September 18, 2023 · Culinary Journalist
Tucked away in Turftorenstraat lies perhaps one of the city's greatest secrets: Café Wolthoorn. An old-fashioned brown pub where you can feel the history as soon as you step inside. It seems as if time has stood still there. The interior exudes old-fashioned charm, yet at the same time, it feels familiar.
A place where everyone is welcome and feels welcome. ‘I want that when people come back here after 30 years, so to speak, they walk in and say: Gosh, absolutely nothing has changed here,’ says owner Arnold Ensing, ‘while in reality, a great deal has actually changed. A bit worn is allowed, but being worn out is not.’
It is clear that Ensing isn't talking about his people here. The staff behind the bar are impeccably dressed, complete with waistcoats and bow ties. And there is no need to order at the bar; service is simply provided at the table. Where do you still find this?
Historically, Wolthoorn—colloquially known as De Wolthoorn—has been a journalists' pub where all sorts of people have come to have a drink for decades. From actual journalists from what was then Het Nieuwsblad, to writers and poets.
In 2008, the pub was also discovered by the ‘general’ public. During the Café Top 100 election by trade magazine MissetHoreca, the Wolthoorn was named the best café. And they certainly noticed the impact. ‘Suddenly we were in everyone’s spotlight and it became even busier. Fortunately, that has remained the case ever since.’
Nowadays, the crowd has become a bit more mixed, and students and some younger seniors come here too. ‘It is often called an old farts’ pub,’ says Ensing, ‘that’s what we’re kind of known for. But I have to say that I don’t really try my best to make it clear to the whole city that this isn’t the case.’
Café Wolthoorn It is located almost in the heart of the city center, but according to Ensing, there is almost never any real trouble. He attributes this to the fact that, for example, only very soft music is played in the café, and the bow ties, which apparently also have a positive effect.
This year exists Café Wolthoorn One hundred years. A milestone, and certainly one that Ensing is not letting pass unnoticed. There are already various activities throughout the year, but in November there will be a big party for the regulars. For that is what Ensing is most proud of: that in all those years, particularly since he has been the owner, there has always been such a large group of regulars. Who come for their weekly (or more frequent) drink and then settle down at one of the brown wooden tables in the atmospheric café.
Café Wolthoorn is open every day. From Sunday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM, and from Thursday to Saturday from 3:00 PM. https://cafewolthoorn.nl/
