.

Uncle Ko It was known, among other things, for the breadth of its clientele, but this diversity has been declining in recent years, making it wise to adapt to this. Without changing the business operations too much, Hoeve wants to continue offering quality and service at a good price. “We will mainly continue with the things that are going well. It remains a great place to enjoy a beer, just now in a different setting.”

Students
Ome Ko has a large following among the student associations, just like the café next door, which Hoeve also owns, the Ninth CircleThe owner explains that, in his opinion, student association life is becoming increasingly important, and that is why he is doing his best for these groups. The proposed changes have been discussed with them and received positively. Students lead busy lives and therefore expect quality at a competitive price. That is why popular offers such as Happy Hours and pitchers are being continued with optimism at De Brouwerij.