October 21, 2016 · Team HG
After eight years, ’T Zwarte Schaap is back in the hands of owner Michel Zwart. “We are bringing the eatery back to the Schuitendiep.” The eatery is returning to its roots, but with more quality. Horecagroningen.nl stopped by and spoke with the owner and his manager, Roline van Dam.
“Eight years ago, this property was already in our hands; I thought it was beautiful even then. It was a good eatery with a large terrace and a favorable location in terms of the sun. Moreover, the business has been doing well for ten years,” says Michel Zwart, just like van The Black Sheep also owner of Louis XV and El TxokoThe company then passed to another owner; during that time, the building took on more the form of a restaurant.
In 2016, it is truly becoming a pub-restaurant again. The charms of the classic, dark interior with its large bar and cozy seating areas are being emphasized once more. However, in the future, these will be supported by innovative aspects such as a meat aging cabinet, many new (specialty) beers, and the distinctive Josper charcoal barbecue in the kitchen.
“We are also going to focus more on students,” says Roline van Dam, “in addition to the daily changing Herdershap, we now have the varying studentenhap for just €9.50.” There will also soon be a choice of fifteen beers on tap and no fewer than 50 bottled beers. The extensive selection of various wines and our food pairing suggestions are also a nice addition. “You can make it as expensive as you want here.”
Once every two months, the Vindicat band will bring their swinging sounds here, but live music, including pop, will also be heard more frequently on weekends. “I like ideas like that. I enjoy working with my team, and we all want to keep innovating,” says Zwart. “The nice thing about my people is that they are incredibly hospitable, but in an informal way. That’s how it should be here for me: it is the charm of the accessible eatery.” Roline and colleague Amir will run the business.
The new tap columns are expected soon, as well as the aging cabinet and the interesting beer and cocktail glassware designed to inspire guests with spectacular ideas. De Hooizolder will be renovated, and next year the terrace will be equipped with high tables and heaters. In the spring and summer, guests can also enjoy the experience from the water with a fully catered sloop tour through the canals of Groningen.
You are welcome daily for a nice drink, a weekly changing three-course menu (€23.50), a student meal, a Shepherd's meal, or a party, reception, or meeting in the Hayloft. The Black Sheep is open every day from 15:00 to 22:30. For more information, visit the website or Facebook page.
