The Gedempt Hamerkanaal has become a serious address in North in recent years, and Benelux Bar fits right in. The building at number 83 houses an industrial interior that doesn't hide its previous life as a schoolhouse: rough walls, room enough for a dance floor, and an atmosphere that doesn't feel tried and true. During the day, it's quiet. At night, it's a different story.
The day begins with Eurosoft Café, the coffee concept that opens its daytime doors Wednesday through Sunday in the same building. Just coffee, just a place to sit for a while. But starting at five in the afternoon, the register shifts. Then it becomes Benelux Bar, a cocktail bar with great cuisine. Nothing complicated, but well thought out.
Founder Rein op ’t Root and his partners have once again created a great concept with Benelux Bar and Euro Soft that fits seamlessly with their other businesses; Restaurant Europe and Euro Pizza.
Friday and Saturday they will continue. Until three in the morning, to be exact. Then Benelux Bar is also a dance venue, with a crowd that has clearly thought about what it attracts. The atmosphere is accordingly. Anyone who thinks Noord has nothing but studios and breweries will be disappointed here.
North needs more places like this: businesses that know what they are and don't ignore it.
The industrial building does the rest. Rough but not cluttered, spacious but not chilly. North needs more places like this: businesses that know what they are and don't beat around the bush about it. Benelux Bar knows it. From coffee during the day to apertivo and dancing until the late hours, it's just right.