tilbuRg - Roadburn

Transcription

tilbuRg - Roadburn

Hotels Restaurants Cafés Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
tilburg
Spring/Summer 2012
Enjoy your
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
of Tilburg In Your Pocket
Football Fever
The Netherlands
prepares for Euro 2012
Day Trips
Discover Goirle, Turnhout
& Loon op Zand
N°03 - €2.50
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Contents
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Contents
Foreword
E4
A few words from the editor
Arriving in Tilburg
E5
How to get to your hotel
The Basics
E6
Getting to grips with Tilburg
History
E8
The city’s past on two pages
Culture & Events E10
Concerts, galleries and events
Where to stay
E16
Beds for backpackers and business executives
Restaurants
E20
The Dutch have much more than cheese to offer
CafésE29
Classic cafés, bakeries and high tea
NightlifeE30
Bars, pubs, clubs and cafés
High times in Holland
E36
Smoke legally and responsibly
Discover the nearby Dutch municipalities of Goirle and
Loon op Zand, as well as Turnhout just across the border
in Belgium. Explore scenic villages, medieval convents,
working windmills and a nature reserve home to Bronze
Age burial sites from p.E50 - 55. Photo courtesy of Loon
op Zand
Sightseeing
E38
Museums, churches and other sights
Getting around
E44
Trains, buses and taxis
Directory
Shopping
Sports & Leisure
Willem II football schedule
Health & Lifestyle
E46
E48
E48
E49
List of small features
Cover story
Message from the Mayor
Kunstronde T
Ai Weiwei
Little Antwerp
Tilburg Fair
Marietje Kessels
Embracing the haze
In the footsteps of Van Gogh
E4
E5
E14
E14
E18
E21
E22
E44
E56
Maps & Index
The Netherlands is gearing up for the epic battles that will
take place on the pitches of Poland and Ukraine at the
European Championship this summer. Will Holland return
home with the coveted title or will they suffer yet another
crushing defeat at the hands of the German squad? Read
more on p.E15. Photo by Theo Leerintveld
tilburg.inyourpocket.com
Old town street register
Old town map
Tilburg map
Greater Tilburg map
Netherlands map
E56
E57
E58
E59
E60
Spring/Summer 2012
E3
E4
Foreword
The Netherlands In Your Pocket celebrates its second anniversary this year. During this time we’ve expanded to five
cities, each with its own full-sized guide. ’s-Hertogenbosch
was first, followed soon after by Utrecht, while Amsterdam,
Tilburg and Sittard-Geleen made their debut in 2011.
Although some of these cities may seem like surprising
choices to some readers, it’s In Your Pocket’s aim to be
your personal guide to Holland’s undiscovered gems.
This year our conquest continues within the country with
new guides to Groningen and Bommelerwaard and far
beyond the borders of the Netherlands in the former Dutch
colonies of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, otherwise known
as the ABC islands.
By the time you read these words, in spring or summer the city of Tilburg will be in full blossom. Indeed, the
city is alive and you can sense it on every corner and on
every square and the thousands of local and international
students that call this university town home only enhance
this feeling by making Tilburg’s city centre roar with life.
Any visitor will find a lively dining scene, wild nightlife and
a vibrant calendar of cultural events from concerts to art
exhibitions, not to mention a hip air of freedom and vitality.
In this third edition of Tilburg In Your Pocket we offer a
varied and colourful range of independent reviews written
by our own researchers. Once again, they’ve worked overtime to visit every single restaurant, bar, hotel, theatre,
museum and pub to bring you unbiased information.
And while the Dutch government may no longer support
cultural life in The Netherlands, the city of Tilburg clearly
values this essential part of everyday life. Read our Events
pages to find the perfect concert or festival for you.
In this edition of Tilburg In Your Pocket you can also
discover the nearby Dutch municipalities of Goirle and
Loon op Zand as well as Turnhout just across the border in
Belgium. Explore and enjoy!
Cover story
Although Tilburg isn’t necessarily the
grandest of Dutch cities in terms of
architecture, it is home to plenty of beautiful buildings. One of the tallest buildings
in the Netherlands, and the tallest in
Tilburg, is the Westpoint Tower, which
graces the cover of the English edition
of Tilburg In Your Pocket. It can be seen
from pretty much anywhere in the city.
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Editorial
Editorial team Theo Leerintveld
([email protected]) &
Martins Zaprauskis
Contributors Frank van Bergen,
Charlotte Backx, Joep van Aert, Sami
Souabni, Peter van Lent (historie) &
Sanne Stenvert
Researchers Theo Leerintveld, Bob
Oostelbos & Lies Heessels
Layout & Design Martins Zaprauskis
Photos Theo Leerintveld, Lya Cattel
& Gemeente Tilburg unless otherwise
noted
Cover photo Ton Toemen
Sales & Circulation
Advertising ASEGA Media, tel. (+31)
135 453 298
Distribution Theo Leerintveld &
ASEGA Media
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cartographer. All rights reserved. No part
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arriving in tilburg
These days any city in the Netherlands is relatively easy
to reach and that includes Tilburg. The central station
borders the city centre, while the smaller train stations
give access to the suburbs. On the motorways ‘Tilburg’
is also regularly indicated on road signs. From the two
airports (Schiphol and Eindhoven) it takes an hour and a
half or an hour respectively to reach Tilburg by train. The
public transport system is fairly clear and well organised,
however, many people prefer to walk to the city centre.
And whether arriving after being packed into a low-budget
plane, piloting your own jet or jumping off a Dutch train,
here’s some handy info to help smooth your landing.
By bus
Since travel by train is very efficient in the Netherlands, there
are no international bus connections in Tilburg. Veolia is a
company that provides bus service in and around the city.
When you exit the central train station, the bus station is to
your right. To find out everything you need to know about
routes and times, www.journeyplanner.9292.nl is the best
place to look.
By car
Tilburg can be easily reached via motorway A58 or other
provincial roads. In and around the city centre there are seven
indoor car parks; along the roads into the centre electronic
signs will show you the right direction and free spaces available. You pay when you exit the car park again. For drivers
with physical limitations there are disabled parking spaces
available at the indoor car parks at Koningsplein, Tivoli and
Pieter Vreedeplein. On many streets in the city centre, and
at the outdoor car parks, you’ll find ticket machines. Pay in
advance and place the ticket on the dashboard in a visible
place. The indoor parking options are cheaper.
By plane
If you arrive at either Schiphol or Eindhoven airport Tilburg
is only an hour away by public transport. A single trip from
Schiphol by train costs about €15, and from Eindhoven
Airport the bus followed by the train will cost you about €10.
Both routes will take just over an hour of travelling and you’ll
arrive at the Tilburg Central Station. Check www.9292ov.nl
for more information on schedules and prices. The bus and
train journey from Eindhoven Airport to Tilburg costs about
€9.00. A single train ticket from Schiphol costs €17.00 and
the journey takes about an hour and a half. Be aware that
when you travel from Schiphol to Tilburg, you will have to
change onto the train to Venlo in Rotterdam, within 10 minutes of your arrival. From the central station in Eindhoven
you take the train that is headed for Den Haag (The Hague).
You can find more information on journeyplanner.9292.nl.
Tourist information
VVV Tilburg B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 34, tel. (+31)
90 02 02 08 15, [email protected], www.vvvtilburg.
nl. Buy typical Tilburg souvenirs here such as the
leesplengske (horn book), real Kruikenstad items and
Willem II products. Everything you’ll need to know about
the city is also available here and the friendly staff will
do everything they can to inform you about what to see
and do in Tilburg. In the back of the room you can even
email your own picture in a postcard of Tilburg to your
friends and loved ones. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00, Mon
13:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Message from the Mayor
Hello and welcome!
Tilburg: surprisingly provocative.
Tilburg is a city with something
for everyone. It is a true student
city because of the myriad educational facilities it offers, especially
Tilburg University and its dance
classes. Tilburg is a city of dance.
All links in the ‘dancing chain’ are
within reach of Tilburg’s so-called
Kunstcluster (art cluster). Talented dancers can develop
their skills in a unique climate of culture. What about a
Rock Academy or a course in becoming a musical star?
It’s all possible in Tilburg.
Tilburg is also a city with many businesses. Many of
these revolve around the logistics, tourism/recreation,
flight/maintenance and care sectors. The city has a rich
cultural scene with an emphasis on the events season
that stretches from April to November.
In short, Tilburg has a lot to offer. The large diversity
of art and culture with interesting museums, beautiful city
walks and varied architecture, as well as great shopping
and entertainment districts make Tilburg a fine city. For
the entire duration of the events season, the centre of
Tilburg is everyone’s living room. You’ll run into each
other during Tilburg Zingt (Tilburg Sings), Incubate, at the
Tilburg Ten Miles and of course also at Festival Mundial
or at the Tilburg Fun Fair. If that’s not your cup of tea you
can repose in one of the many parks or in the green city
surroundings with unique nature only a 15-minute bike
ride away. Or you can simply enjoy a café and relax at
an outdoor terrace.
Welcome to Tilburg!
Peter Noordanus
Mayor of Tilburg
By train
Tilburg can be easily reached via its three train stations.
The central train station borders the city centre and the bus
station. From the central station you can reach any corner of
the Netherlands, but if you want to get to Amsterdam, you’ll
need to change trains in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The journey to
Den Bosch only takes 15 minutes, and an hour and a half
later you’ll already be in the capital. One kilometer from the
central station is the smaller Tilburg Universiteit station
where hundreds of students get off to quench their thirst for
knowledge. A two-minute walk is all they need to reach the
university from the train station. Finally, at the edge of the
city you’ll find the Tilburg Reeshof station that connects the
newest part of the city to the rest of the country. This train
station was built purely to facilitate the commute to work for
the residents of the area.
To travel by train, you’ll need a ticket. If you’re caught
travelling without a ticket you’ll be fined €35, even if you smile
and speak a foreign language. You can purchase tickets at
the yellow machines at all train stations or at the NS Service
desk on the right hand side of the central station in Tilburg.
When you buy a ticket at the service desk, you pay 50 cents
extra in service charges, but the first option is a bit trickier,
because it requires large amounts of loose change. You see,
though the machines are fairly intelligent, they only accept
Dutch bank cards and coins. For more information visit www.
ns.nl where you can also plan your journey in English.
Spring/Summer 2012
E5
E6
Basics
Read on and find out why the Dutch allow people to smoke
joints, but not to operate a bicycle while intoxicated. Plenty
of other funny facts about the Netherlands are available
here.
Alcohol
‘Tilburg has many cafés and restaurants so you’re never far
from a glass of wine or a pint of beer. Heineken, Grolsch and
the Belgian Jupiler are the three most popular beers on offer
at most places in the inner city. Other tasty brews include
Brand, Bavaria, Hertog Jan and Amstel. Beer is served everywhere, but you must be able to prove that you’re at least 16
years old (to drink beer or wine) or 18 for spirits. If you look
too young you’ll be carded, so always bring identification. This
holds true for supermarkets and off-licences, too. If you’re
a little too tipsy you’ll probably be asked (firmly, yet kindly)
to leave the premises and if you don’t cooperate you could
end up spending a night sobering up in a police drunk tank,
most likely followed by a decent hangover…
Drugs
It comes as no surprise that in many places in the Netherlands you’re allowed to buy and smoke marijuana and other
soft drugs. And you may have also heard that dealing or
possessing hard drugs is forbidden. You can be arrested for
it and punishments are no laughing matter. Soft drugs are
sold exclusively at so-called coffeeshops so don’t buy them
on the streets. These products are often uninspected and
may be adulterated with unknown rubbish. Again, dealing is
forbidden. Stay wise and limit yourself to the coffeeshops
and get high responsibly.
Money
Since 2002, a large part of the European Union has adopted
the euro as its local currency and the Netherlands is no
exception. One euro contains 100 eurocents. There are
coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 eurocents, and also of 1 and
2 euro. Banknotes are available with the following values:
5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. Although a collection of
€200 and €500 bills in your wallet might make you feel like
Bill Gates or some Russian tycoon bear in mind that they’re
almost never accepted in shops or restaurants. You can
exchange and withdraw money at most large banks; there
are a few in the centre of Tilburg. All Dutch banks accept Visa
and MasterCard at their cash dispensers. At the train station
you can find a GWK Travelex shop (open 08:00 - 20:00, Sat
09:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00). Many restaurants, hotels,
and shops accept Visa and MasterCard, but to avoid disappointment, be sure to carry some cash with you.
Market values
McDonald’s Big Mac €3.25 $4.30 £2.72
Loaf of white bread
€0.55 $0.73 £0.46
Snickers bar
€0.75
$0.99 £0.63
0.7L of vodka
€7.99 $10.57 £6.70
0.5L bottle of local beer€0.54
$0.71 £0.45
20 Marlboros
€4.80
$6.35 £4.02
Public transport ticket €1.60
$2.12 £1.34
Cinema ticket
€9.00
$11.91 £7.55
1l of petrol
€1.55
$2.05 £1.30
Exchange rates (as of 08.03.2012)
US$1 - €0.76, £1 - €1.19, ¥100 - €0.93, AUD$1 - €0.80
National holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)
April 6, 2012 Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag)
April 8 - 9, 2012 Easter (Pasen)
April 30 Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag)
May 1 Labour Day (Dag van de Arbeid)
May 4 Remembrance of the Dead
(Nationale Herdenking)
May 5 Liberation Day (Dag van de Vrijheid)
May 9 Mother’s Day (Moederdag)
May 13 Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
May 23 - 24 Whitsun (Pinksteren)
June 20 Father’s Day (Vaderdag)
June 26 Veterans’ Day (Veteranendag)
September 21 Budget Day (Prinsjesdag)
December 5 St. Nicolas (Sinterklaas)
December 25 - 26 Christmas (Kerstmis)
December 31 New Year’s Eve (Oudejaarsdag)
Phone numbers
All In Your Pocket guides in its European publishing empire
list country codes before all telephone numbers. The Dutch
country code is (+31), but of course, you only have to use this
if you’re dialling from abroad. If you’re already in the Netherlands ignore the (+31) prefix and dial the ten-digit number.
Roads
The majority of Dutch drivers never break the speed limit,
and considering the severity of traffic fines, this seems
wise enough. Driving through a red light? This will cost you
€160. Driving too fast within city limits? Be prepared to pay
€180! And as soon as you exceed the maximum speed by
50km/h you’ll lose your driving licence and be fined. Just a
few rules: within city limits you must drive 50km/h, outside
city limits 80 and on motorways 100 or 120 (check the road
signs!). In the Netherlands you must drive on the right side
of the road, and you are not allowed to cycle on motorways!
You don’t want to know how many tourists are plucked off
the road by police each year, happily pedalling to their next
destination. In Tilburg you get rewarded for driving 50 km/h
within the city limits.
Smoking
Until recently, smoking was very common in the Netherlands.
Since the introduction of the ban on smoking in public places
on 1 July 2008, smoking has become a lot less common. This
is partially because the government started a huge campaign
to make people aware of the effects of smoking on their
health. Nowadays you can have a wild night out and come
home without your hair and your clothes reeking of cigarette
smoke. For some this is an enormous benefit, and others
(read: smokers) find it a pain, and banish themselves to the
many smoker’s rooms in the country. Moreover, thanks to
unclear rules you may suddenly find yourself in a pub where
there are people smoking. This is usually in pubs with just
a single staff member: the boss. Or you may find yourself in
a pub that flouts the ban on smoking. If you light a cigarette
in a pub and the manager tolerates this, then the manager
will receive a fine upon inspection.
Tipping
Tipping, if deserved, is up to the diner, with 10 percent or a
rounding up of the bill both being acceptable.
Basics
E8
history
Tilburg’s long history stretches back to the 8th century.
709 - First mention of Tilburg
A document from the Liber Aereus Epternacensis includes a
mention of Tiliburgis. On 21May, the priest Vigilius writes a
document in Tiliburgis, in which the nobleman Aengilbertus
donates a farm to the Bishop of Utrecht, Wilibrord. Tiliburgis
is most likely a name for a collection of settlements.
1232 - First
mention of the
church
Duke Hendrik I of Brabant
grants patronage rights to
the church of West Tilburg at
the abbey of Tongerlo. The
church had Saint Dionysius,
the first bishop of Paris,
as its patron. It’s unknown
when Tilburg’s first church
was built, but it was erected
at the location of the current
Heike Church.
1387 - Lord of Tilburg
Duchess Johanna van Brabant is in need of money. Knight
Paulus van Haestrecht, high sheriff of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is
willing to lend the Duchess a sum of money. Johanna van
Brabant gives him the villages of Tilburg, Drunen and Goirle
as collateral for the loan. Hereby Paulus van Haestrecht
becomes lord of Tilburg.
1453 - Philip’s
own aldermen
Philip the Good of Burgundy
and the Duke of Brabant
grants Paulus van
Haestrecht the authority
to annually appoint seven
aldermen to oversee the
administration of justice in
his villages of Tilburg and
Goirle. From now on justice
will be meted out according
to the code of justice of ‘sHertogenbosch.
1500 - A centre
for textiles
At this time Tilburg consists
of the villages of Goirke,
Heike, Heuvel, Hasselt and
Heikant. Many sheep are
kept on the vast heaths
surrounding these villages. The large quantities of wool
generated through this are ideal for the emerging of Tilburg’s
textile industry. Many people in Tilburg find work as sheep
shearers, spinners or weavers. As time passes Tilburg grows
to become the Netherlands’ largest centre for textiles.
1570 - The Tilburg Fair
The first written mention
of the Tilburg Fair, which is
held in August, is made in a
custody account. In 1575,
King Philip II grants Tilburg
permission to hold three
annual fairs. The Fun Fair
of Tilburg, which has been
held each last week of July
since 1939, has now grown into an event which draws over
one million visitors.
1746 - Painter
Gérard van
Spaendonck is
born
Th e painter G érard van
Spaendonck is born. This
son of a future mayor of
Tilburg receives his training
as a painter in Antwerp
from Guillaume-Jacques
Herreyns. In 1769 he leaves
for Paris where he makes a name for himself as a painter
of flowers. Claude-Henri Watelet vouches for him and he is
appointed as a miniature painter at the court of Louis XVI.
In 1808 Napoleon grants him the title of Count. When he
dies in 1822, he is buried at
the Parisian cemetery Père
Lachaise.
1809 - Tilburg
becomes a city
The Koningshoeven Abbey rises above Brabant’s scenery
King Louis Napoleon visits
Tilburg during a tour of the
Netherlands. By royal decree
the king grants Tilburg the
rights of a city on 18 April
1809. An earlier census
showed that Tilburg had
9465 inhabitants.
history
1840 - Crowning
of King Willem II
1809 - Petrus Donders is born
On 7 October King Willem II
is crowned. This member of
the royal family enjoyed his
stay in Tilburg commenting
“Here I can breathe freely.”
In 1847 he commissioned a
palace to be built here, which
was to serve as a country
residence. It was in this
beloved city that King Willem
II passed away on 17 March
1849 after a brief illness.
O n 27 O c t o b e r P e t r u s
Donders is born in Tilburg.
Peerke, as he is called by
l o c al s, gra d u a te s fro m
seminary and leaves for
Suriname in 1842. Initially
he works as a chaplain
in Paramaribo. In 1855
h e b e c om es th e pri est
in a leper colony on the
Coppename river. Peerke
dies in 1887 and is later
buried in the Cathedral in
Paramaribo. After his death,
several miraculous healings
are attributed to him and the
house where he was born
becomes a place of pilgrimage. In 1982 he was beatified
in Rome and and in 2009 a museum was opened in his
honour in Tilburg: Peerke Donders Paviljoen, Museum voor
naastenliefde.
1927 - Tilburg University
1827 - The first steam engine arrives
in Tilburg
On 8 July 1944, Coba Pulskens,
who had already provided a hiding
place for Jews, is requested to
arrange a place to stay for five Allied
pilots. While three of the pilots are
already ensconced in a house on
Diepenstraat, the car containing
the two remaining pilots is stopped
by German soldiers. During the
interrogation, the Germans find out
the hiding place of the other pilots.
During the subsequent house
raid, the three pilots, of Canadian, British and Australian
nationality, are killed. Coba is arrested and dies in February
1945 in the Ravensbrück concentration camp.
Pieter van Dooren uses
Tilburg’s first steam engine,
built in Vervier, in the wool
mill which he opened in
1825. Protests erupt among
local textile workers, who
fear that the machine will make them obsolete and Pieter
van Doren’s windows are smashed. In 1975 his wool mill
is demolished after heated debates in the Tilburg city
council.
The Roman Catholic Trade Academy is founded. The school
opens with 28 economics students. From 1963, several
departments are added to the academy, among others
the faculties of Law, Theology and Literature. In 1986, the
name of the academy is changed to the Catholic University
of Brabant, but since 2002 its official name is Tilburg
University.
1944 - Resistance by Coba Pulskens
1992 - Museum De Pont is opened
Fun rides at the Tilburg Fair
The De Pont centre for modern art is opened in a former
wool mill, which was remodelled by the architects Bethem
and Crouwel. The museum
for national and international
visual art was named after
lawyer and businessman Mr
J.H. de Pont (1915 - 1987),
whose will stipulates the
creation of a foundation
‘ fo r t h e s ti m u l a ti o n o f
contemporary art’.
Spring/Summer 2012
E9
E10
Culture & Events
When the Dutch think of Tilburg and events, the annual
Tilburgse Kermis fair immediately comes to mind and as
far as culture is concerned the city has a lot to offer. A
great theatre and one of the Netherlands’ better concert
halls are both available in Tilburg. Any true music fan would
be happy to pay a visit to 013, which has gained worldwide
recognition as the venue for the Roadburn Festival.
Cinemas
Euroscoop I-6, Olympiaplein 2, tel. (+31) 135 81 28 20,
www.euroscoop.nl. This massive Belgian cinema offers 12
screening rooms and a wide variety of popular current films
including some in 3D. Tickets are also a euro cheaper here
than at places in the city. QOpen 14:00 - 24:30. TG
Pathé C-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 174, tel. (+31) 900 14
58, www.pathe.nl. This cinema boasts seven theatres
with a total of 1400 seats. Although virtually every type of
film is shown here, it’s a cinema that seems to attract mainly
younger people, a fact that’s also reflected in the selection
of films. The big theatres are equipped with excellent sound
systems. QOpen 13:00 - 24:00. PJUG
Concert halls
013 D-2, Veemarktstraat 44, tel. (+31) 134 60 95 00,
www.013.nl. From Cypress Hill and Robbie Williams to Editors
and Moby, the biggest names in pop and alternative music
have all played at 013. Named after the area code of Tilburg,
this famous music club draws crowds from all over. QOpen
07:30 - 02:30, Thu, Fri, Sat 07:30 - 04:30. JEGX
Paradox C-2, Telegraafstraat 62, www.paradoxtilburg.
nl. Established long ago by Tilburg Jazz musicians as a place
where all artists could play, it still serves that function today.
Basically, it’s an old but lively pub with a smoky atmosphere
that’s dark, hot and sweaty. In other words, the perfect venue
for jazz. Q JEGX
Exhibitions
Audax Textielmuseum Tilburg I-5, Goirkestraat 96,
tel. (+31) 135 36 74 75, www.textielmuseum.nl. The
Textile Museum offers insight into the rich textile history of
Tilburg. It is housed in a 19th century building and the collection
is divided into 4 sections: textile science, design, industrial culture and arts. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00.
BKKC C-2, Spoorlaan 21 i-k, tel. (+31) 137 50 84 00,
[email protected], www.bkkc.nl. BKKC is Brabant’s provincial
Knowledge Centre for the Arts. The centre compares itself to
a spider, which deserves some explanation. The large space is
divided into eight big sections or legs if you will: the arts, film,
theatre, dance, music, design and architecture (and one more
that we forgot). BKKC’s main objective is to support artists
from Brabant in their development as much as possible, but
the general public can also benefit from the exhibitions on
display here, but entertaining day trippers isn’t its highest
priority. QOpen 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. JG
De Pont I-5, Tjeuke Timmermansstraat 4, tel. (+31) 135
43 83 00, www.depont.nl. De Pont combines the history of
Tilburg with contemporary art. It offers both temporary and
permanent exhibitions. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon.
Natuurmuseum Brabant B-2, Spoorlaan 434, tel.
(+31) 135 35 39 35, fax (+31) 135 35 10 90, info@
natuurmuseumbrabant.nl, www.natuurmuseumbrabant.
nl. The magnificent building of the Brabant Museum of Nature
is home to thousands of beautiful stuffed animals, fossils,
plants and insects. In addition, the museum has permanent
and temporary exhibitions and a very creative way marketing
them. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed
Air
Mon. TJAGK
Rock, folk, jazz & More
Mar
Date Time Event
Venue
25 14:30 Folk Americana. Chris Cook (USA) PA
27 20:30 Indie. Kakkmaddafakka
013
(Denmark). €11
27 21:00 Jazz session lead by Eva Korse
PA
28 19:00 Rock. The Straits. Former band 013
members of Dire Straits with
frontman Terence Reis bring the
classics back to life. €40
28 20:30 Jazz. Ray Anderson‘s Pocket
PA
Brass Band (USA). €15
30 20:15 Rock. Wooden Saints. €17.50
013
30 20:15 Stef Bos Solo - Vuurvlieg. Alone
SB
with the crowd and piano. €16
- 26
31 18:00 Jazz. JazzTown Tilburg 2012.
013
€17.50
31 20:30 Indie. Deer Tick (USA). €7.50
013
31 20:30 Jazz. Wouter Hamel - Theater
SB
tour. €14.50 - 24.50
Apr
1 18:30 Metal. Animals as Leaders. The 013
only show in the Netherlands.
€15
1 20:45 Indie/Rock. Sound of Guns. €9
013
2 19:00 Pop. Switch. Factorium
PA
Popfactory band presentation
night
4 20:00 Jazz. Incubated16: The Strange
PA
Boys (USA). €9
5 20:00 Jazz. Michel Benita‘s Ethics ft.
PA
Eivind Aarset (USA/Norway)
5 20:00 Ballads. Mr. A Balladeer theatre
SB
concert. Although he once
opened for Keane, Gabriel Rios
and BLØF, he‘s now a headliner.
€20.50
7 19:00 Rock. Go Back to the Zoo. Just a 013
few years rolling and already an
established name in the Dutch
music scene. €16
7
Jazz/Soul. L‘Avventura in
PA
Paradox: Melphi. €11
8 14:30 Jazz. When Bob Dylan meets
PA
Neil Young tribute night. Multiple
bands pay respect to the legend
who is now 70
Marilyn Manson will frighten and entertain crowds with
industrial goth rock on June 4 at 013
Culture & Events
22
24
25
27
28
Let your hair down at Solar Weekend, Holland’s very own
Burning Man, beginning August 3
8
10
11
13
14
15
17
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
21
21
21
22
20:00 Singer-songwriter Pete Murray
and special guest Lior. €28
21:00 Jazz. Vocal session by Ezra van
Nassauw & Anne Stockman
20:00 Jazz. Bart Wirtz New York Quintet
- iDreamer tour with Jeremy Pelt,
Richie Goods, Kendrick Scott
and Xavier Davis (USA). €15
20:00 Jazz. Benjamin Herman Quartet
ft. Guy Bartker (UK). €15
20:00 Vjazz: Sven Hammond Soul. €15
15:00 Folkcafé: La Manouche CD
presentation. €10
21:00 Jazz lead by Fokke Rosier
20:30 Hip hop. The Kyteman Orchestra.
Live hip hop a la The Roots. €28
19:30 Rock n Roll. Pokey LaFarge & The
South City Three. €12.50
23:30 World music. Bassbraai Tropical
Tour 2012 ft. Skip & Die. €6
20:00 Jazz. Jozef Dumoulin’s Lidlboj
(B). €10
20:15 Folk/Pop. Tim Akkerman. €12
20:30 Fado. Cristina Branco: Fado
Tango. €19 - 32
20:30 Pop. Spinvis. €20
21:00 Various. Caramel Live. Rhythm,
keys, guitars and vocals mix
together for a combination of
pop, Latin, rock, jazz and pop
21:30 Indie. Odonis Odonis
23:00 Various. NON Night DJ Sets:
Palmbomen, HyperHyper, Bear
Damen, Renkas & Marius. €10
19:30 Emo. LostAlone (UK). €10
19:30 Rap. Mr. Polska. The Polak of the
Year 2011. His motivation for the
new tour is: it’s gonna be a wild
mess. €7.50
20:30 Folk Omnia - I Don‘t Speak
Human. Neo-Celtic folk straight
from the heart. €15 - 25
18:30 Rock n Roll. Elvis 35 Concert.
Vocals by the world’s best Elivssound-a-like Robert Washington.
€39.50
013
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
013
013
013
PA
013
SB
013
CB
013
013
013
013
SB
013
14:30 Jazz. 60s meet 60s: live
PA
recordings of Men of History
(R&R) & Just 4 Us (Merseybeat)
21:00 Jazz session lead by Marjon
PA
Dries
20:00 Jazz. An evening with Lunapark.
PA
€8
20:00 Pyschedelic. Shaking Godspeed. 013
Rock, blues and pop. €10
20:00 Jazz. Bunderblues Extra:
PA
Bradley‘s Circus. €8
May
1 19:30 Various. King Cannons
(Australia). €8
2 20:00 Blues/Rock. Eric Sardinas. €15
2 20:30 Metal. An Evening with Steven
Wilson. The frontman of the
Porcupine Tree exclusively at
013. €35
4 20:00 AmRo JazzClash 02:
Earswideopen ft. Anton
Goudsmit & the New Earth
Group. €15
4 20:15 Reggae. Alpha Blondy & the
Solar System (Ivory Coast). €31
5 20:00 Jazz. Eric Vloeimans‘ Gatecrash
ft. Fay Lovsky. €15
8 21:00 Jazz. Vocal session lead by Ezra
van Nassauw & Anne Stockman.
€15
9 20:00 Jazz. Paul van Kemenade invites.
€10
10 19:30 Punk. Rocket From the Tombs.
Legendary for its successes in
the 1970s this cult band is back
on stage performing songs from
the latest album ‚Barfly‘. €16
11 20:00 Philip Catherine Quartet (B): Philip
Catherine plays Cole Porter. €15
13 19:30 Hard rock. Michael Schenker
performs Temple of Rock. The
master guitarist at work. €35
15 21:00 Jazz session lead by Tom
Nieuwenhuijse
17 21:00 Bluegrass. Old Death Whisper
24 20:15 Pop. Blowbeat. €10
29 19:00 Various. Rock Academy
performance night. Young
musical talents live on stage
Jun
1 20:00 Jazz. Goudsmit, Fraanje, Mahall
and the Rohrer International
Quartet. €15
2 20:00 Ambient. Fear Falls Burning
album presentation: Disorder Of
Roots. €15
4 19:00 Rock. Marilyn Manson. The one
and only twisted rock god is
here. €39
6 20:00 Various. Ensemble Nights by the
Fontys Conservatorium
7 20:45 Folk. I Am Oak. €11
11 20:00 Reggae. UB40. A new date for
their long awaited concert. €45
12 20:00 Post punk. Rise Against (USA).
€29.50
013
013
013
PA
013
PA
PA
PA
013
PA
013
PA
013
013
013
PA
PA
013
PA
013
013
013
Spring/Summer 2012
E11
E12
Culture & Events
Live music
Classical & Opera
Mar
Date Time Event
Venue
28 19:30 De Nederlandse Bach Vereniging SB
- Matthäus Passion. A top-notch
version of Matthäus marks the
beginning of spring. €22 - 49
Apr
4 20:30 Classical. All-round pianist Cor
Bakker and vocalist Alex Klaasen
mash it up. €16.50 - 28.50
7 20:30 Opera/Classical. Amsterdam
Sinfonietta & Christianne Stotijn
- Songs from Death with the
winner of the BBC Vocal Award
2010. €12.50 - 28.50
9 15:00 Opera/Classical. Ernst Daniël
Smid perfoms Meesterlijk
Klassiek with music from the
likes of Puccini, Mozart, Shaffy
and Verdi. €19.50 - 32.50
12 20:30 Classical. Kamermuziekserie
Souvenir presents the Leopold
String Trio. €20.50 - 30.50
13 20:30 Classical. Magogo Kamerorkest
& De Windh: choir of the year.
€12.50 - 29.50
14 20:30 Classical. The Orchestra
of Brabant performs The
Scandinavia of Sibelius and
Grieg. €19.50 - 33.50
Souvenir. Enjoy the international
music series and a surprise
lunch for €10
Souvenir presents the Mozart
Piano Quartet. €20.50 - 30.50
27 20:30 Opera/Classical. Magogo Kamer
Orkest & Brabant Koor perform
Mozart’s Requiem. €12 - 29
28 20:30 Classical. The Orchestra of
Brabant. American music fest
with Wayne Marshall. €19 - 33
May
4 20:45 Classical. Roma & Sinti
Philharmonic Orchestra perform
Requiem for Auschwitz. €26.50
8 20:30 Classical. The Dutch Bach
Association. Bach and his friend
Pisendel. €13.50 - 22.50
12 20:30 Classical. Magogo
Chamberorchestra & Slobodan
Trkulja. €12.50 - 29.50
16 20:15 Opera/Classical. TheaterTop in
collaboration with FHK Talent
Breakthrough. €12.50 - 17.50
26 13:00 Classical. Lunch break concert by
Joke van Loon. Listen, lunch and
lounge. Surprise lunch for €10
29 20:15 Opera. Madame Butterfly by
Puccini. €17.50 - 41.50
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
Theatres
Bosvreugd Cultuurbos H-5, Reeshofdijk 12, tel. (+31)
SB
134 63 35 31, www.bosvreugd.nl. Surrounded by two
parks, the Wandelbos and the Oude Warande, Bosvreugd
is located in the heart of the greenest part of Tilburg. In the
summer there’s an outside bar on the large sidewalk where
you can order snacks. QOpen Sun 15:00 - 02:00. Closed
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat. T6EB
De NWE Vorst C-3, Willem II straat 49, tel. (+31) 135
32 85 20, [email protected], www.denwevorst.nl.
This building has served various functions since it was built
in 1872, but today it’s a modern, unusual theatre. It offers
two stages, one large and one incredibly small where you’re
practically sitting in the laps of the actors. QOpen 10:00 18:00, Sat 15:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. TJHGK
Theatres Tilburg B-4, Louisbouwmeesterplein 1, tel.
(+13) 135 43 22 20, www.theaterstilburg.nl. Theaters
Tilburg consists of a monumental theatre, a strikingconcert
hall, a studio and intimate arthouse cinema. A culturalspot
with a wide range of performing arts and film. Enjoy more
than 300 performances and concerts and 600 movies this
year. Also many Dutch musicals have premiered and young
talents from the neighbouring Hogeschool voor de Kunsten
(Art College) regularly perform here. Quality and service
are paramount, even their own restaurant-café Lucebert.
QOpen 12:00 - 01:00. GBK
SB
Tickets
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
Jun
9 13:00 Classical. Lunch break concert by SB
Lauri Brons, Mirjam Venema and
others. Surprise lunch for €10
Bolle D-3, Piusplein
8, tel. (+31) 135 81
02 90, info@cafe-bolle.
nl, w w w.cafebolle.nl.
In 2011 this place was
named one of the best
pubs in the Netherlands.
The stage at the back
is frequen tl y occupied
by li ve bands and you
might just stumble upon a
fairly famous group, even
on a weekday. Q Open
10:00 - 04:00, Mon, Tue,
Wed 10:00 - 02:00, Sun
11:00 - 02:00. (€9 - 14).
TJEGBKX
American rockers Rise Against
Cenakel J-6, Cenakel 1,
will perform on June 12 at
tel. (+31) 135 81 13 67,
20:00 at 013. Photo courtesy
www.cenakel.nl. After
of Rise Against on www.
a thorough renovation in
myspace.com
1998, the former monastery chapel of the Cenakel has become a popular venue for
concerts and exhibitions. Q
Tickets for events are best bought at the venue itself or from
TicketMaster outlets (www.ticketmaster.nl). You can buy
tickets by phone or pick up reserved tickets from selected
VVV Outlets and TicketShops and the Free Record Shop at
Heuvelstraat 111.
For a complete list of concerts
and events visit
www.tilburg.inyourpocket.com
Culture & Events
Festivals
Festivals
Apr
Date Time Event
Venue
5 22:00 Student Sounds. The biggest
013
student event in the south of
Holland. Affordable, yet classy. €6
6-8
Paaspop. This crossover festival SC
in Schijndel grows larger every
year with rock, dance, hip hop
and party acts divided over 12
stages. Line-up: The Wombats,
Golden Earring and more. Single
tickets: €39 - 69; combination
tickets: €84 - 89.
May
5 14:00 Bevrijdingsfestival Brabant
DPS
2012. The Liberation Festival
23:00 celebrates the liberation of
Holland from the Nazis in Den
Bosch. Line-up: The Levellers,
Fishbone & Mama‘s Gun.
26 - 12:00 Pinkpop. Traditionally held during LM
28
Easter weekend it often hosts
24:00 the biggest names in rock and
pop from then and now. Line-up:
The Cure, Soundgarden, Bruce
Springsteen & The E-Street
band, Mumford and Sons and
many others. Day tickets roughly
€75, weekend tickets €150
Jun
2 - 3 20:30 Festival van het Levenslied. Folk CC
songs and tearjerkers aplenty at
01:00 the 21st annual Festival of the
Levenslied. Dutch masters of
the trade Corry Konings, Bonnie
St. Claire and Marianne Weber
will take the stage. Most of the
songs are in Dutch, but the
atmosphere is fun
16 Festival Mundial. For over a
LP
17
quarter of a century this festival
has had non-compromising
line-up of folk, pop, rock, hip hop
and cross-over music. Theatre,
dance and performing arts can
also be watched. Weekend
tickets €40, with campsite €70
28.06
Rock Werchter. No doubt the
FW
biggest festival in Belgium.
01.07
Line-up: Blink 182, Elbow, Pearl
Jam, Wiz Khalifa, Deadmau5,
Kasabian, Skrillex, Red Hot Chili
Peppers, Snow Patrol and more
to be announced. Day tickets
€79, weekend €195. Campsites
available with a weekend ticket
Jul
20 22
Zwarte Cross Festival. Ludicrous,
loud and filled with laughter.
Everything is possible at the
Zwarte Cross, the world’s
biggest motorcross event. Metal,
rock, reggae and disco fill up
the stages. Early bird prices:
day ticket €25, weekend €62,
campsite €100
LI
20 - 12:00 Tilburg Fair 2012. The biggest
CC
29
carnival fair in Holland attracts
01:00 over one million visitors each
year who come for the biggest
and most spectacular rides, fun
games and tasty food stands.
It’s open on the first night from
19:30 - 01:00, Sat 12:00 02:00, Sun 13:00 - 01:00; other
days 12:00 - 01:00
Aug
3-5
Solar Weekend. The crossover
MR
festival where house meets
hip hop, techno and pop is
also known as the Burning
Man of Holland. Visit www.
solarweekend.com
4
Dance Valley. Everything
SW
associated with dance, house,
techno and electronic can be
found in Spaarnwoude. Armin
van Buuren, Tiësto, Ferry Corsten
have all made appearances at
the Valley. €55
Sept
2 11:00 Tilburg Ten Miles. A sporting
event for runners of all sorts with
5, 10 and 16km runs as well as
special kids‘ runs. Register at
www.tilburgtenmiles.nl
10 Incubate Festival. A multi16
discplinary art festival at various
locations in Tilburg including
Paradox, 013 and BKKC. Over
200 acts in rock, alternative,
dance, world music, reggae, folk,
electronic and metal topped
off by performing and visual art
performances. For line-up and
info check www.incubate.org
CC
CC
Venues
013013 AHAhoy Rotterdam (North Sea Jazz)
BI Biddinghuizen (Lowlands)BS Binnenstad
CB Cafe Bolle DPDe Pont
DPS De Petterlaarse Schans (Den Bosch)
EHVN Eindhoven (Queensday)
FW Festivalpark Werchter (Rock Werchter)
HA Haarlemmermeer festival area Floriade
(Mystery Land)
HC Het CenakelIT Interpolis Tuin
LI Lichtenvoorde festival area De Schans
(Zwarte Cross)
LM Landgraaf Megaland (Pinkpop)LPLeypark
MR Maasplassen Roermond (Solar Weekend)
MZ Muzentuin NBNatuurmuseum Brabant
NO Natuurtheater Oisterwijk
NV De NWE Vorst OP Oosterplas (EuroHockey 2012)
PAParadox SBSchouwburg (film foyer NIET)
SC Schijndel (Paaspop)
SW Spaarnwoude (Dance Valley)
W2 Willem II stadion
WPWagnerplein TMAudax Textiel Museum
TS Terschelling (Oerol) VC Venlo city (Floriade)
Spring/Summer 2012
E13
E14
Culture & Events
Ai Weiwei in Tilburg
Theatre, dance & Ballet
Mar
Date Time Event
Venue
23 20:15 Ballet. Scapino Ballet &
SB
Combattimento Consort
present Pearl. The world
premiere of the new baroque
programme Pearl by Ed Wubbe.
€12.50 - 28.50
24, 20:15 Musical. Next to Normal with
SB
25
Simone Kleinsma, Freek Bartels,
René van Kooten and others.
€22.50 - 39.50
Apr
3 20:15 Dance. Danshuis Station
Zuid - MONO (first run). The
production’s goal is to push
borders and create a new
level of excitement. €12.50
- 24.50
9 20:15 Dance. Dance Company
Osnabrück & Nanine Linning
present: Requiem. A crossover
between a live concert, visual
arts and dance. €12.50 27.50
12 20:15 Dance. Race Horse Company
- Petit Mal. The raw look and
feel of the show can be best
described as Garage Circus.
€12.50 - 26.50
13 20:15 Les Ballets C de la B presents
Au-delà. €12.50 - 24.50
15 16:00 Dance. Zondagdans - Tilburg
Dansstad
May
3 18:30 Musical. Musical Dinner
Sensation performed
by Lucebert & Fontys
Muziektheater. €66.50
5 20:00 Dance. L’Avventura evening.
Adventurous arts at various
locations. €11 - 14.50
12 15:30 Dance. Vloeistof - Ben ik nu hier.
20:00 €9 - 12.50
18 - 9:00 Circus Festival. Five new circus
20
performances
SB
SB
Exhibitions
SB
SB
SB
SB
NV,
PA
NV
NV
Kunstronde T
Tilburg has a new experience for art experts as
well as amateur enthusiasts. The municipality
offers a proper Art Route including a map and a
programme. This initiative is unique in an era when
art is often poorly financed and supported and the
website www.kunstrondetilburg.nl also publishes
all of the latest news about the town‘s art scene.
So if you don‘t spend most of your Sundays in
church, galleries and other art institutions open
their doors every first Sunday of the month from
13:00 - 17:00. A hard copy of the art route is
available at the Tilburg Tourist Information Centre
and other participating establishments.
Museum De Pont is
now showing the work
of Chinese artist Ai
Weiwei. E xperience
the work Weiwei created between 2003
- 2011 including his
sculptures and video
art. His famous Sunflower Seeds is also
on display. Ai is well
known for his criticism
of Chinese politics and therefore is no stranger
to the Chinese authorities. As an architect he
contributed to the Beijng National Stadium built for
the 2008 Olympic Games, which became known
as The Bird’s Nest. The exhibition is on display
until June 24.
Event Venue
Mothers Best. Based on fairy tales, the craziest animals
are worth watching. On display until 08.05. Open 10:00
- 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. €5.50 - 8
NB
Timetables. An exhibition dedicated to setting the table
from 1900 to the present day. On display until 04.11.
Open 10:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed
Mon. €3 - 7
TM
Christien Meindertsma Solo. Where does it come
from? The main focus of this exhibition is the origin of
things. What can be made from one sheep’s wool or
how does one pig end up in supermarkets? On display
until 03.06. Open 10:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00.
Closed Mon. €3 - 7
TM
Belle Bazaar. A special market with a unique range of
products varying from fashion, interior design, home
accessories, food, kids stuff, vintage clothing and more.
Open from 11:00 on 24.03, 19.05, 11.08 and 22.09 NV
Ai Weiwei. China’s most popular modern-day artist
known for his work and political jabs. On display until
24.06. Open 11:00 - 17:00. €8
DP
Karin van Pinxteren. An attempt to differentiate the
creator from the viewer. On display from 24.03 - 13.05.
Open 11:00 - 17:00. €8
DP
René Korten. An exhibition about the influence of man
on his environment. On display from 30.06 - 02.09. Open
11:00 - 17:00. €8
DP
De Pont Photo Competition. The winning photographs
are display from 08.09. Open 11:00 - 17:00. €8
DP
Animal or Thing? This exhibition is about the interaction and relationship with the animals that lurk under the
microscope. On display until 20.05. Open 10:00 - 17:00,
Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. €5.50 - 8
NB
Dinosaurs… The making of. Answers to all your questions on the fascinating beasts who ruled the Earth
millions of years ago. See how the bones are prepared
and how paleontologists work on a reconstructed dig
site. On display from 01.05. Open 10:00 - 17:00, Sat,
Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. €5.50 - 8
NB
euro 2012
This summer in Poland and Ukraine, 16 countries will battle
for the right to call themselves the best footballers in Europe
for the next four years.
Once again the Spanish are the favourites by far.
However, the statistics aren’t in the current European and
World Champions’ favour. In fact, a country has never won
the most coveted international football titles three times
in a row. And only time will tell whether Holland will be able
to equal its achievement in 1988 when the lads in orange
won the cup, but with opponents like Germany, Portugal and
Denmark, it won’t even be easy for coach Bert van Marwijk’s
team to get past the group stage.
An old acquaintance
The tournament starts for Holland on Saturday June 9 at
18:00 Dutch time when the Netherlands take on an old
acquaintance: Denmark. The Dutch masters have faced the
Danish side in red and white twice at the final stages of a
European Cup and won both times. Their last meeting was
at the World Cup in South Africa, which ended in a simple 2-0
win for Holland. This time around the Vikings will no doubt
fight proudly, but the smart money is on the men in orange.
An archnemesis
Just four days later Holland will kick off with the second group
game against Germany. If you think a victory for Holland is
a likely scenario you might want to have another look at the
statistics, and at recent history. After all, Germany is not only
the Dutch team’s archnemesis, but also one of the teams the
Dutch fear most and the supporters of the two neighbouring
countries have regularly met in the stands at international
tournaments. The statistics are in Germany’s favour, as
they’ve won 14 games and lost only 10. However, it’s also a
fact that the Germans usually prevail in the World Cup, while
the Dutch tend to do better in the European Championships.
The Dutch suffered ‘the Mother of all defeats’ at the
hands of the Germans in 1974, when A Clockwork Orange
wooed the world with dazzling football, while the highest
prize went – as usual – to the home team in black and
white. At a number of subsequent tournaments the Dutch
were also taught a lesson in effective football by their
eastern neighbours. But on June 21,1988, the Dutch side
finally exacted well-deserved retribution on their foe. On a
sweltering summer night in Hamburg, during the semi-final
of the European Championships, Holland finally achieved
victory.
A late goal in the 88th minute by forward Marco van
Basten earned him hero status forever. Current Feyenoord
coach Ronald Koeman’s appearance in the news was
slightly less positive when he – somewhat insultingly –
wiped his backside symbolically with the shirt of his German
opponents.
Dedicated Holland supporters
Theo Leerintveld
More recently, before the draw for the European
Championships had taken place, the two teams once again
met in a friendly at the Hamburge SV stadium. The Dutch,
who had to play without most of their top players, had to
swallow another bitter defeat when the match ended 3-0.
Coach van Marwijk wasn’t too worried by the ‘inflated defeat’
and called it a ‘welcome wake-up call’. The fact remains that
both teams will meet again on Wednesday, June 13 at 20:45
in Kharkiv (Kharkov), Ukraine for what will no doubt be one
of the most exciting games of the tournament.
A trip to Kharkhiv
The Dutch will play all of
their three ‘home’ games
in group B at the remote
town o f Kh a rk i v. Th e
beautiful and futuristic
stadium of the town’s
team Metalist Kharkiv
can seat up to 35,000
spectators. This rather
plain and unattractive
Ukrainian town is close
Even the very young support
to the Russian border
the team Theo Leerintveld
a n d i s k n o w n fo r i t s
gigantic square, which is
supposedly the second biggest square in the world.
Under normal circumstances thousands of Dutch football
fans would follow their idols to tournaments like this dressed
in insane orange outfits, but the location on the frontiers of
Europe might discourage more than a few Dutch from making
the pilgrimage to support their team.
Christiano and the Portuguese
The third match against Portugal will take place on Sunday,
June 17 at about 22:30. The Dutch, who will play in their new
black kit for the first time, will face star player Christiano
Ronaldo’s team. We won’t know until then whether Holland,
one of the main favourites for the title, has survived the group
stage. Unfortunately, the statistics don’t favour the Dutch.
Holland has only beat Portugal once in the past.
Perhaps it’ll help that manufacturer Nike has designed
the ‘most eco-friendly football strip ever’. No less than 13
plastic bottles were recycled to produce a full away kit.
According to Nike, the black colour exudes ‘authority, control
and power’ but we doubt whether this will impress dirty
players like Pepe and his equally hot-tempered teammates.
Holland’s chances
Despite the sombre statistics, the editors of the Netherlands
In Your Pocket fully expect Holland to reach the second round.
If they finish second in the group, which is our prediction,
they’ll play the number one of Group A on Thursday, June 21
at 20:45 in Warsaw, Poland. Holland have got a good shot at
beating both host Poland and Russia, the teams we expect
to go through, in order to reach the semi-final on Wednesday,
June 27 at 20:45 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
The Dutch will then face the winner of the match between
the number one team of group C and the runner-up of group
D and we predict these to be Spain and England, respectively.
Our crystal ball says that the islanders, unfailingly fanatical,
will be the winners of this epic clash, but only after penalties.
This means that Holland and England would then have to
battle it out for a place in the final, but in our opinion it doesn’t
really matter who wins that game as we’re convinced that
Die Mannschaft (AKA ze Germans) will end the tournament
as winners on Sunday, July 1.
Spring/Summer 2012
E15
E16
Where to stay
Finding a place to stay in Tilburg takes some planning.
There are few low budget hotels and hostels, so, unfortunately, most options are more expensive accommodations. If you’re a business traveller who can abuse the
company’s expense account, then you’re in luck. All prices
listed below include VAT and many offer breakfast, but
often for a hefty fee.
Upmarket
Auberge Du Bonheur H-5, Bredaseweg 441, tel. (+31)
134 68 69 42, fax (+31) 135 81 27 46, www.bonheurhorecagroep.nl. The small Auberge du Bonheur hotel has a
beautiful, classic Jaguar parked in the driveway, which is characteristic of the luxury and style you can expect here. Auberge
du Bonheurs is, after all, the most chic hotel in Tilburg and
each of its 26 rooms is uniquely designed with rural themes.
The villa in which the hotel is housed is just outside the city
centre, but there’s enough to do close by. The hotel has an
outstanding restaurant and hikers can take advantage of the
nearby woods, de Oude Warande, where you can go on long
walks. The hotel is a short distance from Tilburg University
and it’s suitable for bon vivants as well as for hardworking
businesspeople. Q 26 rooms (26 Total rooms ). 26 rooms
(doubles €129). PHALGBKXW hhhh
De Postelse Hoeve I-5, Dr. Deelenlaan 10, tel. (+31)
134 63 63 35, fax (+31) 134 63 93 90, [email protected], www.depostelsehoeve.nl. De Postelse Hoeve is
located on the edge of the city near many motorways, so it’s
ideal for business travellers and free parking is another perk. It
looks more like an American motel, however, than a Dutch fourstar hotel, because of its layered architecture. Despite the
fact that the interior is somewhat dated, it still has plenty to
offer. The dark rooms and corridors give the complex a 1970s
look, but all have been upgraded with modern conveniences
like wireless internet. The hotel’s restaurant, which happens
to serve the best lobster in the Tilburg area, is reason enough
to spend a cosy night here. Q 35 rooms (35 Total rooms ).
PTHALGBKXW hhhh
Mercure Hotel Tilburg Centrum D-3, Heuvelpoort
300, tel. (+31) 135 35 46 75, www.mercure-tilburg.
nl. The biggest advantage of this four-star hotel is also its
biggest drawback. Because it’s so centrally located in the
heart of the bustling inner city near all of the pubs, clubs and
nightlife, early sleepers might be bothered by the commotion
outside. If, however, you don’t mind sleeping with your window
closed, you’ll be fine. The staff is friendly and the rooms are
spacious, but bear in mind that the best rooms are in the new
extension of the hotel. The Taste restaurant in the cellar is
excellent and well worth a try. Q 91 rooms (2 singles €128,
79 doubles €128, 4 triples €128, 2 suites €134, 4 apartments €140). PTJHAULGBKXW hhhh
Mid-range
Bastion Hotel Tilburg J-6, Kempenbaan 2, tel. (+31)
135 44 19 99, www.bastionhotelgroep.nl. Bastion is
the Netherlands’ only national hotel chain of Dutch origin.
It’s situated on the edge of Tilburg, ideally located between
the Beekse Bergen and Efteling amusement parks. The
rooms and bathrooms are simple and equipped with modern
conveniences like electric kettles and free internet. This
unpretentious hotel also serves the best breakfast in town
where everything is fresh and you can eat as much as your
stomach permits. The only downside is that the management
still has a smoking-friendly policy, which could of course be an
advantage if you like to light up. Q 40 rooms (40 doubles
€36). THALGKXW hhh
Symbol key
P Air conditioning
A Credit cards accepted
C Swimming pool
H Conference facilities
F Fitness centre
U Facilities for the disabled
6 Pets allowed
L Guarded parking
K Restaurant
D Sauna
W Free wireless internet
City Hotel Tilburg D-3, Heuvelring 126, tel. (+31) 135
35 13 55, fax (+31) 135 36 10 85, www.cityhoteltilburg.
nl. People who just see their hotel room as a place to sleep
could hardly find a better place than the City Hotel, which is
located in the heart of the city centre. But if you’re a light
sleeper, this might not be the best place for you. Not everyone
would be thrilled by the corny name and dull exterior, but no
one could possibly complain about the comfortable beds in
this small hotel. Modern amenities like flat screen TVs and
recently renovated shower/bathrooms all come standard.
Unfortunately you have to pay an absurd amount of money
(€16) for internet. Q 18 rooms. JALGW hhh
De Rooi Pannen I-5, Dr. Ahausstraat 1, tel. (+31) 135
95 56 50, www.derooipannen.nl. The unsuspecting tourist who happens across this former convent will no doubt be
surprised by the relatively low prices of its rooms. All of its
accommodation from standard to super deluxe rooms are
modern, comfortable, incredibly clean and are equipped with
excellent beds. The reason for all this quality is that De Rooi
Pannen is an educational institution for HoReCa students
learning the hospitality trade in a practical setting. So don’t
be surprised if an instructor openly discusses a mistake
made by the receptionist. The rooms on the ground level have
been furnished by the large, well-known hotel chains, while
the rooms above are designed to look like luxurious five-star
rooms. The hotel is closed during school holidays. QOpen
07:00 - 23:00. Closed Sat, Sun. 19 rooms (3-star €49, 4-star
€59, 5-star €74). PTHALGKXW
Hotel Central B-1, Spoorlaan 422, tel. (+31) 135 43 62
34, www.hotelcentraltilburg.nl. In the beginning of 2012
all of Central’s 22 rooms were completely renovated. The
new accommodation in these historic premises is clean and
tastefully decorated with wooden walls and blue and white
wallpaper and bedding. The rooms aren’t particularly large,
but sufficient for an overnight stay in the Tilburg city centre
and the location is ideal if you plan on using public transport
as the Central Station is located directly opposite the hotel.
You have to climb incredibly steep stairs to reach the breakfast
room, but the buffet is worth the extra effort. Q 25 rooms
(25 Total rooms ). JHALGBKXW
Ibis Tilburg H-6, Dr. Hub Van Doorneweg 105, tel. (+31)
134 63 64 65, www.ibishotel.com. Wedged between an
industrial estate and a stately neighbourhood of villas, at first
glance Ibis doesn’t seem like an attractive option for spending
the night in Tilburg. Yet, things are seldom what they seem.
Its 72 rooms may be somewhat small, but they are incredibly
clean, comfortable and the beds have great mattresses. The
staff is friendly, parking is free and an outdoor terrace where
you can fully enjoy the sun in summer is available. Unfortunately wi-fi is only free in the lobby, but double rooms with
dividing doors are ideal for families. The bus will take you to the
centre in eight minutes. Q 72 rooms (68 doubles €65 - 75,
4 family rooms €65 - 75). PHALBKXW hhhh
Where to stay
E18
Where to stay: Out of town
Budget
Gastenverblijf Koningshoeven M-8, Eindhovenseweg
3, Berkel-Enschot, tel. (+31) 135 40 85 08, www.koningshoeven.nl. In these hectic times it’s great to get some
proper rest now and again. One of the most beautiful places
in Brabant, the Trappist monastery of Koningshoeven Abbey,
is therefore an ideal location to spend the night. Peace reigns
supreme in the charming monastery gardens as well as the
library. For €40 per day you can catch a glimpse of modern
monastic life, although the 18 resident monks live separate
from their guests. Two of the three communal meals are
eaten in silence, an atmosphere that these clergymen seem
perfectly at ease with. Visitors must comply with the house
rules, as well as the Golden Rule that nobody may speak
after 21:00. The guest quarters include 29 sober one person
rooms. Q 29 singles (€40/room). Tours: 09:00 - 10:30 &
15:00 - 16:30. Closed Mon. LG
Het Wapen van Tilburg C-1, Spoorlaan 362, tel. (+31)
135 42 26 92, www.hetwapenvantilburg.nl. Het Wapen
van Tilburg is a backpackers’ hostel rather than a budget
hotel. It’s located diagonally opposite the railway station and
next door to hash paradise The Grass Company. The very
basic furnishings are almost spartan, with beds from IKEA
and very little else. Five of the seven rooms are doubles and
two can be reserved by groups. The communal showers and
toilets are in the corridor. If you don’t mind all this, you’ve found
one of the cheapest ways to experience Tilburg. And the bar is
very cosy. QOpen 11:30 - 00:30, Thu 11:30 - 01:00, Sat, Sun
11:30 - 02:00. 7 rooms (€22/person). TJALGBKW
Bed & Breakfast
Appartement Henk Perdijk B-2, Noordstraat 97,
tel. (+31) 135 35 76 20, www.bedandbreakfast.nl. On
the top floor of the Viva Vintage second hand shop you’ll
find Henk Perdijk’s apartment. The studio is very spacious
and clean and, naturally, decorated with second hand goods
that may strike you as a bit artistic. The owners are incredibly hospitable exceeding all expectations and are at your
constant beck and call. As soon as you exit the front door
you’re in a beautiful old street on the edge of the city centre
surrounded by pubs, shops and restaurants. The station
and the bus stop are within walking distance and a beautiful
garden is also at your disposal. Q 2 rooms (1 room €65/
person, 1 room €75/2 persons. JLGBX
Little Antwerp
The Old Market is a small square that has recently
developed into a lively outdoor attraction covered
in café terraces. Since 1984 the square even
boasts a proper public water pump like in olden
days. It’s a replica of the original pump dating from
1775, which was copied from the only remaining
depiction of of the pump painted by Jan de Beijer.
The Belgian-style bars Anvers and De Sinjoor have
given the Old Market its popular nickname – Little
Antwerp. Although the pubs’ premises are reminiscent of the famous city, the rest of the square
lacks that Belgian quality largely due to the office
building and the Schouwburg (Theatre) Promenade. The square also boasts a former department
store in art nouveau style at Oude Markt 2 and the
Walking Man statue by Peter Erftemeijer.
More hotels at
Buitenom J-5, Broekstraat 4, tel. (+31) 646 42 88
77, [email protected], www.buitenomtilburg.
nl. Don’t be surprised if you find a small horse looking
through your bedroom window when you wake up at Bed
& Breakfast Buitenom. The friendly owners have furnished
a room for guests on the ground floor of this farmhouse,
which includes a seating area and a modern bathroom as
well as a private terrace with an attractive view of the rural
surroundings. This clean and tidy accommodation can be
found at the edge of the Moerenburg nature reserve. Q 1
room (1 double €65 - 85). 6GB
Een der Koningshoeven Torentjeshoeve 7, tel.
(+31) 651 99 19 52, [email protected],
www.eenderkoningshoeven.nl. The beautiful Een Der
Koningshoeven farm is situated near a forest on a country
estate that, as the name suggests, used to be part of one
of the five farms that King William II had built in 1832. Many
of these buildings have been used by the Cistercian Order,
otherwise known as Trappist monks, since 1881. However,
two of the holdings were sold to random buyers and one
has been converted into lovely accommodation. There is
space enough for two people in this little house, which has
been designed with natural materials, but if you’re with a
large group you can make use of the dormitory in the attic.
Q (€40/person). LGB
Gust van Dijk E-2, Tivolistraat 22, tel. (+31) 135 44 44
95, [email protected], www.bedandbreakfasttilburg.
nl. In the middle of the inner city of Tilburg you’ll find B&B Gust
van Dijk that offers two rooms. These are both designed by
artists and therefore look super hip. One is called the ‘Orange
Submarine’ because of the overpowering colour scheme and
the ‘City Park Greens’ offers a beautiful view of the lovely Tivoli
Park. The B&B is located above a former shop that was built in
1937 based on drawings by architect Frans Ruts, who helped
a lot of Brabant residents create their dream homes. In short,
staying the night at Gust van Dijk is an inspiring, artistic and,
best of all, restful experience. Q 2 rooms (doubles €90).
JGBXW
Lelia en Michel Bakker J-5, Gildebroederstraat 60,
tel. (+31) 132 11 48 23, www.bedandbreakfast.nl. In the
middle of a residential area that borders the busy centre of
Tilburg is a friendly-looking house where three ordinary rooms
have been turned into accommodation: two double rooms
and a small single room. Due to the residential surroundings,
you may feel like you’re staying the night with friends. The
house is spic and span and you can contribute to this by only
wearing the coloured slippers that are placed in front of you.
If the owners of this friendly B&B ever go bankrupt, they’ll
still be able to find work as translators as this hospitable
duo speaks seven languages fluently. This, naturally, helps
make all their visitors feel very much at home. Q 3 rooms
(singles and doubles €35/person). JB
Pinos B-1, Stationsstraat 8, tel. (+31) 135 42 55 23, fax
(+31) 135 32 16 80. Pino’s bed and breakfast consists of
three double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The building is
located directly opposite the railway station and it’s about a
five-minute walk from the centre of town near the city’s best
pubs, shops and restaurants. The B&B is housed above
the Pino’s restaurant, which offers great atmosphere and
international cuisine. Q 3 rooms (doubles €60). JGK
Where to stay
Out of town: Bed and Breakfast
De 2 Linden I-5, Kerkstraat 122, Oisterwijk, tel. (+31)
135 21 70 68, www.de2linden.nl. This well-appointed accommodation offers the atmosphere of a five-star hotel, but
without the stuffiness. The 2 Linden only has one apartment
for a maximum of two people, but it has its own entrance,
a bedroom, sitting room and small kitchenette. It’s also
possible to have your breakfast served in your sitting room,
which we highly recommend, as the breakfast is quite good.
The monumental square leads directly to the oldest part of
Oisterwijk and it’s only a couple of minutes’ walk to the main
street with its many pleasant terraces. Q 1 room (€95). G
De Keer Bossche weg 60, Den Dungen, tel. (+31)
736 13 40 54, [email protected], www.bbdekeer.nl. If
you’ve spent any time travelling around the Netherlands you’ll
have noticed that the Dutch keep their yards in immaculate
condition and this B&B is no exception. De Keer, which dates
back to 1720, has high bushes all around a spacious lawn
and a beautiful sitting terrace where you can just make out
the sounds of traffic going past. The apartment is equally
spacious and just like the yard is in great condition. It’s in the
middle of the Dutch heartland so bring your running shoes or
rent a cycle from the B&B to explore the countryside. Q 1
appartment (1 person €80, two persons €90). TB
Hoeve de Mertel Biezenmortelsestraat 8, Biezenmortel, tel. (+31) 135 11 17 64, www.hoevedemertel.nl. In
the middle of Dutch countryside you’ll find one of the many
long farms which are characteristic of the rural landscape. At
Hoeve De Mertel you can stay the night in a former granary or
a hay loft. Breakfast is included and this B&B also offers an
extensive lunch or dinner with local produce, so your stay will
be completely hassle-free. If you prefer to do your own cooking
in the large kitchen, that’s also possible. The eight rooms
differ in size and the bathrooms and toilets are communal.
As you might expect, there are quite a few animals around.
Cats roam freely and Swifter sheep can be admired on the
meadows. Q 8 rooms (€29 - 34/person). TGBKW
‘t Vaticaan D-3, Koestraat 23, Hilvarenbeek, tel. (+31)
135 05 40 29, www.vgestel.nl. On the second floor of the
old rectory named The Vatican you’ll find this B&B with two
rooms. The breakfast is extensive and filling and in the room
there’s even a well-stocked fridge for the guest’s convenience.
A coffee maker, to help you get started in the morning is also a
nice touch. The terrace and sauna are communal and children’s
facilities sufficient. The premises are only a short walk away
from the best pubs and restaurants on the historic Vrijthof
square in Hilvarenbeek. Q 2 rooms (€35). TLGB
Out of town: Hotels
De Druiventros M-8, Bosscheweg 11, Berkel-Enschot,
tel. (+31) 347 75 04 38, www.hoteldedruiventros.nl.
This authentic family hotel offers plenty of the friendliness
which is typical of the province of Brabant. Some would say the
dated decor has seen better days, others will be impressed
with the traditional hospitality, the comfortable bathrooms
and unfailingly friendly staff. Whichever way you look at it,
De Druiventros got its name in Napoleonic times, when
there was a guesthouse at this very spot and a wine depot
across the road. These days you’re better off with a room at
the back of this large hotel, as the horse-drawn carts have
been replaced by fairly heavy traffic. Modern conveniences
include a restaurant, bar, free parking at the back, wireless
internet access and laundry service. Entertainment includes
a bowling alley. Q 56 rooms (€97.50). PTH6ULG�
BKXW hhhh
Efteling Bosrijk Eftelingsestraat 7, Kaatsheuvel, tel.
(+31) 900 - 01 61, www.efteling.com. This lovely little
deal almost fools guests into thinking the´ve stepped into a
fairytale forest. Efteling Village Bosrijk is a splendid holiday
park with apartments and cottages that put one in mind of
a medieval village rather than a brand new park. All facilities
are exemplary, from the restaurant to the swimming pool
and the staff is friendly. Only a stone’s throw away lies the
Efteling, but Mister Sandman prefers to live far away from all
the upheaval. With his owl Houdoe he lives in his small, quiet
castle in the middle of the lake. At nightfall this is a magical
spot that will enchant children and adults alike. Q 2 nights!
Prices from € 99,-p.p. based on 6 persons, including 3 days
unlimited park admission. THA6ULGBKXCW
Efteling Hotel Horst 31, Kaatsheuvel, tel. (+31) 900
- 01 61, fax (+31) 416 28 84 88, [email protected],
www.efteling.com. The Efteling Hotel is a perfect reflection
of the amusement park: a bit like a fairy tale and very busy at
times. Don’t be surprised when during breakfast one of the
park’s characters pops up to run off with your kids, leaving
heaps of plates with half eaten sandwiches in their wake. In
this hotel the little ones are the boss and they clearly relish
this role. You won’t find much peace and quiet here, but the
beautifully arranged rooms will make a quick slumber easy. If
not, there’s always non-stop fairy tales on EftelingTelevision!
Q (30 doubles €109, 68 comfort rooms, 4 tower rooms, 20
theme suites). PTHAULBKXW
Reserve a room at
Spring/Summer 2012
E19
E20
Restaurants
With a population of thousands of international students,
Tilburg isn’t exactly a Mecca for foodies and gourmets,
but local restaurants do cater to pretty much every ethnic
taste. It’s possible to sip margaritas at siesta time and savour souvlaki for supper. And compared to other European
cities, typical tourist traps are relatively rare. Tipping isn’t
mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture to leave 10% for good
service. Prices that appear in parentheses indicate the
average cost of a main course only.
Symbol key
P Air conditioning
E Live music
S Take away
T Child friendly
I Fireplace
X Smoking section
W Free wireless internet 6 Pets allowed
Arabic
Sarban I-5, Besterdring 2, tel. (+31) 135 35 35 67,
www.sarban.nl. Even if Afghan cuisine doesn’t ring any
bells, anyone who has enjoyed a meal at Sarban will leave
the restaurant full of praise and admiration. The starters and
mains consist of several dishes with a variety of appetisers.
The service is very friendly and the staff is keen to explain
what’s on offer. The Sarban logo depicts camels and they’re
also to be found in photographs and statues all over the
restaurant. Strangely enough it’s main table is at the back
and is typically Afghan. Think of a raised stage with gorgeous
cushions on which guests sit cross-legged. Diners remove
their shoes and beach wraps are available for women wearing short skirts. Also a perfect place to smoke a water pipe.
QOpen 16:30 - 22:00. (€27). TGK
Wok Dynasty M-7, Kalverstraat 75, tel. (+31) 134
55 80 83, fax (+31) 134 55 62 90, info@wokdynasty.
nl, www.wokdynasty.nl. This Chinese/Japanese wok
restaurant located on the edge of town offers an extensive
menu of pretty much anything Asian, but most people come
here for the all-you-can-eat buffet. You can get a lot of food
for relatively little money, which is why it’s an ideal place for
the frugal Dutch who know how to make the most of their
cash. Unfortunately, not much attention has been paid to the
décor. Although it looks more or less like a cosy farmhouse
from the outside, inside it’s more like a gigantic food factory
permeated by the penetrating smell of fried food. QOpen
16:30 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€25 - 27). UBK
Asian
Belgian
Easy Wok & Go D-3, Juliana van Stolbergstraat 23, tel.
Anvers B-3, Oude Markt 8, tel. (+31) 135 83 35 33,
[email protected], www.oudemarkt.nl. The row of restaurants on this square is often called Antwerp on the Oude
Markt. Café Anvers is the largest bar-restaurant of the bunch
and with some imagination it might just put one in mind of
Antwerp. The outdoor seating area is almost always full and
inside you’ll discover an exuberant atmosphere. The terrace
affords diners a great view of the Jugendstil buildings by architects Jan van der Valk and Jos Donders. QOpen 10:00
- 24:00, Mon, Sun 12:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 01:00.
(€13 - 18). PTJABKW
(+31) 135 80 03 79, www.easywokengo.nl. This chain
of Asian restaurants doesn’t owe its success to any attempt
at style or unique interior décor. The small plastic tables
and chairs definitely won’t attract diners out for a romantic
candlelit dinner. This is a fast food wok restaurant where
appetising meals are prepared and packed to go within 10
minutes, which is a welcome change from the usual plate of
chips or a hot dog. Q (€5 - 10). PJBKS
Jade C-2, Spoorlaan 406-408, tel. (+31) 135 42 31
81, [email protected], www.restaurantjade.
com. This Asian restaurant has a large menu with Chinese,
Japanese and Thai dishes. While it isn’t cheap, the pricequality ratio is quite good at Jade. The interior is a different
matter. Jade has held onto the standard Asian restaurant
interior design of the 1980s with a lot of rubbish on the
walls and shoddy use of colours. However, the varied cuisine
largely makes up for that and it also offers take away. You can
watch the tasty lobsters in the tank while you wait. QOpen
16:00 - 22:30, Fri 12:00 - 22:30, Sun 13:00 - 22:30. (€25 30). PAGKS
De Sinjoor B-3, Oude Markt 8, tel. (+31) 135 83 35
30, [email protected], www.oudemarkt.nl. The name of
this restaurant refers to the moniker by which the residents
of Antwerp are known. De Sinjoor can be reached from the
Oude Markt as well as via a short-cut from Café Anvers.
The menu is extensive with many dishes from the grill like
the honey-glazed spareribs, which are excellent and you can
wash them down with a ‘bolleke’ from the tap or one of the
other 15 Belgian brews on draught. Don’t miss Den Ouden
Apotheek in the rear of the establishment. This is a wellpreserved original pharmacy from the last century. QOpen
12:00 - 21:30. (€18 - 23). TJAGBKX
Child friendly
Tilburg has a lot to offer for the whole family
Etenstijd J-6, Professor van Buchemlaan 4, tel. (+31)
135 37 26 50, [email protected], www.etenstijd.nl. From
the outside this restaurant looks like an English mansion, yet
the interior is reminiscent of an old-fashioned ocean liner. In
the middle there’s an enormous clock which you can walk
through to access the balcony. This may sound romantic like
a scene from Titanic, but Etenstijd is hardly a suitable location
for an intimate dinner for two. It is, however, ideal for families
and groups who can get stuck into an all you can eat offer
for a set price within a two-hour time frame. The extensive
buffet offers some refined dishes as well as plenty of stuff for
the little ones. The cellar also houses a playground. QOpen
17:00 - 22:30, Fri 17:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 16:00 - 23:00. (€25).
PTAGBKXW
Restaurants
Chinese
I Pin Ke H-5, Bredaseweg 105, tel. (+31) 135 43 41
05. This isn’t just the best Chinese restaurant in Tilburg, but
probably one of the best in the Netherlands. The location
isn’t the greatest, but it’s more than worth the detour. Put
aside the horrible, typically Chinese kitschy interior and get
ready to feast. Although some people swear by the egg rolls,
our favourites have to be the Peking duck, Tipan dishes and
crab cocktail with, yes, real crab. I Pin Ke actually delivers
that which many similar establishments merely promise.
Q TLGKS
New China Crown I-5, Wandelboslaan 40, tel. (+31)
134 67 30 55. Not unlike students the world over, Holland’s
young ‘scholars’ don’t have a reputation as being good
cooks. This Chinese restaurant cleverly uses this fact having
established itself at a strategic distance from the University.
Takeaway dishes are the most popular, which is hardly surprising considering that a graveyard at midnight exudes more
atmosphere than this place. The food, however, is delicious,
especially if you go through the trouble of asking the chef to
prepare your dishes in the traditional Chinese manner with
proper spices. Q (€10 - 15). KS
Dutch
Boerke Mutsaers H-5, Vijverlaan 2, tel. (+31) 135 90
08 08, fax (+31) 135 90 08 09, info@boerkemutsaers.
nl, www.boerkemutsaers.nl. Although this restaurant
has been owned by the Mutsaers family since 1644 you
shouldn’t expect antique furnishings in this modern multifunctional building. The restaurant part is not particularly
large, but has a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere and puts one
more in mind of the English countryside than a location
near the Tilburg West train station. The unusual menu
covers many regional dishes, including the popular peppered hare, which has been prepared here according to
the same secret family recipe for four centuries. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00, Sun 11:30 - 21:00. Closed Mon. (€19).
PTHAULGBKXW
Bommel Beer H-6, OIympiaplein 1, tel. (+31) 135
82 03 44, [email protected], w w w.beren.nl. This
restaurant, which is part of a national chain, is located in
the same building as Euroscoop, Tilburg’s largest cinema.
Unfortunately, the large scale of the massive hall doesn’t
contribute anything to the restaurant’s atmosphere. If
anything, it feels like a theme park restaurant. A couple
of stuffed bears have been placed here and there and an
attempt has been made to imitate some kind of medieval
castle interior, but it doesn’t really work. It may be a fine
place for families to have an affordable bite to eat before or
after a film, but couples out for a romantic dinner for two
are better off skipping this place. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00.
(€11 - 16). PTUBK
The Tilburg Fair
If you enjoy enormous fairs, you can‘t afford to
miss Tilburg Kermis. This is the largest fair in the
Benelux nations offering between 230 and 250
attractions every year. It‘s also unique in that the
whole city centre is closed off to accommodate
it creating a fairground 4.5km long. Each year
the Tilburg Kermis attracts more than one million
visitors which makes it one of the best attended
events in the Netherlands.
The history of the fair dates back to 1570 when
it began as an annual market to celebrate the consecration day of Tilburg‘s patron saint. The word
‘kermis’ developed from kerkmis or kerkemisse,
meaning church service. In its 440 year history,
Tilburg Kermis has grown into a leading event with
loads of modern fairground attractions, many of
which are often unveiled for the very first time at
the ten-day celebration. But there‘s also space for
older attractions at the so-called nostalgic kermis.
You can find old-fashioned attractions, which are
actually still pretty popular, especially with kids.
In addition to the hundreds of rides and games
on offer, the rest of the city centre gets involved in
the event as well. Pubs and restaurants organise
large-scale stages, DJ-sets and special theme
evenings. There are afternoons with reduced
prices, especially for the disabled and for kids
and on the the famous Pink Monday. This event,
which brings gays and lesbians from all over the
Benelux nations to Tilburg, has turned this particular Monday into the busiest day of the entire fair.
Many artists perform on Pink Monday on one of
many stages in town or at special party tents and
in the town’s gay bars.
Tilburg Kermis even boasts its own radio station. Kermis FM, which can be received on 107
FM only during the kermis and exclusively in the
Tilburg area, offers a mix of information about the
event, traffic info and typical kermis music. When
the full ten days of partying are over, the kermis
is traditionally buried. The rides and games close
at 22:00 and a funeral procession makes its way
through the town towards the Pius Harbour where
the locals say goodbye to the Kermis with plenty of
noise and a 15-minute fireworks display. In 2012
Tilburg Kermis will be held from Friday, July 20 up
to and including Sunday, July 29.
De Bisschop C-3, Heuvelstraat 122, tel. (+31) 135 44
21 03, [email protected], www.restaurantdebisschop.nl. Named after Monseigneur Zwijssen, this
restaurant is managed by the descendants of this famous
Tilburg bishop. Zwijssen enjoyed life thoroughly and local lore
has it that this round-bellied man loved food, drink and the
carnival celebrations. Thankfully, these values have been
passed down to the current owner. The menu is rather daring
listing such dishes as butterfish with smoked salmon and
foamed cucumber and the terrace, which borders one of
the city’s quiet squares offers a great view of the one and
only real Kruikenzeiker. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00. (€18 - 23).
JABK
Spring/Summer 2012
E21
E22
Restaurants
Het Huys van Voskens D-3, Heuvel 5, tel. (+31) 135
43 98 18, www.huysvanvoskens.nl. If you have a bit of
cash to spend and enjoy culinary perfection then pay a visit
to Het Huys van Voskens. Everything here is slightly different
from typical restaurants and the stylish entrance alone is
more reminiscent of a five-star hotel than a multi-functional
building. Seasonal dishes like venison make this place particularly attractive and the freshness of the food is illustrated
by the oysters bathing in the hallway. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00,
Sat 10:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€20 - 25). JAUGBK
Humphrey’s D-3, Heuvel 34a, tel. (+31) 135 81 01
46, www.humphreys.nl. Humphrey’s three floors are very
modern, yet still classical in keeping with the successful
formula employed by this Dutch chain of restaurants. You’ll
come across large, fully-stocked bookcases and glass jars
filled with grains and beans. From the first floor you have a
great view of the recently renovated Heuvelplein, where you
can sit and watch children play in the fountain in summer.
Order a set three-course menu for a fixed price, but don’t
forget to ask for a traditional Dutch baguette with herb butter
to start. Humphrey’s menu changes every month. QOpen
17:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 17:00 - 22:30. (€23.50). JABK
Klein Tilburg I-5, Beukenstraat 40, tel. (+31) 134 68
30 12, www.kleintilburg.nl. This restaurant is located in a
quiet residential area just outside the city centre. The name
Klein Tilburg is appropriate because once you’re inside you’ll
encounter an atmosphere that evokes the city’s heydays. The
owner is obviously proud of his town as old newspapers adorn
the walls and tables are cut in the shape of well-known Tilburg
buildings. You can have lunch, dinner or high tea and on warmer
days you can even have a barbecue outside. QOpen , Wed,
Thu 16:30 - 24:00, Fri 12:00 - 01:00, Sat 16:30 - 01:00, Sun
12:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon, Tue. (€12 - 16). PTUBKS
Langeboom B-2, Nieuwlandstraat 1, tel. (+31) 135 44
14 26, www.langeboom.nl. Café Langeboom is located at
beautiful intersection in Tilburg where you can stretch out and
enjoy some people watching as soon as the sun comes out
. You can however also take advantage of the garden behind
the building, which also serves as a terrace. Classic Dutch
dishes are on the menu in the evening and even a dish like
mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts, that makes most local children gag unreservedly, tastes heavenly here. QOpen
11:45 - 24:00. Closed Mon. (€9 - 14). JGBK
Marietje Kessels
For over a century 12-year-old Marietje Kessels
has been burned into the collective memory
of all Tilburgers. The girl was found dead in the
vault of the Heikese Church. Although experts
now subscribe to a different theory, at the time
the dignitaries of Tilburg were convinced that the
clergy were above suspicion. Several sources,
however, claim that the local priest was responsible for the heinous crime. Many locals helped
pay for Marietje‘s grave and today her parents
as well as the priest and the detective involved in
the case are all buried within a 10m radius of her
final resting place. Since then, Marietje has had
a monument created in her honour and a school
project named after her. The murder has never
been solved and perhaps that‘s the reason why
everybody still remembers poor Marietje.
Slagroom D-3, Piusplein 6a, tel. (+31) 135 82 00
70, [email protected], w w w.cafeslagroom.nl.
Café Slagroom is an old-fashioned Dutch farmer’s kitchen
with a checkered floor and small curtains lining the ceilings and the kitchen shelves. You could almost imagine a
family with nine children sitting at the table being served
kale with sausage from a large, orange casserole dish.
Thankfully, Slagroom has modernised and its menu extends beyond traditional Dutch cuisine. You can come here
for homemade stews, pork tenderloin with brie or even a
European catfish with smoked bacon. And where women
may entertain themselves with a Tilburg-style high tea
that includes traditional koetjesrepen (a kind of chocolate), men will enjoy its beer selection, greasy dishes and
football. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Mon, Sun 10:00 - 24:00.
(€14 - 19). JGBKX
European
Auberge du Bonheur H-5, Bredaseweg 441, tel. (+31)
134 68 69 42, [email protected], www.
bonheurhorecagroep.nl. Although the first impression of
this villa just outside the centre of Tilburg is rather decadent,
as soon as the waiter welcomes you on the terrace you feel
right at home. This place isn’t really posh, but the service
and menu are certainly on the upmarket side and the wearing of trainers and workout wear will definitely earn you a
few stares here. QOpen 07:00 - 22:00, Sat 08:00 - 22:00.
Closed Sun. AGBKX
Bij Wijze van Klijsen D-3, Heuvel 43, tel. (+31) 135
43 33 86, [email protected], www.
restaurantbijwijzevanklijsen.nl. The name of this restaurant refers to the chef who governs the kitchen. All culinary
fireworks are prepared exactly as he wants them, which is
why this is considered to be one of the best restaurants in
Tilburg. Its size and interior are reminiscent of a large living
room with a fireplace and a sitting corner. The tables are
set with chic linen and each wine has its own glass, the way
it should be. If you want a complete food experience this
is the place to go as a full meal with different starters and
dessert can take up to three hours to enjoy. Reservations
recommended. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon. (€30
- 35). PTJLBK
L’Orangerie D-3, Heuvel 39, tel. (+31) 135 43 11
32, [email protected], w w w.lorangerietilburg.nl.
L’Orangerie offers a diverse menu in combination with a
domestically-inspired interior. Here you’ll find dishes such
as bitterballen (a type of local croquette) with salmon, a
fisherman’s catch of the day or stuffed peppers. The oak
cupboards against the wall, the buzz of guests talking and
the warm colours all make this place a fine choice for a
meal. The fully-stocked wine racks are also impressive.
QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 13:00 - 22:00. (€18 - 23).
TJULBK
Puur Mercure D-3, Heuvelpoort 300, tel. (+31) 135
35 46 75, [email protected], www.puur-mercure.
nl. If you’re looking for a modern, trendy restaurant with a
matching menu, this is the place. The businesslike interior
where white, brown and dark grey tones prevail make for
a calm, yet refined atmosphere. The menu lists such
dishes as corn chicken fillet, jumbo shrimp and salads,
all for affordable prices. Because this restaurant is connected to the hotel of the same name, you’ll find plenty
of business travellers and tourists here. If you’re into the
brown stuff, sample a dram of single malt from the bar’s
extensive collection of whiskeys. QOpen 09:00 - 01:00.
(€13 - 18). JABK
Restaurants
Taste! D-3, Heuvelpoort 300, tel. (+31) 135 35 32 96,
[email protected], www.taste-tilburg.nl. ‘Hier adem
ik vrij en voel ik mij gelukkig’ (or ‘here I can breathe freely
and I feel happy’), is written on the wall of Taste. It’s actually
a quote that King William II once made about Tilburg. This
restaurant, which can be reached through Hotel Mercure, only
serves the crème de la crème of the culinary spectrum. The
interior is modern and you can see exactly what the chefs
are doing in the open plan kitchen. The wines are perfectly
suited to the dishes served and each plate is a feast for the
eyes and a surprise for your taste buds. In short, this is one
of Tilburg’s best restaurants. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00. (€21 26). JABKW
Fast food & Delivery
New York Pizza H-5, Wandelboslaan 36, tel. (+31)
135 90 09 58, www.newyorkpizza.nl. Don’t expect the
legendary pizzas served in Manhattan. New York Pizza is
a large chain that offers a variety of large American-style
pizzas for affordable prices and you can even create your
own pizza on its website. QOpen 16:00 - 22:00. (€7 12). AVKS
French
Hofstede De Blaak H-6, Dussenpad 1 - 3, tel. (+31)
134 63 88 99, [email protected], www.hofstededeblaak.nl. Some secrets you don’t really want to share.
Hofstede De Blaak, an authentic English-style manor house,
is one such a secret, but we’ll share it anyway at the risk of
inspiring hundreds of hungry tourists moving en masse to
this hidden treasure located in a rather boring suburb. Free
parking at the entrance, a large terrace, pleasant furnishings
and a staff that fully understands its profession. A great variety of extraordinary dishes are on offer, a number of which
can be sampled in a reasonably priced set menu. QOpen
12:00 - 22:00. (€23 - 28). TALGBKX
Le Bistro C-3, Juliana van Stolbergstraat 6, tel. (+31)
135 35 13 42, [email protected], www.lebistro.nl. Le
Bistro is a small and cosy restaurant as the name would
suggest. Each dish is a feast for the eyes and thanks to the
open-plan kitchen you can see exactly how the chef prepares
the coquilles, foie gras or sweetbread. If you have the time
make sure to check out the restaurant’s website where the
chef gives cooking tips in an amusing short video. Tilburg
doesn’t have many restaurants with unusual menus, but Le
Bistro is a great exception to the rule. Food is not cheap, but
very tasty. QOpen 17:30 - 22:30. Closed Mon, Tue. (€25 30). PJALBK
Lucebert B-4, Schouwburgring, tel. (+31) 135 43 25
15, [email protected], www.theaterstilburg.
nl/lucebert. if you’re indecisive about going out for a
posh meal or a bite to eat in a more casual café, you can
satisfy both options at Lucebert. To the left of the entrance
you’ll find a chic restaurant and to the right a cosy bistro.
Its location next to the main entrance of Theaters Tilburg
means that many a culture vulture, including posh folk over
60, can be spotted here before or after a play. The well off
won’t regret the three-course menu in the restaurant with its
linen covered tables and beautiful décor, while the budgetminded will be happy with the cheap dish of the day in the
relaxed bistro. From the elaborately decorated walls, the
deceased poet and painter Lucebert observes the goings
on here, but bear in mind that the establishment named in
his honour is only open on nights when performances are
scheduled in the theatre. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00. (€24 - 28).
PJAULGBKX
Riddershoeve M-7, ‘t Zwaantje 1, tel. (+31) 135 33
12 39, www.riddershoeve.nl. This former inn is now a
restaurant where dining is a pleasure. It’s situated on the
town square of the small village of Berkel-Enschot, which is
cycling-distance from the centre of Tilburg. A dinner here isn’t
complete without a so-called wine-deal, which will ensure that
each dish is served with the proper wine. Although the old
inn has received a 21st-century upgrade, the red tiled floor
still reminds one of the distant past. QOpen 17:30 - 23:00.
(€15 - 20). AB
Sjieque D-3, Sint Josephstraat 138, tel. (+31) 135 43
20 85, www.restaurantsjieque.nl. The décor of the Sjieque
(Chic) Restaurant is true to its name. Your coat will be taken
to the cloakroom while you enjoy a glass of bubbly and are
treated to a tasty appetiser. The glasses are so clean, they
sparkle, the cutlery is simply immaculate and the napkins are
made of pure linen. The purple and silver interior and the high
ceilings make guests feel like royalty and a meal at Sjieque
won’t cost you an arm and a leg. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00.
(€25 - 30). PJABKW
Greek
Zorba de Griek D-2, Heuvelring 33, tel. (+31) 135
35 86 96, [email protected], w w w.zorbadegriektilburg.nl. In contrast to the current turmoil
in Greece, Zorba the Greek exudes an atmosphere of
peace and calm and although the name doesn’t suggest
a high level of creativity, the chefs confound this premise.
As soon as you enter you’ll be greeted warm-heartedly
with a glass of ouzo that they’ve been serving to all new
customers ever since the restaurant was established in
1985. Try the traditional giouvarlakia meatball soup.
QOpen 17:00 - 23:00, Sun 16:30 - 23:00. Closed Tue.
(€15 - 19). TJALK
Spring/Summer 2012
E23
Restaurants
E24
Grill
Bosporus A-4, Korvelseweg 188, tel. (+31) 135 35
90 20. Bosporus’ motto is ‘something for everyone’ and
rarely has a slogan been more on the mark than at this
place that offers a simple interior. This upmarket snack
shack practises European integration by serving Turkish and Greek as well as Italian and Dutch food. Make
sure to tr y the deep fried ‘fire-eater’, although we’re
not quite sure yet what the exact ingredients are. Q
JALVKS
De Reunie D-3, Heuvelring 220, tel. (+31) 135 36 35
35, [email protected], www.reunietilburg.nl. Meateating and drinking have always gone hand in hand and let’s
face it: there’s nothing better than an alcoholic beverage after
a good steak. The trendy waiters at this somewhat kitschy
pub don’t just serve a selection of bottled beers, but also the
tasty Erdinger White on draught. But if you think beer’s a bit
too ordinary then forgo the peasant brew and try one of 16
different cocktails at a price, which would barely buy you an
ice cube at some clubs in Amsterdam. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00,
Fri 17:00 - 01:30, Sat 16:30 - 01:30, Sun 16:30 - 24:00.
(€15 - 20). PTJAIEBKW
Rodeo Grill Restaurant D-3, Heuvelring 120, tel.
(+31) 137 505 841, [email protected], w w w.
rodeo-tilburg.nl. Carnivores can get their daily intake of
iron at the Latin American-style Rodeo, which specialises
in meat dishes of all stripes including small 180g fillets and
monster 800g steaks that could give a lion a run for its
money. There are a few seafood options for the vegetarians among us, but the delicious aroma of sizzling flesh
would probably be too much for them to stand. This is the
sort of place where lumberjacks would feel at home, due
to the generous servings and the wood interior, although a
bit more privacy might attract even more gluttons to this
affordable restaurant. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon.
(€15 - 20). PJABKW
The 7 Hillranch H-4, Zevenheuvelenweg 30,
tel. (+31) 134 68 45 40, inf [email protected],
www.7hillranch.nl. If this restaurant ever goes broke, it
could immediately re-open as a kids’ playground or as a
wild west museum. After all, no cost has been spared to
appropriate the perfect knick-knacks for this Americanstyle restaurant. The idea is very simple. Wagonloads of
food, particularly hearty meat dishes, are set out in a buffet
for all the hungry cowboys and Indians. The enormous allyou-can-eat spread will cost you around €24, but it’s well
worth the money if you’ve got a big appetite. QOpen Thu
12:00 - 23:00, Fri 12:00 - 24:00, Sat 17:00 - 24:00, Sun
17:00 - 21:30. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. PTA6UKS
Health food
Tuinhuis Culinair H-5, Westermarkt 5, tel. (+31) 134
63 48 68, [email protected], www.tuinhuisculinair.nl. You’ll find ‘t Tuinhuis (the Garden House) at the
fringe of a not particularly appealing shopping centre. As
the name suggests, the owners enjoy outdoor living and
the menu they’ve created from candied steak and teriyaki
dishes to steamed duck breast and tempura fried Dutch
herring reflect their travels around the globe. All of these
eclectic dishes are prepared with dedication and love in
an open-plan kitchen. Unfortunately, the junior staff could
benefit from a kick to their respective backsides. QOpen
Mon 12:00 - 18:00, Tue, Wed 11:00 - 20:30, Thu 10:00
- 22:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (€18 - 23).
TULBKSW
Yammie C-2, Telegraafstraat 1a, tel. (+31) 135 80
29 23, [email protected], www.yammietilburg.nl.
This tiny establishment is tucked away on Telegraafstraat,
but worth the effort to find especially if you like a trendy
atmosphere and healthy meals that you can take away in
a card board box with chop sticks. Yammie’s menu is hardly
spectacular, but the food tastes good. This little take-away
restaurant also has a lounge corner where you can wait while
your meal is being prepared. Yammie also delivers. QOpen
16:00 - 21:30. (€6 - 9). JVGS
Historic taverns
St. Petrus M-8, Gelderstraat 1, Hilvarenbeek, tel. (+31)
135 05 21 66, www.petrus-paulus.nl. Next to the Church
of Saint Peter you’ll find the comfortable terrace of Saint
Peter’s Inn. The fitting name as well as the furnishings seem
to have borrowed much from the church next door, but in a
modern fashion. A priest delivers a sermon from his pulpit
in the middle of the room and on the left hand side of the
restaurant you could confess to the greed which is bound
to overwhelm you when looking at the excellent menu. The
same owner runs Taverne Paulus next door, which is more
popular with the younger generation. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00.
(€25 - 30). AUBW
Ice cream
Intermezzo D-2, Heuvering 31, tel. (+31) 135 44 89
22, [email protected], www.intermezzotilburg.
nl. If you want to taste the most delicious, home made ice
cream in the city, then look no further than Intermezzo.
Unfortunately, the clean and sleek salon on Heuvelring is
only open for a few months every year, but in the spring and
summer local Tilburgers queue up here for the Italian-style
frosty stuff. You’ll find flavours like grandma’s apple pie and
white chocolate as well as ciambella, fruitella and green
apple. Although seating is available, most customers take
their ice cream cones with them. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00.
(€1 - 5). PJGBS
Indonesian
De Kleine Indo I-5, Professor Romeinstraat 19, tel.
(+31) 135 81 29 90, [email protected], www.
dekleine-indo.nl. This small Indonesian restaurant is
hidden behind Ringbaan Oost, but is well worth the hike.
The décor borrows heavily from traditional Indonesian
furnishings, but with a modern twist. The window sills are
covered in Wajang dolls, the tables are set with bamboo
placemats and, true to tradition, the staff wear sarongs.
The food’s authentically Indonesian, prepared the way old
Javan women might, but in a professional manner. Several
types of satay form the core of this traditional menu and
typically Indonesian drinks like klappa muda (rose syrup)
and tjendol (coconut milk) are also served here. QOpen
16:00 - 21:30, Sat, Sun 16:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€11
- 16). TUKS
Gember & Sereh D-3, Heuvel 3, tel. (+31) 135 36 05
85, [email protected], www.gember-sereh.nl. You
can order your food as spicy as you like it at the Gember &
Sereh Indonesian speciality restaurant, but you’re personally responsible for any pain and discomfort should your
burning tongue and watering eyes cause you any problems.
The tables aren’t pushed together due to lack of space like
at many restaurants. Instead, a large room full of tables
and chairs with high backs help keep your conversations
private. Recommended. QOpen 16:00 - 22:00. (€17 - 22).
JGBKS
Restaurants
International
Aan Tafel! J-5, J.P. Coenstraat 71, tel. (+31) 135 77 11
37, www.allemaalaantafel.nl. Every Dutch child has heard
their mother call out aan tafel! which literally means ‘to the
table’ and that’s the concept of this restaurant: an eating
establishment for families. There’s a special children’s corner,
a changing room and an elaborate children’s menu. Even the
seating area looks like an original Tilburg living room, which is
perhaps fitting as Aan Tafel! is located in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. The food is prepared as lovingly as it
is at home, but with the professional skills of a top-notch chef.
QOpen 17:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon. (€13 - 17). TLGBK
Blend C-2, Spoorlaan 346, tel. (+31) 135 81 25 16,
www.restaurantblend.nl. Blend is located on a hideous
property on the Spoorlaan, yet it appeals to pretty much
anyone. You can’t miss it, if only for the multi-cultural graffiti
scribbled on the wall next to the enormous building. Immediately upon entering you’ll smell incense and, surprisingly
enough by Dutch cultural standards, you’ll run into a wash basin. As the name Blend suggests, the interior is a melting pot
of innumerable cultures. Both the kitchen and the restaurant
are run by employees from all over the world, which greatly
contributes to the atmosphere. Come here for a traditional
FaFa soup, a kangaroo fillet or maybe some red snapper.
QOpen 17:00 - 21:30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€15 - 20). JGK
De Kievitshoeve F-4, Nijkerkstraat 1, tel. (+31) 135
70 51 05, www.dekievitshoeve.nl. More than a century
ago farmer Peerke van de Staak established a pub miles
from the city centre of Tilburg. A hundred year later this
establishment is now called ‘Reeshof’s Livingroom’ after
the surrounding estate. Some of the main courses sound a
bit pretentious like the caramelized duck breast and Iberico
pork roulaux (rolls) and the chef hasn’t put much effort into
the kids’ menu. Unfortunately, the staff aren’t very capable
either and our food was served lukewarm. All told, in spite of
its excellent location, the beautiful building and terrace, this
place could use some improvement. QOpen 14:00 - 21:30,
Sun 12:00 - 21:30. Closed Mon. (€18 - 22). TBK
De Rooi Pannen I-5, Dr. Ahausstraat 1, tel. (+31) 135
95 56 50, www.derooipannen.nl. There are nearly 8,000
students at De Rooij Pannen, one of the largest education
centres for the hospitality industry in Holland. No less than five
different restaurants as well as a hotel have been established
in a distinctive old convent, where the students learn the skills
of their professions in a practical setting. Don’t worry therefore, if a teacher turns up to correct your waiter if he makes
a mistake. Fortunately the food that reaches your table has
already been deemed fit for human consumption in the kitchen
and everything that ends up on your plate tastes superb. All
of this is available for only a fraction of the price you’d pay in
a comparable restaurant. Q Open 12:00 - 13:30, 17:30 19:00. Closed Sat, Sun. (€15 - 20). THAULGKW
De Spaarbank B-2, Noordstraat 125, tel. (+31) 135 43
83 31, www.stadscafedespaarbank.nl. This historic art
nouveau national monument from 1910 is an ode to architecturally better times. Today people can enjoy it with lunch or dinner at De Spaarbank which is decorated by historic details like
a bank vault, a period chandelier, a fire place, a nostalgic train
seat and, best of all, many wonderful stained-glass windows.
The bar/restaurant has a good menu for those with a healthy
appetite and we recommend the duck or rack of lamb. There’s
also a large selection of expensive wines and the menu makes
suggestions on how to pair your meal with a good vintage.
QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 02:00, Sun 11:00
- 24:00. (€16 - 21). TJ6UEGBKW
Jack’s Cuisine D-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 176, tel. (+31)
135 42 57 80, [email protected], www.jackscuisine.
nl. Fancy a stroll down the Las Vegas strip? That’s what it
feels like when you enter Jack’s Cuisine. Expect separate
seats along the wall, many dark tones and the sound of slot
machines in the background. The restaurant is situated in
the same building as a casino, so the atmosphere is almost
American, but with less kitsch and more style. The menu is
actually quite impressive and offers such dishes as bass,
duck and pork tenderloin. QOpen 11:00 - 22:00. Closed
Mon. (€18 - 23). ABK
Pino’s B-2, Stationsstraat 8, tel. (+31) 135 42 55 23,
[email protected], www.pinos-eetcafe.nl. Pino’s is
located near the Spoorlaan, one of the city’s busiest roads.
Escape your hurried daily existence and reward yourself
with a journey through a veritable United Nations of culinary
treats. The whole restaurant is decorated with various props
from one of the 10 countries that grace Pino’s menu. This
is a surprising restaurant with a good price-quality ratio and
on warm days the garden is a great place to kill some time.
QOpen 17:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€13 - 18). JBK
Prise d’Eau F-6, Gilzerbaan 400, tel. (+31) 134 67 23
32, [email protected], www.prisedeau-golf.nl.
As far as the surroundings are concerned, there are few more
attractive places in Tilburg for lunch or dinner than Prise d’Eau.
This restaurant is full of ambience and its staff know how to
pamper their patrons. The only disadvantage is that you are
supposed to be a member of the golf club to enjoy a meal
here. But considering that nobody checks for an ID badge or a
secret handshake, you can put on your glad rags and enjoy the
Veluwe duck breast with citrus oil and moscato sauce even
if you’re not sure what that means.. QOpen 10:00 - 21:30.
(€13 - 20). TALGBKXW
Sur Plus D-3, Heuvel 49, tel. (+31) 135 43 98 86, info@
sur-plus.nl, www.sur-plus.nl. On the outside Sur Plus appears to be small and cosy, but once inside the decorations,
the building itself and even the menu are imposing and
majestic. There are also enormous beer tanks showcased in
a massive display cabinet of sorts with steel pipes that you
can follow through the room to the taps. Sur Plus also offers
excellent upmarket cuisine like deer, sea bass and guinea fowl
but for affordable prices. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00. Closed Mon,
Tue. (€17 - 22). JGBK
Pieter Vreede Square offers a variety of shops, a casino
and a large cinema
Spring/Summer 2012
E25
Restaurants
E26
Italian
Eataly D-3, St. Josephstraat 136, tel. (+31) 135 44 28
44, www.eataly-tilburg.nl. The name Eataly pokes a little
fun at Italians, but in truth, you’d have a hard time finding a
more authentic place. Beautiful modern leather chairs adorn
every table in the colours of the Italian flag and the warm
welcome you’ll receive is Italian hospitality at its best. Andrea
Bocelli sings to the guests via the sound system and of course
there are plenty of pizzas and pastas on the very extensive
traditional menu. The knowledgeable staff kindly squat down
to talk to their guests and a large garden with a sizable terrace
is available behind the restaurant. Try the antipasto Eataly.
You won’t be disappointed. QOpen 12:00 - 22:30. Closed
Mon. (€17 - 22). JAGKW
NEW
Il Calatino D-3, Piusplein 74, tel. (+31) 135 35 44
73, www.il-calatino.nl. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? You
start a restaurant that uses only fresh produce, all your
patrons praise the beautiful dishes and tell their friends and
acquaintances, which earns you a reputation in no time as
the place to go. This is exactly what Il Calatino has done
since it opened its doors in the spring of 2011. Affordable
house wines, tender meat, a varied menu with good sized
portions and perfect service make this restaurant a must
if you’re into Italian cuisine. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00. Closed
Mon. (€20 - 25). JAK
L’Olivo D-2, Heuvel 41, tel. (+31) 135 42 67 31, www.
lolivo.nl. L’Olivo combines one of the world’s best-loved
cuisines - Italian - with one that rarely ends up on anyone’s
radar - Swiss. Even after a number of visits to this cosy,
romantic restaurant, we’re still not sure how to judge the
place. You might praise the most expensive meal on the
menu, Livornese fish, yet be annoyed by the burnt rosti, one
of the simplest and least complicated dishes it offers. In short,
when the staff and chef are on their game, this is a brilliant
place to be. At other times it’s simply far too expensive for
the rather scanty portions it serves. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00.
Closed Tue. (€24 - 28). JABK
Japanese & Sushi
Enjoii D-1, NS-Plein 38, tel. (+31) 135 42 11 75, www.
tasteofjoii.nl. You’ll find Enjoii at the NS Plein (Railway Square)
not far from the centre of town. It’s the latest in a long line of
sushi restaurants that have recently sprung up all over Tilburg.
The restaurant consists of a sushi section, a buffet area and
a place where you can sit together around the grill while your
food is being juggled right before your eyes. The buffet menu
is very straightforward, but the sushi offers more than a few
surprises. For example, you can order frushi (sushi with bits
of fruit), which has just blown over from the United States.
The restaurant also offers an interesting view of the old rail
yard. QOpen 13:00 - 22:00. (€21). JGK
Shinzo E-4, Piushaven 17, tel. (+31) 135 81 28 17,
www.shinzolounge.nl. At Shinzo sushi, lounge and grill,
you can eat all you like for a fixed sum of money, just like at
many of the other sushi restaurants in Tilburg. Free ice cream,
good choices of sashimi and a special price for children are
small differences that set it apart from the rest. Downstairs
you’ll find a lounge area with sofas, wonderful broad chairs
and ambient lights. The dining area upstairs is like a refurbished farm attic, but in Japanese style. The decorations of
enormous vases, gigantic lion statues and geishas will keep
you occupied between bites. QOpen 16:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat,
Sun 16:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon. (€23.50). TJLGKX
Suki D-3, Piusplein 55, tel. (+31) 135 44 91 28, fax
(+31) 135 44 77 44, [email protected], www.sushisuki.
nl. Sushi Suki is a kind of square cafeteria that desperately
tries to imitate Japanese style with four rice paper columns.
The menu offers more than 100 types of sushi and the food
is quite tasty. In contrast to the country of the Rising Sun,
tea here is served in enormous pitchers and during the week
you can order all-you-can-eat for a fixed price. The friendly
staff will also welcome you if you simply want a few small
appetisers, for which you won’t have to pay the full price. The
chefs also give you as much wasabi as you can handle with
your sushi. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Mon, Sun 16:00 - 22:00,
Fri, Sat 12:00 - 22:30. (€23.50). PTJALGKSW
Sushi Koi D-2, Heuvelring 126, tel. (+31) 135 45 10
00, [email protected]. ‘A lot for a little’ is the maxim here
in every respect. An all-you-can-eat meal can be had for a
set price of €23.50 provided you finish within 2.5 hours. It’s
obvious there are several seatings a night, because the wait
staff work so fast that your order slip has disappeared before
you realise it. Although the uninviting arrangement of tables
at the back can be annoying, the cheerful and cosy area near
the large windows at the front is excellent and the sushi and
grill specialities are finger-licking good and as fresh as can
be! QOpen 17:00 - 22:30. TJAK
Tippi Wan A-2, Noordstraat 36, tel. (+31) 135 35 02 59,
www.tippiwan.nu. The sophisticated interior of this restaurant is refreshing. You won’t find kitschy Japanese paintings
on the wall or geisha dolls, but wooden tables and chairs at a
great location. Tippi Wan housed on the first floor of Villa de Vier
Jaargetijden (Four Season’s Villa), built in the 19th-century in
eclectic style. The wine list is also pretty good. QOpen 17:00
- 21:30. Closed Mon, Tue. (€3 - 7). ALBKW
Tony’s Wok Away D-3, Juliana van Stolbergstraat
23, tel. (+31) 135 80 03 79, [email protected],
www.wokparadijs.nl. If you’re looking for a quick bite
and would like to keep it somewhat healthy, this isn’t a
bad choice. as there’s always a soup on offer, as well as
a buffet. What’s most fun, however, is to create your own
meal and have it cooked by the chef on the spot. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00. JK
NEW
Mediterranean
sushi-koi.nl, www.sushi-koi.nl. Sushi Koi is a roaring success in Tilburg, and not just because of the Japanese plum
wine. At the weekend the queue of people waiting for a highly
prized spot in this sushi and grill restaurant extends all the
way outside. The disadvantage of these throngs of patrons
is that once inside the din from chatty diners is amplified. So
why is this place so popular in a student town like Tilburg?
Sushi Koi employs an all-you-can-eat concept which allows
you to sample as much as you can stomach for two and a half
hours by filling out an order list on your table. QOpen 12:00 22:00, Mon 13:00 - 22:00. (€21.50). PTJALGBK
Mañana D-3, Zwaanstraat 18, tel. (+31) 135 45 34 37.
Given the often dreary weather in the Netherlands, the Dutch
enjoy escaping to warmer climates. The Mañana tapas bar fills
this niche perfectly with tasty Spanish mini dishes. Although
the restaurant is located in a rather gloomy alley, locals know
where to find it because it’s always busy here. With a wall
to wall canopy and flamenco dancers on the canvasses on
the walls, the atmosphere is definitely Iberian. In summer
the barbecue is lit every day and everyone sits outside.
QOpen 16:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 16:00 - 01:00. Closed Tue.
(€3 - 8). JUGBK
Koi D-3, Heuvelring 126, tel. (+31) 135 45 10 00, info@
Restaurants
MeesterS C-3, Monumentstraat 6, tel. (+31) 135 36
29 87, www.stadscafemeesters.nl. This place is Mediterranean and a tad exclusive, but despite the expensive exterior
and typical hors d’oeuvre before dinner, MeesterS is absolutely
affordable for the middle class. The restaurant is divided into
multiple rooms with different ceiling heights, so the bustle is
never overwhelming. A lot of the building’s original details have
survived renovations such as leaded glass, the high wooden
doors between the rooms and the elegantly decorated ceiling.
A lot more can be seen on the terrace including the highlight an abstract fountain from 1972. QOpen 10:30 - 22:00, Sun
14:00 - 22:00. (€18 - 23). TJHA6GBK
Mexican
Tortilla’s D-3, Heuvel 47, tel. (+31) 135 45 41 55,
[email protected], www.tortillas.nl. Close the front door
and you’ll think you’re in a tropical paradise surrounded by
decorations with strong and vibrant colours like parrots, traditional dishes, Mexican rugs and all kinds of bits and pieces
which contribute to the restaurant’s atmosphere. The menu
is good and affordable and all the dishes are mouthwatering
including the Cocoloco dessert. The restaurant boasts a
big, beautiful courtyard garden which provides lots of privacy
from the city in summer. If you prefer people watching take a
seat on the terrace. Mind you, it gets busy - so don’t be late.
Make sure to try the fruity sangria, guaranteed to put you in a
good mood. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00. (€13 - 18). JABK
Out of town
Boslust M-7, Schoorstraat 37, Udenhout, tel. (+31)
135 11 18 72, www.brasserieboslust.nl. In the wooded
area surrounding Udenhout you’ll find Boslust, a café that
was founded in1897, which is now a real tourist attraction.
Play mini-golf, visit the playground with your children or take
a bike ride through the Loonse and Drunense Duinen (natural
dunes). The menu has something for everyone including
food for kids and vegetarians. Boslust is also an ideal point
of departure for anyone who wants to explore the city’s rural
surroundings. QOpen 10:00 - 01:00. Closed Mon. (€14 - 18).
TUGBKX
D’n Hendrik M-8, De Lind 61A, Oisterwijk, tel. (+31)
135 22 02 52, [email protected], www.hendrikoisterwijk.nl. Inspired by English-style high tea, a concept
that’s becoming more and more popular in Holland these
days, D’n Hendrik has added something new to this genre
and we wholeheartedly approve. Instead of dull slices of
bread and with matching cakes you can order a ‘high wine’
or - even better - a ‘high beer’. Four different brews or wines are
accompanied by a selection of snacks. But even teetotallers
will have a good time in this trendy place, where the extensive
lunch menu is a real eye-catcher. QOpen 11:00 - 22:00.
(€17 - 22). TJ6ULGBKXW
Quick eats
Broodje Jantje D-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 2, tel. (+31) 135
49 96 00, www.broodjejantje.nl. If you’re looking for an
authentic snack from Tilburg, you have to taste Broodje Jantje.
It’s a kind of hamburger with sauce that’s made according to
a local recipe and it has been eaten in the city for generations
by people of all ages. In addition to the roll, you can also buy
fries, croquettes and frikandellen to truly experience Dutch
fast food culture. QOpen 12:00 - 20:00, Thu, Fri 12:00 - 04:00,
Sat 15:00 - 04:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€2 - 5). JS
De Ritz D-2, Heuvelring 43, tel. (+31) 135 43 06 66,
fax (+31) 135 43 01 00, www.ritz-broodjes.nl. This
place offers little ambience, but it does sell really tasty hot
and cold sandwiches. Specialised in Surinamese delicaties.
All the local businesses in the surrounding area come to De
Ritz for lunch and in the evening you won’t find the kind of
people that enjoy a kebab or a hamburger, but rather the kind
of person that wants a healthy meal. QOpen 11:00 - 20:00,
Thu 11:00 - 22:00, Fri 12:30 - 03:30, Sat 11:00 - 03:30, Sun
12:30 - 01:00. (€3 - 6). JVGBS
Ho Ho I-5, Pieter Postplein 33, tel. (+31) 135 36 58
86. If there was a reward for best takeaway in town, Hoho
would be a strong contender. Although the inside is ready for
a thorough make-over, the food certainly isn’t. Large portions
of food are made fresh right in front of your eyes and it’s also
a safe place to hang out as the tough men and women of the
Tilburg police are often spotted here grabbing a quick bite. Q
TKS
Pim’s Broodjeszaak D-3, Juliana van Stolbergstr 6,
tel. (+31) 135 35 13 42 . You can’t sit down and take your
time here, but that doesn’t at all affect the high quality of
the sandwiches served. A staggering 26 different options
will make it difficult to choose from a simple Dutch cheese
sandwich to something more special like with imported Italian
meats and sausages. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
(€3 - 5). TJS
Snitz I-6, Nieuwstraat 124, tel. (+31) 624 88 26 60. This
place is a must for frites fanatics. You’ll find this chip shop par
excellence in one of the working class areas just outside the
city centre. The cheerful owner fries the best chips for miles
around with a sense of humour, pride and craftsmanship. Avoid
Sundays or queue up behind the last local around 18:00 as
it’s rush hour at Snitz! Q TLKS
Pancakes
De Pannekoekenbakker C-3, Heuvelstraat 40, tel.
(+31) 135 36 14 26, www.pannekoekenbakker-tilburg.
nl. Tilburg’s city centre is full of ultra modern buildings, but
halfway down the busiest shopping street is a narrow alley
which leads to a coach house from 1897. It’s nothing short
of a miracle that these premises survived the forces of
modernisation that altered neighbouring buildings forever.
This amazing place serves 250 different kinds of pancakes
including our favourite: chicken satay pancakes! On sunny
days try the small garden behind the restaurant. QOpen
12:00 - 19:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 20:00. Closed Mon. (€8
- 13). TJGBK
In the summer you can spend hours on one of the city’s
many terraces
Spring/Summer 2012
E27
28
Restaurants
Seafood
Kok Verhoeven D-1, NS Plein 32, tel. (+31) 135 45
10 88, www.kokverhoeven.nl. Although you can enjoy
meat courses like duck at Kok Verhoeven, the restaurant
specialises in fish dishes and this is evident as the aroma of
delicious seafood greets you when you walk in. The restaurant
is rather small, but has a lovely terrace with an awning and
a long white sofa and lovely little braziers that provide it with
extra class. Judging from the mountain of champagne corks
in the silver wine cooler visitors must order bubbly in large
quantities. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Sat 17:00 - 22:00, Sun
17:00 - 02:00. (€24 - 29). JAUGBKW
Steak
De Reünie D-3, Heuvelring 220, tel. (+31) 135 36 35
35, www.reunietilburg.nl. De Reünie has the robust appearance of a steakhouse, while at the same time exuding
the trendiness of a cocktail bar. The wooden beams look
like they’ve been nicked from a Burgundian farmhouse and
against the walls you’ll find sofas with enough room to seat
an entire football team. For those who prefer a more intimate
meal there are plenty of small tables in the centre of the room.
Men go all out here with T-bone steaks and 9% Straffe Hendrik
beer, while women enjoy a fish dish and sip of a Strawberry
Collins. The more adventurous can even try the local spirit
jenever in a Dutch Mojito. QOpen 16:30 - 01:00, Fri, Sat
16:30 - 03:00. (€18 - 23). JGBK
Surinamese
Faja Lobi B-3, Oude Markt 9, tel. (+31) 135 44 96 66,
[email protected], www.fajalobi-tilburg.nl. These
small, narrow premises with only a couple of tables have the
look and feel of a Surinamese bar, but it actually has much
more to offer. Faja Lobi is the only Surinamese restaurant in
Tilburg, so if you’re craving roti or catjang this is the place to
go. The menu is excellent for both lunch and dinner and if you
just need to cool down after an exhausting afternoon try the
Surinamese Djogo beer. QOpen 12:00 - 21:30, Sun 16:00 20:30. Closed Mon. (€5 - 10). JUBKS
Tapas
La Cabaña H-5, Academielaan 73, tel. (+31) 134 67
33 84, www.lacabanatilburg.nl. If you’re looking for a bit
of sunny Spain in Tilburg, this is the place to go. Order tapas
with wine here in the proper Spanish way. The sheer number
of tapas, including vegetarian appetisers, is impressive and a
lot of thought has been put into restaurant’s interior design,
especially the sophisticated garden. The only drawback is
the location on the outskirts of town. QOpen 17:00 - 23:45.
(€3 - 6). PTUGBKS
Más Tapas Y Vinos B-3, Oude Markt 14, tel. (+31)
135 36 07 00, www.mas-tapas.nl. Tapas bar Mas Tapas
Y Vinos offers an extensive list of Spanish wines, which is
surprisingly exceptional for a tapas bar in Tilburg. Unfortunately, diners are seated on low white stools, which may
cause a lack of legroom for many men. Part of the restaurant
is a raised area, separated by a typically Spanish partition.
Fortunately the stools in this area are a bit higher. The menu
is impressive, with no less than three types of jambon and
four kinds of Spanish cheese and it’s an especially pleasant
place to visit late in the afternoon in summer, because by the
time the sun reaches ‘Mas’, most other places need outdoor
heaters. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00, Sat 12:00 - 22:00. Closed
Mon. (€5 - 10). JABK
Tilburg’s lively café scene
Thai
Jasmine I-5, Molenstraat 136, tel. (+31) 135 81
07 66, [email protected], w w w.jasminethai.nl.
The restaurant is decorated haphazardly with an excess
of Thai frills, but the menu is attractive and organised
ver y clearly by the type of meat on offer: chicken, beef,
pork or fish. For added clarity there’s an indication of
how spicy each meal is. When you see three red peppers
there’s a danger of combustion and tears, whereas a
dish with no peppers is even safe enough for children.
Daredevils who order spicy courses can douse the fire
with real Thai beer: Singha. The music provided is no
doubt popular in Thailand, but definitel y an acquired
taste. Although the staff speak English and Thai, they
haven’t mastered Dutch just yet. Q Open 15:00 - 22:00.
Closed Mon. (€8 - 13). GK
Turkish
Melisa F-4, Dalempromenade 70, tel. (+31) 135 70
47 70, www.restaurantmelisa.nl. For several years
Turkey has been holiday destination number 1 for the
Dutch and this is partly due to the all-inclusive all-youcan-eat packages that are often offered. However, if you
expect to be served the same processed Western trash in
Melisa that these holiday factories spew out three times
a day, you’re mistaken. Meilsa’s brilliant food matches the
view of the Donge Valley, one of Tilburg’s most attractive and relatively unknown areas of outstanding natural
beauty. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€16 - 20).
TALBKS
Vegetarian
De Imme C-3, Willem II straat 52a, tel. (+31) 135 42
52 29, www.immetilburg.nl. Vegetarian, gourmet and
organic, that about sums up the food on offer at De Imme.
Many of its products are even raised locally and only available in season. De Imme’s aim is to create an ecologically
sustainable restaurant and to convince meat-eaters that
healthy, vegetarian cuisine doesn’t have to be bland and
tasteless. It seems to succeed as most of what’s served
here tastes pretty good. It does however go slightly overboard on the eco-friendly angle, offering organic cola as
the only choice of soda. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00. (€12 - 17).
TJUGKS
cafés
The Dutch share a love of espresso and cappuccino with
the Italians. Cafés in Tilburg quite often offer much more
than just a cup of coffee with pastry or a cup of tea. Most
of them have soups, salads and sandwiches on their
menus, so the border between restaurants, pubs and cafés is very thin. But have a look over our carefully selected
cafés and pick the one that is just right for your mood or
occasion, Eet smakelijk!
Bakeries
Sissy Boy C-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 43 & 50, tel. (+31)
135 82 14 18, www.sissy-boy.nl. The Sissy Boy chain is
both a clothing and an interior design shop, but you can drink
all sorts of coffees and teas in a coffee house with a somewhat
industrial, but stylish interior in the adjacent building. QOpen
09:30 - 18:00, Mon 12:00 - 18:00, Thu 09:30 - 21:00, Sat
09:30 - 17:30. Closed Sun. PJGB
Soups & Shakes B-2, Tuinstraat 114, tel. (+31) 135
45 16 97, www.soupsandshakes.nl. Soups & Shakes is
essentially a sandwich shop where you can create your own
lunch with a variety of toppings for a fair price. The small,
flowery room exudes a friendly atmosphere, you can make
your own coffee if you like and the owner is always up for a
chat. The place is popular with local shoppers and students
also seem to congregate here after classes. QOpen 11:30
- 19:00, Thu 11:30 - 20:00. Closed Sun. (€3 - 8). JGBS
Classic cafés
Breexz B-1, Spoorlaan 47, tel. (+31) 135 42 52 55,
www.breexz.nl. One of the of Breexz’s best features is the
incredible view. You’re basically floating above the busy Spoorlaan, where traffic rushes by beneath. Breexz is situated at the
Central Station and the moment you close the door behind you
the sounds of arriving and departing trains disappear. Inside
you’ll hear relaxing lounge music as a backdrop for lunch or
dinner. You won’t find lukewarm sausages or weak coffee here,
rather caffiato, mojitos and Atlantic sole rolls that will make
you want to miss your next train. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat
10:00 - 21:00, Sun 11:00 - 21:00. (€8 - 13). PTJAGK
De Burgerij B-2, Noordstraat 87 - 89, tel. (+31) 138 22
09 89, www.deburgerij.nl. A visit to De Burgerij feels like a trip
back in time and the French countryside of the past is your final
destination. The cheese, olive oils and meats on display are simply mouth-watering and placing an order here couldn’t be easier.
Just choose either A, B or C. Sandwiches of differing prices and
fillings are available from abundant and overflowing to basic. The
romantic setting, friendly service and homemade food places
this newcomer among our favourites. QOpen 10.00 - 20.00,
Sun 12.00 - 17.00. Closed Mon. (€3 - 5). PTJ6BSW
Kras2 C-3, Willem II straat 27, tel. (+31) 135 44 40
42, www.kras2.nl. You can’t walk past this sandwich
shop without noticing it. The enormous ILLY coffee cup
and the memorable delivery bicycles that stand outside
the door will definitely grab your attention. The room smells
of super simple, yet delicious sandwiches, whose fillings
are often of Italian origin. Your order will be prepared right
in front of you in the open kitchen, but you could always
try a fresh piece of pie or buy something to prepare at
home. QOpen 08:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed
Sun. (€2 - 7). JGS
Museumcafe Eten & Drinken B-1, Spoorlaan 434,
tel. (+31) 135 35 39 35, www.natuurmuseumbrabant.
nl. If all of the exhibits in the three-storey Museum of Nature
have exhausted you or if you just want to take a moment to
compose yourself after seeing the imposing elephant genitalia conserved in formaldehyde you can take a break at the
museum’s spacious and modern café. If you prefer simplicity
you can prepare your own slices of bread or have a plate of
poffertjes (tiny pancakes), but we opted for the large salmon
sandwich. The luxurious red couches and the large number
of magazines and books will convince you to linger a little
longer than planned and when the weather cooperates you
also can sit outside. You don’t have to be a museum visitor
to take advantage of the café. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Sat,
Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. (€3 - 6). TJULBKW
Prins Heerlijk B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 16, tel. (+31)
135 42 16 18, www.prinsheerlijktilburg.nl. Mentally
challenged youngsters and school drop-outs are trained to
cook and serve here by professional catering staff. Prins
Heerlijk serves gorgeous soups, big salads and fresh rolls
or thick, hand-cut sandwiches. Many products are fair trade
and organic and most of them even come from Tilburg or its
surroundings. QOpen 12:00 - 17:30, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 17:30. Closed Sun. (€3 - 8). JG
High tea
Mugs & Muffins Willem II straat 57, tel. (+31) 135 90
45 85, [email protected], www.mugsandmuffins.
nl. ‘A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand’ is its motto and
Mugs & Muffins lives by it. Shoppers come here by the bucket
load to enjoy hot drinks and home made pastries. Starbucks
pales by comparison with this Tilburg favourite. Take a seat
near the front window for people watching or in the back for
a view of a well-maintained city garden. If you’re in luck, you
might find a seat in one of the two wonderful arm-chairs. Every
season three new drinks appear on the menu, which are perfectly in tune with the winter chill or a summer breeze. QOpen
08:00 - 19:00, Mon 13:00 - 19:00, Thu 08:00 - 22:00, Sat
09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. (€2 - 7). JG
Spring/Summer 2012
29
E30
Nightlife
Tilburg’s brilliant nightlife scene includes dimly lit jazz and
blues bars, groovy strip clubs, cosy pubs and a vibrant underground music scene. Although closing times are strictly
regulated, some bars and pubs stay open until the last
group of customers have stumbled out. Most night spots
are concentrated around the area by Old Town square,
with the Korte Heuvel and the nearby Piusplein being alltime favourites of locals and students. The town is small
enough to cover on foot, though as the night gets longer,
so does the distance between places. Some places refuse
entrance to anyone in scruffy jeans and trainers, so make
a bit of an effort before going out to the glitzier venues.
Bars
Clancy’s D-3, Heuvel 44-45, tel. (+31) 135 45 18 37,
[email protected], www.clancystilburg.com.
Every self-respecting city has an Irish pub and Tilburg is no
exception. Among this randomly put together collection of
stools, chairs, tables and benches, you can order your Guinness in English, or even better, in Irish as Clancy’s staff and
owner all come from the Emerald Isle. Tilburg’s huge student
population descend on this place every week for a good glass
of whiskey or a pint of Snake Bite (beer with cider) a good old
meal of fish and chips. Sports fans can enjoy live broadcasts
of the English Premier League, French rugby or even American football on the big screen. QOpen 16:00 - 02:00, Mon
18:00 - 02:00, Thu 16:00 - 03:00, Fri 16:00 - 04:00, Sat
12:00 - 04:00, Sun 14:00 - 02:00. JGBX
De Korenbloem H-5, Bredaseweg 261, tel. (+31) 134
63 39 80, www.stapperijdekorenbloem.nl. De Korenbloem is located at Tilburg’s busiest intersection and yet you
hear little of the traffic rushing by on its spacious terrace. Due
to the many offices and businesses located in the vicinity, the
crowds mostly come in for lunch or after work. Suits, ties and
scarfs of both genders come to this old-fashioned cocktail bar
to unwind, especially at the end of their exhausting week. The
evening menu will definitely fill you up, especially the tasty Argentinian steak, but there’s limited seating inside. Fortunately,
in summer the sliding doors are opened up and the terrace
tempts hungry or thirsty passers-by. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00,
Sat, Sun 15:00 - 01:00. (€11 - 16). LGBKX
De Lamme Goedzak D-2, Heuvelring 104, tel. (+31)
628 23 65 48. Both drunk and sober pub lovers often literally fall into this pub, thanks to the steep steps leading down
from the street level entrance. Although the facade of the
building on the Heuvelring is pleasing to the eye, once inside
the interior seems to be on the decline and in dire need of a
fresh layer of paint. De Lamme Goedzak is frequently the last
stop for the regiment of inebriated locals looking for another
drink after most other pubs have closed their doors. QOpen
21:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 21:00 - 04:00. JGX
Adult entertainment
De Nacht Heuvel 47a, tel. (+31) 135 44 94 25,
www.de-nacht.nl. This is basically the only night club
in the centre of Tilburg and many a students’ night out,
bachelor party or night on the town has ended here. The
numerous men (and one or two ladies) have excellent
views of the women working the pole from the bar and
the staff even give lessons should you want to give your
significant other the perfect birthday gift. Drinks aren’t
cheap, but given the form of entertainment on offer here,
no one seems to mind. QOpen 22:00 - 06:00. Closed
Mon, Tue, Wed. X
Symbol key
P Air conditioning
E Live music
S Take away
T Child friendly
I Fireplace
X Smoking section
G No smoking
J City centre location
W Free wireless internet 6 Pets allowed
De Prins C-3, Paleisring 15, tel. (+31) 135 44 50 77,
[email protected], www.deprinsvan.nl. Party-pub De
Prins is everything you might expect of an Après-ski cabin.
On the inside it looks like a log cabin with coarse wooden
planks for walls and tables made of wooden beams. In Tilburg,
which is relatively warm and lacks skiing opportunities, this
place is certainly unusual. The music is invariably very loud,
so a party is quickly on hand. QOpen 19:00 - 04:00, Sun
18:00 - 02:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. JG
De Slijterij D-3, Heuvel 42, tel. (+31) 135 36 22 46,
[email protected], www.cafedeslijterij.nl. On
the way to the toilet you’ll pass images of Dolly, Aretha and
Miss Ross at least four times so you can probably guess
what the DJs play here. De Slijterij is a pub of contradictions. While you can still smell the freshly papered walls,
the clientele look like they’ve been dancing here since the
beginning of time. The imposing display of spirits and expensive champagnes is in stark contrast to the minimalist
style of the pub. De Slijterij is a favourite among the older
generations who dance their weekly waltz on the spotless
floor. QOpen 17:00 - 01:00, Thu, Sun 17:00 - 02:00, Fri,
Sat 17:00 - 03:00. Closed Tue. JGBX
Extase D-2, Heuvelring 112, tel. (+31) 135 42 25
67, [email protected], www.cafe-extase.nl. Extase
is known throughout Tilburg for its casual attitude toward
opening hours on Wednesday nights. When all other bars
have closed their doors, you can continue the party here for
a short while. Young and old go wild to popular beats from
the 1980s and 90s in a large shed of sorts behind the bar.
Everyone drinks Jupiler beer and the bar staff can therefore
easily return a full crate of 26 empties each time they make
the rounds. But there’s also plenty to keep you occupied on
other nights. Tuesdays are popular with people who play
Settlers of Catan and Thursdays host ‘I Love Electronics’
nights. QOpen 19:00 - 04:00, Tue 19:00 - 02:00, Wed
19:00 - 03:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JGX
Havana D-2, Heuvel 22, tel. (+31) 135 36 53 24,
[email protected], www.havana-tilburg.nl. ‘Hasta
la victoria siempre’ is painted in large letters on the wall of
Havana, which has been the city’s best cocktail bar for years
now. These are the legendary words of Argentinian Marxist
Che Guevara written in a letter to Fidel Castro. They mean
‘forever on the road to victory’. As soon as you set foot in
this delightful establishment you leave Tilburg and you’re
engulfed by the swinging Central American atmosphere of
Cuba. This is best illustrated by the menu. Order amazing
fajitas, nachos and sopas instead of deep fried local snacks
like bitterballen and vlammetjes (Indonesian meat filled
snacks). At the weekend the room is cleared in the evenings
to make space for resident DJs who know how to make
people move. A favourite among 30-somethings. QOpen
10:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00, Sun 10:00 02:00. (€15 - 22). JGBKX
Nightlife
Nightlife
Hoppie D-3, Piusplein 3, tel. (+31) 622 51 75 82, www.
cafehoppie.nl. At Carnival each year this place is positively
bursting with patrons, but this nostalgic pub can get busy
on other nights too with a clientele of mainly older regulars
who put away quite a few drinks. The bar isn’t big, but there’s
enough space for a dance floor and local artists perform
here often, although you probably won’t miss much if you
stay home on those nights. In a nutshell, it’s the atmosphere
where everyone knows one another that sets Hoppie apart
from many other Tilburg pubs. QOpen 18:00 - 04:00, Wed
18:00 - 02:00, Sat 14:00 - 04:00, Sun 14:00 - 02:00. Closed
Mon, Tue. J
Jack’s C-2, Tuinstraat 81, tel. (+31) 135 42 63 22,
[email protected], www.cafejacks.nl. Although this place
won’t win any awards for interior design, there’s no other
place in Tilburg’s inner city where you can eat as cheaply
as here. For only €6 you’ll get a delicious seasonal daily
special. If it’s snowing you’ll get real Dutch boerenkool (kale
and sausage), but if it’s sunny out you can probably expect
a large salad. Even big eaters will have trouble finishing the
enormous servings here and you also get a huge basket of
bread and herb butter for free that could feed a whole refugee
camp. Drinks are also incredibly cheap, but the real fun starts
when the plates are cleared from the tables and the bar is
transformed into a board game room. QOpen 17:00 - 02:00,
Mon 20:00 - 02:00, Thu, Fri 17:00 - 03:00, Sat 20:00 - 03:00.
(€6 - 10). JGKX
Karel D-2, Heuvel 24, tel. (+31) 135 36 92 24, info@
cafekarel.nl, www.cafekarel.nl. Drop by Karel to read a
newspaper with a cup of coffee or to strike up a conversation with people on shopping breaks and business types in
suits. The menu offers typical international food like steaks,
spareribs and pasta, but it’s one of the few pubs in Tilburg that
has a smoking room at the front. The sun room affords you
great views of the Heuvel and in spring and summer there’s
a large outdoor seating area that’s perfect for people watching. QOpen 10:30 - 24:00. (€15 - 25). TJGBKX
Le Clochard C-3, Heuvel 16, tel. (+31) 135 35 76 60,
www.leclochard.nl. You don’t need to wander around Tilburg
long to find a party pub but if you want to find one of the best
then head over to Le Clochard. It’s always busy here, and if it
isn’t, that means it’s closed. There’s nothing in between. On
Friday afternoon you’ll find a queue of about 50 teenagers
outside and all the local students come here for shelter. The
walls of Le Clochard curve inward with an occasional porthole
so it feels like you’re dancing in a submarine, which can of
course lead to seasickness. Or was it just too many drinks?
QOpen 20:00 - 02:00, Thu 16:00 - 04:00, Fri 14:00 - 04:00,
Sat 15:00 - 04:00, Sun 15:00 - 02:00. Closed Mon. JGX
Little Devil B-2, Stationsstraat 27, tel. (+31) 135 45
21 40, [email protected], www.littledevil.nl. Little Devil is
Tilburg’s best rock café. If you love rock, metal, trash metal,
heavy metal, garage, punk and similar music than this is the
place to go. Prepare to enter a dark cave with a lot of headbanging regulars who attempt to destroy the place brick
by brick with often insanely loud guitar music. Definitely an
acquired taste for Europeans accustomed to techno and Top
40. QOpen 17:00 - 02:00, Fri 17:00 - 03:00, Sat 15:00 03:00, Sun 13:30 - 02:00. Closed Mon. (€2 - 5). EGX
More pubs and clubs at
Polly Maggoo D-3, Heuvel 10, tel. (+31) 135 45 67
30, [email protected], www.pollymaggoo.nl.
The model Polly Maggoo has been a phenomenon in art
houses since the late 1960s and the pub located in the
centre of Tilburg that bears her name is also an institution.
Whole generations of students grew up here. Even today the
French starlet looks down on everyone who enters with her
bedroom eyes from a life size film poster. Inside the staff is
friendly, you can have an affordable lunch or dinner, like the
undisputed favourites of uitsmijter - a meat sandwich with
eggs - and homemade pizza, and you can let your hair down
to some great dance music. That is if you can tear yourself
away from Polly as even the glasses here are decorated with
the femme fatale’s piercing gaze. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00,
Mon 12:00 - 02:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00. (€11 - 17).
PJEGBKX
Slagroom D-3, Piusplein 6a, tel. (+31) 135 82 00 70,
[email protected], www.cafeslagroom.nl. Café
Slagroom is an old-fashioned Dutch farm kitchen with a tiny
checkered pattern on the floor and little curtains along the
ceiling and shelves for decoration. You half expect to see a
family with nine small children sitting around the table, being
served boerenkool (curly kale and mashed potatoes) from
a large orange pot. Fortunately Café Slagroom hasn’t put
progress by the wayside and the menu has more to offer
than just traditional Dutch dishes. You can indulge in home
made hash, pork with brie or even catfish with bacon. While
the women enjoy themselves with a Tilburg High Tea that
includes characteristic local sweets and the quintessentially
Dutch koetjesrepen (chocolate), male visitors can enjoy a
beer, deep-fried snacks and football. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00,
Mon, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. (€14 - 19). JGBKX
NEW
Stadscafé Van Gogh D-3, Paleisring 17, tel. (+31)
135 43 11 15, [email protected], www.stadscafevangogh.nl. This top-notch pub opened at the end of
2011 and its large wooden beams and imposing beer kegs
will have you craning your neck to take in the furnishings of
the place. In fact, the interior screams that it’s all a bit too
new and definitely not the kind of place the famous artist
and one-time resident of Tilburg Van Gogh is likely to have
frequented, but it’s definitely a decent choice for a cosy
drink. QOpen 15:00 - 04:00, Tue, Wed, Sun 15:00 - 02:00.
Closed Mon. J
Studio Tilburg D-3, Heuvel 7 - 9, tel. (+31) 135 43 60
16, [email protected], www.studio-tilburg.com.
What came first: modern man in Tilburg or a pub in Tilburg
for modern people? Nobody knew that Tilburg could be so
trendy until Studio opened its doors. It has been a catwalk for
fashion-conscious people in their twenties and thirties, every
Thursday, Friday and Saturday night ever since. Of course this
is supported by the trendy - and really good - music played
by the DJ. Nowhere else in the city do people dance so well
as here, but this is no surprise considering the many dance
academy students in attendance. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00,
Mon, Sun 12:00 - 01:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00. (€14 19). JGBKX
Tribunaal D-3, Heuvel 14, tel. (+31) 135 42 52 90,
www.tribunaal.nl. The famous Tribunaal in Tilburg is a pub
on Korte Heuvel and is probably the largest one in the inner
city. It’s a place where young professionals have been coming for 28 years to unwind after a busy day at work. There’s
always something going on: people playing darts, cards or
shooting pool and they regularly organise poker tournaments.
QOpen 13:00 - 02:00, Thu, Fri 13:00 - 03:00, Sat 13:00 04:00. JGBX
Spring/Summer 2012
E31
31
Nightlife
E32
‘t Vaticaan D-3, Heuvel 2, tel. (+31) 135 35 79 47,
[email protected], www.cafevaticaan.nl. In the middle
of Rome you’ll find the enclave of Vatican City, but since 1994,
this vibrant pub with a similar name has been an enclave of fun
in the centre of Tilburg. On Friday nights, young and old rock
the place to great beats and twice a week (on Mondays and
Wednesdays) you can sit down to dinner. There’s no menu so
you just choose whatever’s on offer that day. In summer, the
wonderful, spacious terrace beneath an ancient tree is the
place to be. QOpen 15:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 15:00 - 04:00.
PJGBX
Beer bars
NEW
Café Hoegaarden D-3, Piusplein 2, tel. (+31) 137 20
06 22, fax (+31) 137 20 06 23, brasseriehoegaarden@
gmail.com, www.hoegaardentilburg.nl. This café named
after the delicious milky beer calls itself the Best Beer Pub in
Tilburg and in capital letters no less. The latest owners took
over at the end of 2011 and still have to prove themselves
given such local competition as Kadinsky and Buitenbeentje
(Maverick). That said, the big bar looks fantastic with its
many stained-glass windows, wood panelling and original
tile work and the toasted sandwiches made with Turkish flat
bread are excellent, but it still has to work on that characteristic Belgian ambience to win over the locals. Don’t leave
without trying the heavenly taste of an Urthel Samaranth
brew. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Mon 12:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri
11:00 - 02:00, Sat 10:00 - 02:00, Sun 14:00 - 24:00. (€15
- 20). PTJGBK
‘t BuitenBeentje D-3, Heuvel 15a, tel. (+31) 135 36 04
66, [email protected], www.kafeebuitenbeentje.nl. ‘t Buitenbeentje is truly deserving of its name if
only due to the beer that’s sold here for only €1.30 - almost a
euro cheaper than anywhere else on the Heuvel. The interior
is, to put it mildly, also rather remarkable and unconventional.
You won’t find expensive paintings or something remotely
trendy, but rather empty beer crates and whisky boxes lining
the walls. Moreover, sitting at the bar is a completely different
experience than in standard pubs. At ‘t Buitenbeentje drinkers
sit on low stools and the barman stands in a pit beneath you.
Your tab is kept on a beer mat and any money that changes
hands is literally put in a drawer. QOpen 15:00 - 02:00, Fri,
Sat 15:00 - 03:00. JGBX
Casinos & Gaming halls
Jack’s Casino C-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 172, tel. (+31)
135 42 58 80, [email protected], www.jackscasino.
nl. As a consequence of strict Dutch gambling laws, there’s
only one official chain of casinos in The Netherlands, the
government-run Holland Casino. Unfortunately there is no
Holland Casino in Tilburg, but we think that the Jack’s Casino
gambling hall is an excellent alternative. The gambling laws
prohibit the sale of alcohol and there are no croupiers at the
tables. Therefore you can’t play proper roulette, poker or
blackjack, but the computerised versions are available and
there are plenty of slot machines to offer an evening’s entertainment. The service is quick and the impressive restaurant
isn’t just for fortune seekers. QOpen 09:00 - 02:00, Thu,
Fri, Sat 09:00 - 03:00, Sun 10:00 - 02:00. O
Thirsty for more?
Gay & Lesbian
During the annual fun fair (July 22 - 31, 2012), Holland’s
entire gay scene will descend on Tilburg on July 23 for Pink
Monday. To an outsider it looks like a contest of who can
wear the most extravagant outfit. Take a seat on a terrace
and watch the parade walk by.
De Lollipop D-3, Paleisring 25, tel. (+31) 135 35 52 38,
www.delollipop.nl. De Lollipop is the gay bar in Tilburg. It’s
been there for over a decade now, which by local standards is an
eternity. Men, women, young, old, gay, straight and everything
in between go wild on the dance floor at the back of the establishment, making it a fabulous party. Countless disco lights
and glitter balls surround you and shine on you highlighting all
of your moves. The pub seems enormous, which is an optical
illusion created by its mirrored walls. It also lets you check out
your neighbours and vice versa. QOpen , Mon 17:00 - 01:00,
Thu 19:00 - 04:00, Fri 18:00 - 04:00, Sat 14:00 - 04:00, Sun
14:00 - 02:00. Closed Tue, Wed. JGBX
De Popcorn D-3, Paleisring 19, tel. (+31) 135 43 32
18, [email protected], www.depopcorn.nl. No matter
what type of music the DJ plays, it’s always time to dance
at De Popcorn. Although technically a pub, it feels more like
a mini disco with its large lamps and fluorescent disco balls.
The rear bar even has two seductive poles going up to the
ceiling, but most regulars seem to be a little old to work it
properly without hurting themselves or traumatising younger
spectators. QOpen 14:00 - 04:00, Mon, Tue 19:00 - 02:00,
Wed, Sun 14:00 - 02:00. JGBX
De Wijn C-3, Stadhuisstraat 17, tel. (+31) 135 44 51
18, [email protected], www.dewijn.nl. As the owners of De
Wijn are lesbians, this pub has been labelled a lesbian bar.
However, while there are many lesbian customers, everyone
is welcome here. To describe its interior just think of Moulin
Rouge with lots of glitter and glamour, frills, and the well-known
red and black colour scheme. Unlike many other pubs, beer
isn’t the beverage of choice here. You’ll notice this instantly
by the strong liquor hanging behind the bar and the subtle
sweet scent in the air. QOpen , Thu, Fri 20:00 - 04:00, Sat
16:00 - 04:00, Sun 16:00 - 02:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed.
Live music
Cul de Sac D-3, Heuvel 48, tel. (+31) 135 81 01 10,
www.culdesac.nl. Cul de Sac has established itself as a
lounge for an alternative crowd with a more evolved taste in
music. It’s the place to be for ‘new hippies’ and young artists,
musicians and other creative minds who like to have a beer or a
Jack Daniel’s in the pub area. Students from the Rock Academy
show off their newly learned skills in the dance pit at the back
of the room, while the crowds go wild on a wide selection of
music, as this is what separates Cul de Sac from other pubs in
Tilburg. ‘Look Out! Dancing in Progress!’ is written above the pit.
QOpen 15:00 - 02:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 15:00 - 04:00. JGBX
L!ve Music Bar D-2, Heuvelring 90, tel. (+31) 135 42
65 92, www.livemusicbar.nl. The whole weekend is one
big party Tilburg’s only proper piano bar. As soon as you cross
the threshold there’s no other option but to swing along with
the rest of the crowd. Only a few meters from the front door
you’ll find a stage with a white piano, a drum kit and - with
a bit of luck - a saxophone played by professionals and the
incredibly long bar is also designed to like a keyboard. The
toilets are located in an enormous vault, which isn’t that
surprising when one considers that this building was once
used as a bank. QOpen 16:00 - 04:00, Sun 16:00 - 02:00.
Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. PJUEGBKX
Nightlife
Lounges & Cocktail bars
NEW
T Kwadraat I-6, Marathonpromenade 383, tel. (+31)
135 81 28 84, [email protected], www.horecatkwadraat.nl. Tilburg has recently become a real sports town
and the opening of the ‘T Kwadraat sports centre is a perfect
example of this trend. No less than three different pubs and
restaurants are housed in this industrial-style facility including
the Eatery (Het eetcafé), the Après-ski bar and the Lounge. All
three are decent enough places to eat a burger or schnitzel
or to drink a glass of wine, but they’re not exactly the height
of fashion (especially the Lounge) and are better suited as
places to enjoy a Wieckse Witte draught beer with friends
after a hard workout. Q THAUFLGKXW
Midnight munchies
Karnak Heuvel 6, tel. (+31) 135 44 13 96. Once you
arrive on Tilburg’s main pub street, Korte Heuvel, Karnak will
lure you in. The strip light over the electrical sliding doors, the
camp neon lights in the windows and the loud slogans on the
façade are like a siren’s song. It’s not the best kebab we’ve
had, but no one, especially after a dozen beers, complains
about the quality of the greasy Turkish pizza. Everyone’s just
happy that it’s open so late and is located so centrally. Ideal
for getting a head start on doing something about tomorrow’s
hangover. QOpen 16:00 - 02:15, Thu, Fri, Sat 16:00 - 04:15.
JVGBS
Out of town
Café Zomerlust J-5, Oisterwijksebaan 15, tel. (+31)
135 42 52 92, [email protected], www.cafezomerlust.nl. This traditional pub is an important staple of
Tilburg nightlife, particularly since its latest renovation.
You have to put in some effort to find this hidden gem but
don’t get discouraged if it takes you a while to find it, as
you can charge your electric bike here for free while you
enjoy its beer menu. Four special beers are available for
a fixed price of €12.50, but if you’d like to to avoid filling
up on liquid calories, you can go for the simple meal of the
day. Café Zomerlust is also a good place for breakfast,
lunch and intimate jazz concerts. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00,
Fri 12:00 - 01:00, Sat 11:00 - 01:00, Sun 10:00 - 24:00.
Closed Tue. TH6EBKW
Het Dorstige Hert H-5, Bredaseweg 397, tel. (+31)
dorstigehert-tilburg.nl. After a walk or a cycle through the
wooded area of Waranda, you can have an intimate drink at
Het Dorstige Hert (The Thirsty Deer), which is popular with
day trippers, locals and university students. The staff are a
little older than the average employee of an inner city pub,
but this does nothing to lessen the atmosphere here. The
interior, on the other hand, is definitely of an antique variety
and is decorated like our grandma’s living room with a sturdy
wooden cabinet and a wooden chandelier. However, grandma,
it seems, throws excellent parties. QOpen 15:00 - 24:00.
Closed Sat. LGBX
Saints D-3, Heuvelring 222, tel. (+31) 135 36 77 11,
[email protected], www.saints.nl. The entrance is hard to find,
but once upstairs pool enthusiasts won’t be disappointed.
Although there are plenty of tables for everyone, there’s
not much in the way of atmosphere, which could be due to
the fact that the drinks here are just as expensive as in the
city centre. At least there you might have a chance of being
served by an attractive waitress. QOpen 19:00 - 01:00, Fri,
Sat 14:00 - 02:00, Sun 14:00 - 24:00. JGX
Pubs
Babbus D-3, Heuvel 46, tel. (+31) 135 45 35 39. On
weekdays you usually find students in this pub on de Korte
Heuvel, but at the weekend the high bar stools are occupied
by a somewhat older crowd. In both cases the atmosphere
remains free and relaxed with experienced staff that know
what a properly poured beer is supposed to look like. The
regulars welcome newcomers with sincere smiles and expensive marketing concepts aren’t employed at Babbus. You can
make your own night here by requesting a song and shaking
your stuff on the tiny dance floor. QOpen 15:00 - 02:00, Thu,
Fri, Sat 15:00 - 04:00. PJGBX
Bolle D-3, Piusplein 8, tel. (+31) 135 81 02 90, www.
cafebolle.nl. In 2011 this place was named one of the best
pubs in the Netherlands. During the day you’ll encounter
families with children as well as businesspeople enjoying lunch
and in the evening students cram into this familiar building on
the Piusplein. The stage at the back is frequently occupied
by live bands and you may just happen upon a famous band
on a weekday. You’ll definitely notice all of the muppets that
decorate the pub and the menu offers affordable student bites
as well as extensive three-course meals. QOpen 10:00 04:00, Mon, Tue, Wed 10:00 - 02:00, Sun 11:00 - 02:00.
(€9 - 14). TJAUGBKW
Brandpunt D-3, Piusplein 7, tel. (+31) 135 35 96 49,
www.cafebrandpunt.nl. Brandpunt has been making students happy for decades. It’s one of the few real student pubs
in town where you can spend an evening drinking special beers
on draught. Other draws include the large outdoor terrace and
its affordable food, not to mention cheap specials and good
offers like ‘steak Tuesday’ and ‘spare-rib Wednesday’. But five
nights a week the place is cleared and the stage is littered
with boasting, slurring students and the air-conditioning
seems to be out of order, which means that the clammy air
quickly reeks of beer and sweat. On Friday night the average
age drops so drastically that if you’re 21 you’re already a walking fossil. On Sunday nights hockey players and their beautiful
fans take control of the dance floor. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00,
Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00. JGBK
Pool & Billiards
Poolcentrum 4 Friends H-5, Koestraat 144, tel. (+31)
135 44 22 81, [email protected], www.poolcentrum4friends.nl. This is a classic pool hall with lots of
pool and snooker tables, dart boards, good background music
and room enough for both amateurs and sharks. You can also
take lessons here. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00, Fri 12:00 - 02:00,
Sat 13:00 - 02:00, Sun 13:00 - 01:00. JU
Tilburg nightlife
Spring/Summer 2012
E33
33
E34
Nightlife
Burgemeester Jansen E-4, Piushaven 22, tel. (+31)
burgemeesterjansen.nl. Johannes Franciscus Jansen
was the longest serving mayor of Tilburg (1869 - 1901) and
thereby practically solely responsible for the construction of
the Wilhelmina canal which flows into the Pius harbour. This
is also the exact place where the Burgemeester Jansen pub
was established in 2005. You have to stray off the beaten path
to get a beer here, but it’s definitely worth the trek. The large
interior is decorated sparingly with austere tables, yellowing
maps and wooden beer crates as the only embellishments.
Roughly a dozen different beers are available on draught and
the service is friendly. It’s also the only pub in Tilburg with a
terrace by the water. QOpen 15:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 15:00 02:00. Closed Mon. GB
De Heeren Van Tilburg C-3, Stadhuisstraat 21,
tel. (+31) 135 82 03 16, info@deheerenvantilburg.
nl, www.deheerenvantilburg.nl. Insiders know that you
can eat truly delicious food for relatively low prices at this
lovely pub that’s a mixture of old-fashioned elegance and
modern nonchalance. The menu offers plenty of variety and
we highly recommend the pot of mussels or the suckling pig.
Big steaks and enormous schnitzels also get a thumbs up.
In summer you can sit outside with a view of the old Heiken
Church that dates back to 1829. For those who’d like to
learn some Dutch, an afternoon at De Heeren Van Tilburg
might be a good start. QOpen 12:00 - 04:00. Closed Mon.
JAUBKW
De Plaats D-3, Piusplein 61, tel. (+31) 135 36 91 54,
[email protected], www.deplaats.nl. On Sundays
crowds of people dance to jazzy tunes played by live bands
at De Plaats, but on most other days the pub usually caters
to a local group of regulars despite its central location in the
heart of the city. You won’t find dirty, grubby Persian rugs on
the tables or a smoky pool table in the centre of the room
here. Instead you can expect a bright and fresh décor. QOpen
11:00 - 03:00, Mon 20:00 - 02:00, Tue, Wed 11:00 - 02:00,
Sun 15:00 - 02:00. J6GBKX
Het Elfde Gebod D-3, Paleisring 23, tel. (+31) 135 36
68 69, [email protected], www.hetelfdegebod.
eu. Jews and Christians have the Ten Commandments, but
Tilburgers have added their own. The eleventh commandment
(Het Elfde Gebod or thou shalt enjoy) is the focal point of this
pub where you can eat very well. The comprehensive menu
is a cut above the rest and offers such local delicacies as
venison. Guests also come here for the large variety of beer
that flows from the tap. The entire pub is decorated with
Catholic paraphernalia such as scenes from the Crusades
and statues of Christ on the cross. The large terrace is also
popular and it provides comfortable chairs and blankets in
case it gets chilly, not to mention a place to have a smoke.
QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Sun 12:00 - 02:00. (€16 - 21).
TJ6GBK
Heuvel 15 D-3, Heuvel 15, tel. (+31) 135 35 08 06,
[email protected], www.heuvel15.nl. Heuvel 15 has been
around for 30 years making it the oldest pub on Korte Heuvel.
The owner has such a good time at his pub that he never skips
a day and happily keeps the Hertog Jan beer flowing from the
large Delft blue tap. Although the spirits are lined up gracefully
behind the bar, Heuvel 15 calls itself a wine bar as well as a
pub. This isn’t surprising in view of the large variety of wines
on offer, which is unusual for such a small place. Interior design
isn’t Heuvel 15’s strong suit, but who says that a bar has to
be stylish when you’re just out for an evening of fun? QOpen
14:00 - 02:00, Thu 14:00 - 03:00, Fri, Sat 14:00 - 04:00, Sun
14:00 - 01:00. Closed Mon. JGBX
Joris D-3, Piusplein 5, tel. (+31) 135 44 60 16, info@
cafejoris.nl, www.cafejoris.nl. Café Joris offers some kind
of activity almost every day. Watching football is popular
among locals while the many live performances, karaoke
evenings and open mic nights with singer-songwriters are a
magnet for many young patrons. Stand-up comedians and
even magicians regularly make appearances here and thanks
to unusual snacks like steak strips and jumbo shrimps, this
is a wonderful place to come for a bite, too! QOpen 11:00
- 02:00. JGB
Kandinsky C-2, Telegraafstraat 58, tel. (+31) 135 44
49 24, [email protected], www.biercafe-kandinsky.
nl. Every pub in Tilburg offers beer, but only one can call
itself Tilburg’s best beer lovers bar. The menu boasts no
less than 200 different brews, many of which flow freshly
from the taps. Unfortunately it’s a bit too much to try them
all in one go, although we certainly tried our best. The relaxed staff, the greatly varied clientele, every beer served
in its own branded glass and music that’s not turned up
too loud make this the ideal place to sit and chat with
friends. Hundreds of enamel beer platters also adorn its
walls. QOpen 15:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 15:00 - 03:00, Sun
15:00 - 24:00. GBX
Peanuts C-3, Stadhuisstraat 19, tel. (+31) 135 90 52
17, www.cafe-peanuts.nl. Nobody knows why Peanuts is
called Peanuts. There are no nuts on the bar and the pub
doesn’t have any Charlie Brown memorabilia. Peanuts is actually a really modern, tidy version of a garden shed with lots of
things that sparkle, including neon lights, which makes it the
perfect location for a camp disco night. With a light screen
over the stage, which constantly changes colours, you can
relive the golden era of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
QOpen 19:00 - 04:00, Sat 15:00 - 04:00, Sun 15:00 - 02:00.
Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. J
Stoffel D-3, Heuvel 13, tel. (+31) 135 45 72 17, fax
(+31) 135 45 72 18, [email protected], www.stoffel.nl.
If there were an election for the cleanest establishment in
the restaurant business in Tilburg, Café Stoffel would win by
a landslide. Over the years the management has placed an
emphasis on its food and a child-friendly atmosphere. You can
have a great lunch or dinner here for a reasonable price, but
it’s definitely not the place to go dancing. The café is better
suited to a lazy afternoon playing games. In fact, there are
shelves loaded with board games and you can play scrabble,
chess and even Risk on specially painted tables. When the
weather is nice the sliding doors are opened bringing the
outdoor terrace and the pub together. If, however, we were to
choose one thing that we’d like to change here it would have
to be the ghastly wall paper! QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Thu,
Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00. (€15 - 20). PTJ6EGBKW
Join the party in Tilburg
Nightlife
Van Horen Zeggen C-3, Stadhuisstraat 15, tel.
(+31) 135 23 43 14, fax (+31) 135 23 43 15, info@
cafevanhorenzeggen.nl, www.cafevanhorenzeggen.nl.
Many events and celebrities from Tilburg’s long and storied
past have been immortalised on the wallpaper at Van Horen
Zeggen, which means ‘hearsay’. This includes local folk hero,
and Holland’s most famous singer, Guus Meeuwis, who still
regularly comes in for a beer. You can expect a big party
here every weekend and as far as we’re concerned that’s
the best reason to come. In fact, the name ‘hearsay’ doesn’t
seem at all appropriate. ‘Much talked about’ would be more
suitable. QOpen 14:00 - 02:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 14:00 - 04:00.
JGBX
Student clubs
Boekanier C-3, Stadhuisstraat 11, tel. (+31) 135 43
19 03, www.cafedeboekanier.nl. The ambiguous slogan
‘Pijpen? Een Euro!’ has put De Boekanier on the map among
students. ‘Pijpen’ for which one euro is charged could refer to
anything from pipes, narrow glasses or bottles of beer to a
blow job. In this case, it’s not the latter, so don’t expect any
oral sex on the menu. The slogan in fact refers to a narrow
glass of Jupiler beer which can be purchased for only €1.10
on Thursdays. Other slogans include ‘geen kakje zonder zakje’
near the toilets (which refers to scooping up dog crap) and
‘No Feeding, Please’ above the DJ booth. QOpen 19:00 02:00, Thu, Fri 15:00 - 04:00, Sat 14:00 - 04:00. Closed
Sun. JGBX
Miller Time D-3, Piusplein 6, tel. (+31) 135 44 27 07.
Miller Time has undergone a large metamorphosis with a
new owner and a new look, but it still caters to the same
target audience as before: students. The staff try to make
a spectacle of every night and live by the club’s the motto:
‘Forget the old times, Feel the new times!’. Unfortunately they
haven’t quite succeeded. Thankfully you can settle down on
the enormous terrace, weather permitting, and get a nice tan
while enjoying a cool refreshment. QOpen 19:00 - 04:00,
Tue, Wed 19:00 - 02:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JGB
Philip D-3, Heuvel 38, tel. (+31) 135 80 03 61, info@
cafephilip.nl, www.cafephilip.nl. To many students in
Tilburg, Café Philip is like a second living room. On the ground
floor the bookworms dance like sardines in a tin to Top
40 beats, which can be requested through an English pay
phone booth. One floor down you’ll find a pub where you can
be your own DJ, but nothing beats the top floor. When you
have danced yourself into a sweat and have loaded up on
beer, you can stagger upstairs to get your coat and a greasy
snack from the wall. There’s nothing like a Dutch croquette
at 04:00! QOpen 20:00 - 04:00, Tue 19:00 - 02:00. Closed
Mon, Sun. JGBX
Traditional bars
Bet Kolen I-6, Broekhovenseweg 111, tel. (+31) 135 42
28 60, [email protected], www.betkolen.nl. Everyone in
Tilburg knows this 100-year-old bar whose founder, Bet Kolen,
was born in 1896. Although it was unusual for a woman to
start a pub at that time, everybody used to visit Bet’s and she
offered many drinkers a home away from home. In 2011 the
pub still has the same name and the same values: pay attention to the guests and make sure everybody has a good time.
The building consists of three parts. Up front there’s a bar,
next a large room which functions as a party centre followed
by a busy hall in which men play darts and billiards on one of
18 dartboards and 16 pool tables. QOpen 12:30 - 02:00,
Tue 17:00 - 02:00, Fri 12:30 - 03:00, Sat 12:00 - 02:00, Sun
11:00 - 02:00. GX
The Tilburg Fair by night
De Triangel E-3, Lanciersstraat 70, tel. (+31) 135 35
47 58. The Triangle is to Tilburg what Cheers is to Boston.
Literally everyone seems to know each other’s name here.
Landlord Frank doesn’t just pour the cheapest beers in
Tilburg, but he also acts as a special kind of social worker.
If necessary the friendly barkeep even takes on the role of
bouncer, although any form of aggression is hard to find in
this old-fashioned pub. Sleek marketing concepts have never
infected this local haunt where the oak tables are still covered
with Persian rugs and kitschy white lace curtains decorate its
windows. For some this is the height of archaic Holland, but
we love it and so do many of the regulars who have treated
this pub as their living room and home away from home for
over 50 years. Q LX
Lambiek I-5, Wilhelminapark 66, tel. (+31) 135 36
43 51, [email protected], www.kaffeelambiek.nl.
What makes this pub named after a popular Belgian comic
strip character so special, apart from its excellent location
directly opposite the Wilhelmina Park, is that there’s always
something going on. Lambiek organises live acts, jam sessions or workshops on an almost daily basis and it’s an ideal
place to go after a visit to Tilburg’s two largest museums only
a stone’s throw away. We personally keep coming back for the
40 or more speciality beers it serves. QOpen 19:00 - 01:00,
Fri 16:00 - 02:00, Sat, Sun 19:00 - 02:00. EG
Wine bars
Square D-3, Heuvelpoort 324, tel. (+31) 135 36 53 71,
fax (+31) 135 35 47 00, [email protected], www.
squaretilburg.nl. Heartbroken? Square is the place for you.
The saccharine voices of Celine Dion and Whitney Houston
commiserate with your heartache from the loudspeakers,
the precarious tiles on the ceiling look like they might release
you from your pain at any moment and the view of the side
of the McDonald’s and bus station is guaranteed to depress.
On the other hand, the affordable prices, friendly service and
delicious snacks make up for many of these shortcomings.
All this modern looking place needs are a couple of lounge
chairs and you’ll be able to take your next date here! Hopefully
your ex will be somewhere else. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Mon
11:00 - 18:00, Thu, Fri 09:00 - 23:00, Sat 09:00 - 24:00, Sun
16:00 - 23:00. (€5 - 10). PJBKW
Spring/Summer 2012
E35
35
E36
high times in holland
The Dutch people’s laid back liberal attitude is perhaps
best illustrated by its very reasonable and unprejudiced
drug policy. The Netherlands has been recognised as an
excellent example in drug control matters. By decriminalising
the consumption of some soft drugs it has successfully
reduced soft drug abuse and relieved its justice and penal
systems - as well as created an exceptional, unmatched
party scene.
In fact, the English word ‘drug’ even comes from the Dutch
‘drouge’ or ‘droge-vate’, which meant dry [-barrels] (as barrels
of dried herbs used to be imported by the Dutch and were
intended for medicinal use). The most famous soft drugs
available in the Netherlands (to over-18s of course) are weed
and magic mushrooms, as well as other legal highs. The
questionable content of legal highs and recent criticism of
the ingredients and manufacturing standards will mean that
this guide will not cover this type of soft-drug. Naturally, we
believe natural highs to be the only safe high.
Despite recent legal changes due to pressure from the
European Union, the Netherlands is still the best place for
dabbling with new experiences. All types of weed, hash
and skuff can be found at very good prices if you look hard
enough, but decent stuff by world standards can usually be
found around the corner. Look out for busy shops with little
or no front decor, as well as the pungent aroma of cannabis
smoke wafting from the entrance.
Of course, this type of soft drug can be consumed in
many different ways. Smoking is the most class mode
of administration, however, eating is also commonplace,
particularly in the new tobacco-free world which is coming
into being. It is also possible to smoke cannabis without using
tobacco, by using tobacco alternatives - pure cannabis or a
vaporiser (available for use in only the best coffee shops).
It may be important to note for cost-effectiveness in your
partying that for a first-timer, eating cannabis can have a
strong and sometimes unpleasant effect, so small quantities
are advised. For regular smokers, however, they may be
disappointed to hear that in our opinion, eating cannabis is a
much less efficient way to get high, therefore the effect may
be very much reduced. Also for cannabis food (also known as
space food) it’s important for the THC (the active ingredient
in cannabis) to be cooked into fat or dissolved in alcohol for
the effect to be felt. A sprinkle of hash on a muffin or in a hot
chocolate will most likely have no effect, as one’s stomach
acids destroy the THC without absorbing it.
If it’s your first time sampling nature’s gifts, it’s important
not to underestimate Mother Nature’s power and potential.
They can be very potent and end up giving you a bad time if
one doesn’t follow a few simple rules: keep something sweet
with you, in case you start seeing stars; keep something to
drink with you, as a good smoke will completely dry out your
mouth; keep someone with you, in case you fall over (or
worse, particularly in the case of mushrooms). You’ll be glad
to know that the only known death from cannabis was in the
United Kingdom, as a result of an illegal market which ‘cuts’
cannabis with other substances to increase its weight. This
hazardous concoction briefly appeared in the Netherlands,
but quickly disappeared as people could easily avoid it.
For mushrooms, some recent changes may put a damper
on your party plans, as psilocybin-based mushrooms are
no longer legal. This came about as a result of excessive
mushroom use by tourists. Despite this change in the law,
magic mushrooms which do not contain the illegal active
chemicals, are still sold in some smart shops. The most
common types are philosophers stones and Mexicans.
Peyote, or cactus, can also be purchased dried and
gives a very strong trip which can cause strong nausea,
so you might want to stick with more traditional soft drugs
should you be inclined to experience high times in Holland.
Remember to get rid of all these natural highs before leaving
the Netherlands as the possession of these substances is
illegal pretty much everywhere. In the case of weed, try to
keep a separate change of clothes to travel home in, as
sniffer dogs can even react to strong aromas left behind by
cannabis such as smoky jeans. The main thing to remember
is to be educated about the drugs you use so as not to be
taken by surprise.
Embracing the haze
Now that’s a big spliff
You should also bear in mind that there are usually
two types of weed sold; haze, which has high THC
content and creates a strong stoned or high feeling; and non-haze which has a somewhat milder
effect. The price difference may sometimes be
quite substantial between these two types, as
haze weed plants (usually strong sativas - for
those in the know) are bigger and harder to grow
properly than non-haze (usually strong indicas)
plants. If you’re a non-regular smoker, or even a
regular hashish smoker, start with non-haze, and
then perhaps try a haze joint to see how you feel.
For regular (weed) smokers (close to daily), haze
weed will show you how truly stoned you can get,
but beware as some types may stick you to your
chair, and you may drool (well, maybe not the
second part).
High times in holland
Coffeeshops in Tilburg are much less of a touristy affair than in
most large cities in the Netherlands, probably due to the fact
that few tourists visit this former textile manufacturing hub. It
does, however, have some of the most genuine coffeeshops,
again probably due to the fact that a successful coffeeshop in
this city will need to attract a more permanent, local crowd.
As a result, coffeeshops here tend to be surprisingly
welcoming, although, as always, there are some exceptions.
The city’s coffeeshop business suffers most importantly
from smuggling day-trippers from neighbouring Belgium,
Germany, and even France and Luxemburg, so it’s fairly
obvious that the authorities and coffeeshops are cracking
down on selling herb that may be destined for export.
Another reason why this city suffers from the threat of a
meddling central government is simply due to the fact that the
weed itself is of the highest quality and on offer for a reasonable price, more so than in most cities in the Netherlands.
Having said this, while it’s probably not the most scenic
city in the Netherlands to wander around in while having a
smoke, you can feel more comfortable here than in other
Dutch cities as a result of Tilburg’s laid-back, working-class
liberal attitude. It does after all have a substantial student
population and their experimental approach to life seems to
have rubbed off on the rest of the population.
In terms of herb, as well as coffeeshops, Tilburg definitely
has a few gems to be discovered, as you’ll certainly find out.
Coffeeshops
Casa A-1, Gasthuisring 73, tel. (+31) 135 44 34 92.
Close to the train station, this slightly dingy coffeeshop is nothing special. In fact, better places can be found further down
the road, but if you really don’t have the time this will do. Large
windows allow some people watching while sitting at tables
and chairs or perhaps one of the sofas. The menus are run of
the mill, so it’s hard to find something particularly appealing
about Casa, especially when one bears in mind its nearby
competition. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 24:00.
Crackers A-3, Bredaseweg 165, tel. (+31) 135 43 22
39. This coffeeshop with a welcoming, colourful exterior will
ensure that you have a pleasant, relaxing and possibly trippy
time. Friendly staff, multi-coloured stools, a good selection of
reading materials, chilled music and a light and airy vibe are all
there to make you feel at home. Local customers appreciate
the honesty of this coffeeshop that’s both stylish and cool
without trying to be. Q P
Pasja A-3, Bredaseweg 123, tel. (+31) 135 44 29 18.
With red leather armchairs, a dark smoking room and tiny
proportions, Pasja attracts an image-driven local crowd.
Drinks machines are provided, as well as toilets, but it pretty
much stops there in terms of amenities.
Rif D-1, Besterdring 157, tel. (+31) 135 44 32 89. With
a dark wood interior that one could almost describe as North
African, some music and a rather standard selection of herb
this place hasn’t taken its endeavour very seriously. It appears
to sell to tourists, who don’t stay that long, so maybe give it
a pass and head down the street for better options, unless,
of course, you just want a quick toke.
Shiva Koestraat 12, tel. (+31) 135 42 16 16, info@
shiva.nl, www.coffeeshopshiva.nl. This coffeeshop’s
popularity seems to lie in its good deals which is supported
by the many ‘export forbidden’ signs. With a black and red
theme, provided by comfy leather armchairs and wooden
tables, this place is a little on the dark side, but the lamps
that are present are ornate and worth a longer look, especially
when high. Interestingly, Chinese steamed rolls are available
to satisfy your munchies and should you wish to trip out on
flashing colourful images, a television is also available.
The Grass Company C-1, Spoorlaan 360, tel. (+31)
135 82 14 20, [email protected], www.thegrasscompany.nl. If you want to find the best coffeeshop
that’s closest to the station, this Grass Company establishment is probably the largest it owns and is only a few steps
away from your train. A large room with high ceilings provides
plenty of space for seating groups as well as any luggage you
might have. Providing restaurant calibre food, drink and herb
all in one place, this is definitely the best one-stop shop for
any departing or arriving visitor with herb in mind. The alwaysfriendly Grass Company staff serves you at your table, which
is a nice change from the usual coffeeshop self-service and
the original music selection is also a major plus. QOpen
10:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 24:00. PGKW
Toermalijn D-1, Besterdring 187, tel. (+31) 135 35
Maximillian A-4, Korvelseweg 192, tel. (+31) 135
75 36. With a beautiful garden, particularly friendly local
customers and a very good and even friendlier staff, this is
our favourite coffeeshop in Tilburg and perhaps even the entire
Netherlands. The pastel yellow colour creates a bright but
pleasant atmosphere and a good choice of drinks and snacks
are available to accompany the interesting, hard to grow,
100% sativa strains on offer here. QOpen 10:30 - 23:00,
Fri, Sat 10:30 - 24:00. B
Ochtendgloren D-4, Piusstraat 124. This place looks like
an old English public house with stained wood panelling and
wooden chairs, tables and bar. It’s a little dark, but the large
floor to ceiling windows create a light and airy atmosphere.
A pleasant outdoor area is also available on sunny days, a
feature all too rare in coffeeshops. As part of the Grass Company chain, Ochtendgloren serves a large selection of food
in addition to the usual offer of simple drinks and toasties.
This does tend to be slightly expensive, but then you do have
to pay for the benefit of herb smoking and eating. Pleasant
lighting as well as pictures on the wall succeed in providing this
coffeeshop with a slightly more sophisticated feel. QOpen
11:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 24:00. PBKW
Get your lips around this one!
35 21 89. Maximillian caters to a local middle-aged crowd
and isn’t what we’d consider a cosy place to sit and chill. It
is, however, modern and clean and sells exceptional herb
at decent prices. It’s probably just a place to pop in for a
purchase while wandering around the city and maybe not
the ideal coffeeshop for a longer smoking session. QOpen
10:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00.
Spring/Summer 2012
E37
E38
What to see
Tilburg has more history and more old buildings than most
Dutch people are aware of. Indeed, there may not be any
canals with accompanying canalside houses like they have
them in Utrecht and Amsterdam, and no prehistoric megaliths like in Drenthe. But Tilburg still has many old things
which grace the town. Tilburg especially owes King William
II and Pater Donders much for the tourist attractions they
left behind. And there are also plenty of amusement parks
in the area with Efteling being number one, followed by
Beekse Bergen, Oliemeulen and Dierenpark Nuenen.
Essential Tilburg
Koningshoeven Abbey (Abdij Koningshoeven)
J-5, Eindhovenseweg 3, tel. (+31) 135 40 85 08, www.
koningshoeven.nl. If you think that only monks live in silence
and spend the whole day praying, take a look at the Trappist
farm Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven. Here they’ve
been working hard every day brewing one of Europe’s best
beers since 1884. This is still the most important source
of income for the monastery, partially thanks to exports to
the United States where the beer is sold under the name
of ‘Koningshoeven Trappist Ale’. Nine special beers are
brewed here under the close supervision of the clergymen
themselves. Visitors will get a great impression of the whole
brewing process in an audiovisual tour or a proper guided tour
of the abbey where 16 monks between the ages of 24 to 81
live and work.QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. K
Buildings & Squares
013 D-2, Veemarktstraat 44, tel. (+31) 134 60 95 00,
www.013.nl. Pop Stage 013 is a combination of three concert
halls and is the largest music temple in southern Holland. The
large Dommelsch Hall alone can offer space for at least 2,200
visitors. The building itself stands out because of the round
shapes on its exterior that make it look like it’s covered with hundreds of CDs. 013 is conveniently located right on Korte Heuvel,
which means that many of the bands that play here have a beer
or whisky in one of the nearby cafés after a gig. The Fun Lovin’
Criminals, Moby and members of Faithless have all been spotted at pubs and clubs not far from here. Q PJUEGX
Fontys Rock Academy (Rockacademie) C-4, Zwijsenplein 1, tel. (+31) 877 87 41 66, rockacademie@
fontys.nl, www.rockacademie.nl. Fontys Rock Academy
is but one of the six academies that comprise the Fontys
School of Fine and Performing Arts. Students receive ‘higher
vocational education’ in pop music here. The academy has
brought forth a number of well-known Dutch pop musicians
including the rock band Krezip, Leaf and Intwine. The distinctive building itself is worth a visit. Q PJHREW
King Willem II Stadium I-6, Goirleseweg 34, tel. (+31)
135 49 05 90, www.willem-ii.nl. The stadium where
Tilburg’s William II professional football club plays has only
existed in its current form since 1995. At the time it was a
state of the art building, as most Dutch stadia were standing room only prior to its completion. The club itself was
founded 100 years earlier and was once quite prestigious.
In fact, William II was the first Dutch professional club and it
won the league in the first year, a feat they only managed on
two other occasions. 10 years ago Willem II’s players even
faced the best of European football in the Champions League,
but, unfortunately, since then things have gone from bad to
worse. The team has been relegated to the first division and
the stadium is now considered to be rather outdated, but it’s
still worth a visit if you’re in town and into the beautiful game.
If you ask the right person, you’ll be able to have a look inside
the stadium. QOpen 13:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun. HL
P a l a c e - To w n H a l l
(Paleis-Raadhuis) C-4,
Stadhuisplein 130. Many
Tilburg we ddin g ph otos
have b een taken on th e
stairs of the Palace-Town
Hall. Kin g William II had
the place built in 1847 as
a coun tr y retrea t in his
favourite town, but he died
in 1849 only 22 days before
its completion. In 1864 the
Rijks Hogere Burger school
was established in the palace and its most famous
student was none oth er
than Vincent van Gogh, who studied there for two years. In
the south wing of the palace you’ll find a reconstruction of
Vincent’s art room.
Between the years 1934 and 1936 it was converted
into the Town Hall. As the building had several purposes
throughout the years, there’s not much left of the original
design. Windows were replaced and the entrance has been
decorated in Art Deco style. Today it’s part of the Town Hall
and it’s connected by a footbridge to the black box. A marble
statue of King William II is located in the main entrance hall
and an Art Deco staircase with stained windows can also be
seen. A large book market is held on the square in front of
the palace each year on the last Sunday of August. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. J
Theatres Tilburg (Schouwburg) B-4, Louisbouwmeesterplein 1, tel. (+31) 135 43 22 20, fax (+31)
135 43 95 53, www.theaterstilburg.nl. Voted one of
the most beautiful buildings in the Netherlands by a group
of four leading Dutch architects in 2009, this theatre is
literally ‘a brick ode to the sixties’. The edifice perfectly
fits its surroundings and still has a modern look despite its
age. Naturally a lot of rebuilding and renovating has taken
place throughout the years, but much of the decor is still
from the 1960s, such as the benches that were designed
by the architect Bijvoet. Even the chairs inside the theatre
are originals. Q JY
Tilburg University H-5, Warandelaan 2, tel. (+31)
134 66 91 11, [email protected], w w w.
tilburguniversity.edu. The University of Tilburg was
established in 1927 as a Catholic business school. Now,
many years later, it’s the leading university in the Netherlands in business studies and its Faculty of Economics
is the third most renowned in Europe. Its many high-rise
university buildings are surrounded by woodland so the
higher floors offer superb views of the greenery outside and
the Tilburg skyline. Roughly 12,000 students study here at
six different faculties every day, or at least the ones that
aren’t hungover from the often exhausting student lifestyle.
Student housing surrounds the hundreds of square meters
of university buildings and there’s even a supermarket and
a student pub on the premises. QOpen 07:30 - 18:30.
Closed Sat, Sun. GKW
Westpoint I-5, Hart van Brabantlaan. The sixth tallest
building in Holland was built in Tilburg in 2004. Westpoint
measures an impressive 143m in height, which is less
than 22 meters shorter than the Maastoren in Rotterdam,
the Netherlands’ tallest edifice. Hundreds of people live
and work in this colourful concrete colossus, which can be
seen from several kilometres away due to its frequent use
of distinctive light sources. The 47m-tower contains 154
apartments. Q
What to see
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What to see
Süleymanìye Mosque (Süleymanìye Moskee)
I-5, Wandelboslaan 2, tel. (+31) 135 35 03 92, info@
suleymaniye.nl, www.suleymaniye.nl. The architecture
of Tilburg’s biggest mosque is a combination of modern
and Islamic styles. The roof of the building resembles a half
moon, with a star on top, but this isn’t really visible from the
ground. The star protrudes slightly to indicate the direction of
Mecca. If you’d like to see the interior you have to make an appointment. Tours are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Q G
Modern architecture
Appartementenvilla I-5, Bisschop Zwijsenstraat. The
Hasseltse Chapel
Churches & Religious buildings
Hasselt Chapel (Hasseltse Kapel) H-5, Hasseltplein,
tel. (+31) 134 68 10 89, [email protected], www.
hasseltsekapel.nl. This chapel is located on a small square
and dates back to 1536. The statue of Mary was added to
the chapel in 1796 and now the church organises an open
day during celebrations honouring Mary. This small house
of prayer has had several functions over the years from a
weaver’s house and a guest house to an emergency hospital.
These days the charming chapel is mainly used as a place to
get married, although a prayer service is held once a month.
QOpen 09:00 - 19:00.
St. Dionysos Church (St. Dionysiuskerk) C-3,
Stadhuisstraat 370. The present Church of St. Dionysius,
popularly known as Heikese Church, was completed in 1826.
Its style is neoclassical and inside you’ll find pillars with Ionian
capitals. The tower is the only remaining authentic part of the
original 15th-century Gothic church, which makes it the oldest
church in Tilburg. Due to the ‘new’ bricks that were added in
1895, the tower actually seems to be newer than the rest of
the building. The Heikese Church also has two 15th-century
candleholders and a 17th-century painting in its possession.
QOpen , Sat 18:30 - 20:00, Sun 10:30 - 12:00. Closed Mon,
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. J
St. Joseph’s Church (St. Jozefkerk) D-2, Heuvelring
122. St. Joseph’s Church, which people in Tilburg often refer
to as Heuvelse Church, is a neo-Gothic cross-shaped basilica
with three transepts. The church, which was designed by
Hendrik van Tulder, was built between 1872 and 1889. The
two octagonal 72m-high towers at the front stand out and
make this church the fourth highest building in Tilburg. The
church displays many influences from the French Gothic period
as well as St. John’s Cathedral in Den Bosch. In the 1950s
the transept was extended. The main organ as well as the
choir organ and the church itself are national monuments.
QOpen 08:00 - 18:30. J
St. Paul’s Church (Pauluskerk) B-3, Heuvelstraat
141, www.pkn-tilburg.nl. This neoclassical style octagonal
St. Paul’s Church was originally built in 1822 as a protestant
house of worship. A much older pipe organ from 1765 was
later placed in the church and is still there to be admired.
King William I of Holland visited the church only once, but King
Willem ll of Holland visited the church whenever he stayed in
Tilburg. In 2004 it was thoroughly renovated and both the
church and the organ are now considered to be national monuments. These days St. Paul’s belongs to an Indonesian-Dutch
Christian congregation. Q J
apartments and villas on the corner of the Primus van Gils Park
and the Bisschop Zwijssenstraat prove that contemporary
architecture and its stern lines can be very attractive indeed.
This inhabited work of art was developed as a pavilion and offers a 360 degree panoramic view of Tilburg’s city centre. Q
Avans Hogeschool Cobbenhagelaan 13. The thousands
of students who climb the stairs to their unique school building
every day probably take its unusual architecture for granted.
Anyone else who takes the trouble to have a closer look at
Avans Hogeschool will most likely be impressed when first
faced with this gigantic concrete colossus. The bright green
façade and the entrance with its wide stairs are uncommon
to Dutch architecture. If you ignore the colours you could even
imagine this building gracing an enormous freedom square in
some obscure city in North Korea or China. Once inside, space
prevails and you can see through the entire building from front
to back. What seem to be empty spaces and wide passages
are actually effective meeting points for students. Q
Monuments
Monument to the 15th Scottish Division (Monument van de 15th Scottish Division) C-4, Stadhuis-
plein. This monument was erected in honour of the 15th
Scottish Division. This division of the Scottish army liberated
Tilburg from German occupation on October 27, 1944. The
sculpture represents a bagpipe player. Q J
The Clothespin (De Wasknijper) C-1, Spoorlaan.
This monument in remembrance of the victims of World War
II can be found to the right of the Central Station. It’s a bell
tower with 12 small clocks, but due to its shape it’s popularly
known as the ‘clothes-pin’. Q
Museums
Audax Textile Museum
(Audax Textielmuseum)
I-5, Goirkestraat 96, tel.
(+31) 135 36 74 75, info@
textielmuseum.nl, w w w.
textielmuseum.nl. The Textile Museum offers insight into
the rich history of the textile
industry in Tilburg. It’s housed
in a 19th-century building and
the collection is divided into
four sections: textile science, design, industrial culture and
arts. One of the most impressive exhibits which every visitor
to Tilburg should see is the display of textile machines. You’ll
be transported to a time when steam-powered machines
ran continually to provide Europe with textiles. The place still
smells of wool and oil. Photo by Joep Vogels.QOpen 10:00 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Admission: adults €7, children
13 - 18 years €3, children 7 - 12 years €1.75, children 6 and
under free. TUK
What to see
Vincent’s Art Room (Vincents Tekenlokaal) C-4,
Vincent’s Art Room
Brabant Museum of Nature (Natuurmuseum Brabant) B-2, Spoorlaan 434, tel. (+31) 135 35 39 35, fax
(+31) 135 35 10 90, [email protected],
www.natuurmuseumbrabant.nl. The magnificent building
of Natuurmuseum Brabant houses thousands of beautiful
stuffed animals, fossils, plants and insects. Although the
entire museum is so child-friendly that it almost seems like
it was built solely for kids, this isn’t the case. Adults will find
plenty of interesting exhibits to keep them occupied. In the
new OO-zone, the Ontdek en Onderzoek (Discover and Research) part of the museum, you can explore nature yourself.
Compare bones or browse through one of the hundreds of
books about flora and fauna. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful
animals behind the glass of the high display cabinets. In addition to all this, the museum also has temporary exhibitions
like ‘Moeder’s Mooiste’ (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder),
where you can learn about exotic animals. Discover how a
humming bird uses its beak as a pipette and how a giraffe can
have a neck of up to 160cm in length. One of the permanent
exhibitions is ‘Brabant in de Ban van Buiten’ (Brabant under
the spell of the outdoors). Here you explore the diverse flora
and fauna that make the Brabant region so special. QOpen
10:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. Adults:
€7, children 4 - 17: €5. TJAGK
De Pont I-5, Wilhelminapark 1, tel. (+31) 135 43 83
00, [email protected], www.depont.nl. De Pont combines
the history of Tilburg with art. Since 1992 this former wool
mill has served as an exhibition space for numerous works
by contemporary artists. The natural light in the large hall
illuminates the pieces in all their glory. The so-called wool
cages house small rooms where you can see even more works
of art. There are temporary exhibitions and the permanent
exhibition contains works by Charlotte Dumas, Anton Henning,
Wolfgang Laib, Steve McQueen and Giuseppe Penone. Q
The Peerke Donders Pavilion: Museum for Compassion (Het Peerke Donders Paviljoen, Museum
voor Naastenliefde) J-4, Pater Dondersstraat 20, tel.
(+31) 134 55 72 45, www.peerkedonders.nl. A modern
museum was erected next to a tiny house in Tilburg where
the beatified friar and missionary Peerke Donders used to
live with his parents. The Peerke Donders Pavilion and Museum for Compassion is divided into three rooms. The first
one offers information about the life and work of Peerke, the
second displays a permanent exhibition about charity and
mercy and the third room is for temporary exhibitions. Next
to the museum, you can enter Peerke’s old home where
you’ll discover how he lived in a building about the size of a
postage stamp. On the other side of the house you can take
a look at the little church that was built in Surinamese style
after Peerke’s death to honour the priest and his charitable
work in that nation. QOpen 13:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. K
Stadhuisplein 128, tel. (+31) 135 42 91 97, www.
vincentstekenlokaal.nl. King William II had this beautiful
residence built for himself in the centre of Tilburg, but he
passed away just before the it was completed. The Royal
Family donated the palace to the city and it was turned into
the so-called ‘Higher Citizens School’. Hidden beneath the
palace you’ll find Vincent’s Tekenlokaal (Vincent’s Drawing
Room). This space is named after the most famous person
to have lived in the city. One of the first students to study
here was the now world-famous Vincent van Gogh. In 1886
he took classes here at the age of 13. The renowned painter
received four or five hours of drawing lessons a week in the
classroom of C.C. Huijsmans. Vincent’s Tekenlokaal can be
viewed again via an exact reconstruction that’s decorated
with a modern touch. Computers teach you about the illustrious painter and his experiences in school. Along the staircase
to the drawing room, Van Gogh’s wandering existence is
clarified with a time line of his turbulent life. Other than that,
pieces of text from letters that he wrote to his brother Theo
are on display. Historical images also illustrate how beautiful
Tilburg must have looked in Van Gogh’s time. This was long
before mayor Cees Becht (aka Demolition Man) ‘rid’ Tilburg
of its beautiful architecture. You can also see a class photo
of Van Gogh, although even experts still argue over which
child is actually Vincent. The photo is very valiable, as only
four other photographs are known to exist of the eccentric
genius. Still, Vincent’s Tekenlokaal is more of an actual drawing room than a museum. In a separate room you can learn
to draw digitally on a €3000 screen. QOpen 13:00 - 16:00.
Closed Mon, Sun. TJ
Out of town
Beekse Bergen Safari Park M-8, Beekse Bergen 31,
Hilvarenbeek, tel. (+31) 135 49 12 00, www.safaripark.
nl. De Beekse Bergen is the biggest and most popular zoo/
safari park in the Netherlands. More than 1500 animals live
here in a relatively large area. One of its main attractions is
the many ways in which you can view the creatures. Most
visitors drive around the park in large safari vans, but visitors with their own cars can also drive past the lions, giraffes
and rhinos very slowly. A rest area with plenty of goodies is
available halfway through the park near the tigers, penguins
and flamingos. Here you can also switch to a safari boat. It’s
also possible to explore the park on foot as a path a few
miles long leads you past monkeys, elephants, bears and
many other animals. Children who still have energy to spare
can burn off some adrenaline at the Kilimanjaro playground.
QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Admission: adults €19.95, children
3 - 11 years €17.95. TULBK
Liqueur & Soda Museum (Likeur & Fris museum)
M-8, Varkensmarkt 22, Hilvarenbeek, tel. (+31) 135 05
31 19, fax (+31) 135 05 09 05, info@likeur-frismuseum.
nl, www.likeur-frismuseum.nl. In Hilvarenbeek, southeast
of Tilburg, they know everything about making spirits... and
soft drinks. After all, some drinks are better with a good mixer
or at least a chaser. This museum, which is interesting for both
young and old, will teach you that both drinks happen to have
the same ingredients including water, sugar and flavourings
and the only real difference between them is the alcohol. This
fascinating museum also has the most extensive collection
of liqueurs in Europe. The old distillery and an avocat (egg
liqueur) factory from 1833 are the main attractions and although the museum may seem a bit corny and old-fashioned
to seasoned sightseers, it offers an interesting historical
picture of both drinks. Q Open April - October 13:00 - 17:00.
Closed Mon. Admission: adults €6, children 4 - 16 years €5
including a soft drink or liqueur for adults. TJU
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What to see
Museum of Religious Art (Museum voor Reli-
gieuze kunst) Vorstenburg 1, Uden, tel. (+31) 413
26 34 31, [email protected], www.
museumvoorreligieuzekunst.nl/. The province of Brabant
used to be full of monasteries. However, the majority of these
remarkable buildings have been given a new destination by
now. One of the few still active (women’s) convents is located
in Uden, southeast of Tilburg. Six sisters of the Bridgettine
Order devoted to the Passion of Jesus Christ united in the Abbey Maria Refugie, maintain age-old traditions here. Isolated
from the outside world and still behind thick bars. Living an
austere life serving God and wearing rather odd caps. For
Holland this is a first class cultural document in which medieval
thinking, Bridgettine spirituality and the twenty-first century
harmoniously come together. Particularly now the old wings
of the abbey have been renovated for use as a museum. This
Museum of Religious Art, which was founded in 1973, serves
enthusiasts of religious art and church artifacts. The small but
excellent museum houses a large number of medieval sculptures, a group of very rare monstrance dated around 1500, a
large collection of popular devotional objects (including tens
of thousands of In Memoriam cards) and numerous papers
and documents illustrating the history of the abbey and the
region. The collections of icons and modern religious art are
exceptional. The herb garden, with more than 150 different
kinds of plants, is also worth a visit. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00,
Sat, Sun 13:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. (€5). TULG
The Village Doctor (De Dorpsdokter) M-8, Doelen-
straat 53, Hilvarenbeek, tel. (+31) 135 05 40 93, post@
museumdedorpsdokter.nl, www.museumdedorpsdokter.
nl. The past has been coming to life at the Village Doctor (De
Dorpsdokter) museum in Hilvarenbeek for over 25 years. The
historic building under a picturesque mill has been split into
two exhibits. Woolly mammoth bones give a hint at prehistoric times and the rich Roman Catholic culture of the area is
illustrated through a variety of antique items, but it’s really
the country doctor’s medical odds and ends that deserve the
most attention here. Apart from a collection of fascinating
medical pictures and books, there are a number of horrific
instruments guaranteed to give any visitor the creeps. These
days a skilled carpenter could use these saws and pliers to
build a beautiful house, but only a century and a half ago
these were the standard tools of the trade used by a country
doctor who often had to serve as a surgeon, gynaecologist,
dentist, midwife, ophthalmologist and pharmacist all in one.
Unfortunately, the explanations of the implements are only
available in Dutch. QOpen , Mon 13:00 - 16:00. Closed
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. In July and August opened from
Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00-17:00. Op Sundays in May,
June and September opened from 13:00-17:00 uur. Admission: adults €2, children 5 - 12 years €1. TJL
Summer day at the Muzentuin
Parks, gardens & Cemeteries
Bredaseweg Cemetery (Begraafplaats Bredaseweg) A-3, Bredaseweg 45. The best-known cemetery in
Tilburg is Roman Catholic and dates from 1828. A number of
distinct, white cast-iron statues seem to guard the graveyard
on the side facing the street. You’ll also find a remarkable work
of illumination art, which is directed at one of the statues.
Many special tombstones can be found in the cemetery itself,
like Marietje Kessels’. She was murdered in 1900, aged 11.
Her body was found in the archway of the Sacred Heart Church
which was demolished in 1975. The murderer was never
found, but many people suspect it must have been somebody
associated with the church. QOpen 09:00 - 21:30.
Helga Deen Garden & Tilburg Synagogue (Helga
Deen Tuin en Tilburgse Synagoge) C-2, Willem II
straat 20. Helga Deen is essentially the Tilburg version of
Anne Frank. There’s a little park in the centre of town named
after this Jewish girl who kept a diary during her incarceration
in an SS-concentration camp (National Monument Camp
Vught). There are only a few bushes, some shrubbery, nine
small chairs and several Stars of David in the paving stones,
but this 16m2 park wasn’t created at random. The little park
was named after the 18-year-old Helga who later died in the
Sobibór concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. Q J
Leijpark J-6, Ringbaan Zuid. This 30 hectare city park
designed in English landscape style was created between
1934 - 1939 as an unemployment relief project. The park
contains a small creek called De Ley, which gives the park
its name. The Leypark is a pleasant park to walk in and in
the summer this is where Festival Mundial takes place, which
draws about 60,000 visitors each year.
Muse Garden (Muzentuin) C-4, Zwijsenplein 1. Since
there’s little greenery to be found in Tilburg, sitting in this
city park is like a breath of fresh air. Although there are only
eight trees in the garden, it seems like more. The garden is
located beside a little old church, which has been integrated
among the new buildings of the dance academy. Traffic noise
is dampened by the walls of the school and other city sounds
can barely be heard here. On a sunny day you can enjoy the
grassy surroundings, which include statues as well as the
architectural tangle of the new school buildings that surround
the little church. If you’re in luck, you might even see a live
performance by students practising their newly acquired
dance moves or hear a violin at a rehearsal. Q TJ
Oude Warande H-5, Warandelaan. This is the only remaining ‘star forest’ and one of the oldest baroque forests in The
Netherlands. The German prince Wilhelm Von Hessen-Kassel
had it designed in 1712. The lanes crossing the forest come
together in the centre forming a star pattern. The four different
parts each have their own pattern: square, circular, diamond
shape and octagonal. The forest covers 60 hectares and it
boasts several works of art, including one by Rien Claessen
called Inanitas, which means ‘open space’. The latest addition
is Pavilion Grotto, designed by Australian artist Callum Morton.
The Old Waranda is a relaxing place that’s ideal for running
and you’ll see many people doing just that. Q
Wilhelminapark I-5, Wilhelminapark. The Wilhelmina
Park is one of the oldest parks in Tilburg. It was designed
in 1898 in romantic fashion by Leonard Springer who also
designed the Wandelbos and Leijpark in the city. There’s a
duck pond, open pastures and winding paths between the
trees. Many students from the surrounding dorms move their
books and other vital learning materials (like bottles of beer)
to the park on sunny days. Q TJ6
What to see
Places of interest
Old Town Square D-2/3, Heuvelplein. De Heuvel
is the central square in Tilburg and the most important
shopping street, de Heuvelstraat, leads up to it. In 1419
‘den Hoevel’ was named for the first time. Until the water
tower on Bredaseweg was built in 1898, Tilburgers could
only get water from de Heuvel as it was the only place with
a water pump. A replica of this pump can still be found on
the Oude Markt. Until 1994 the square boasted an old
lime tree, but despite major protests, the dead tree was
finally uprooted. Wood from the tree has since been used
to create the mayor’s gavel and in a tableau in the city
hall. The square was completely rebuilt in 2008 and three
descendants of the old lime tree were planted in prominent
places in the middle of the square. De Heuvel also boasts
a statue of King William II, who proudly looks over the city
he loved so much. Q
Tilburg Regional Archives (Regionaal Archief Tilburg) E-3, Kazernehof 75, tel. (+31) 135 49 45 70, info@
regionaalarchieftilburg.nl, www.regionaalarchieftilburg.
nl. Do you really want to know everything about Tilburg? As
early as AD 709, the year that Tilburg was first mentioned,
documents and files were kept about its residents, districts,
streets and important events. At the Tilburg Regional Archives
you can see how Tilburg evolved over the centuries. It’s not a
museum, but of course it’s fun to have a look at the old books
yourself. With a bit of effort you’ll find the most extraordinary
facts about the town and its past. Besides, the building itself
is worth a visit because it’s housed in King Willem II’s old
stables. QOpen Tue, Fri 09:30 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Wed,
Thu, Sat, Sun. J
Sightseeing tours
Willem II Statue D-2, Heuvel. The municipality of Tilburg
bought this statue in 1924 from The Hague and gave it a prominent place on De Heuvel. The statue represents King William II
as commander-in-chief of the army. On the pedestal beneath
the royal there are four figures. The woman with a crown and
sceptre represents the monarchy. To her right sits Law. On the
backside there is Prosperity, complete with the Horn of Plenty
and coins. The last figure originally held a palladium, a figurine
of the deity of ancient Troy. This refers to the role of William II
as patron of the Netherlands. On the right side of the pedestal
is a lion with a sword between his front paws, which represents
the battles in which William II took part. Q
Theme parks
Efteling M-7, Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel, tel. 09000161, www.efteling.com. Although the majority of its
visitors are Dutch, anyone can enjoy one of the best theme
parks in Europe. The park is divided into four sections:
the Adventure Realm, the Fairy Realm, the Alternative
Realm and the Travel Realm. Start with a map that can
be bought at the main entrance souvenir shop for €1.50
as the park is large and can be a little confusing. So give
your map a quick look and head right through the middle
of the park to the the flying Thai temple where you can get
a clear view of what the park has to offer. Another great
way to get the lay of the land is to take the train that traverses the park. In the Alternative Realm you’ll find rides
with a specific theme. Like most parks this one can get
insanely busy so if you want to beat at least some of the
crowds go as early as possible and on a weekday. The
Veolia bus No.168 from Den Bosch and bus No.169 from
Tilburg take you here in less than half an hour. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. One-day ticket: €32, children under 4 free.
THAULGBKXS
Stadsgidserij www.stadsgidserij.nl. If you want to
discover Tilburg with a professional guide, you can sign
up for a tour from the Stadsgidserij. You can book various
walks, such as the centre walk, the centre west walk (which
includes a visit to the cemetery on the Bredaseweg), the
hasselt walk (where the Tilburg Castle once stood), the art
walk, the architecture walk and the culinary walk. Walks
in various other neighbourhoods of Tilburg that have rich
histories are also possible. Whichever route you choose
you’re guaranteed a fun, informative walk and you’ll discover
places that you would have never found by yourself. The
walks don’t take place every day so visit its website for
exact times and dates. Q
Statues
King Willem II Needle (Gedenknaald Koning Willem II) C-4, Stadhuisplein. King William II died in his home
in Tilburg at the very place where this obelisk, which was
erected in 1874, now stands. In 1968 the monument was
moved to make room for the construction of a motorway.
After years of storage, it appeared to be too heavily damaged to restore so a new one was made. The medallion
with the portrait of William II is the only remaining piece of
the original obelisk. Q
The Jug Pisser (De Kruikenzeiker) B-3, Nieuwland-
straat. This small statue was designed by Henk Smulders
and erected in 1986. The sculptor is also known for the
many statues he created for The Efteling theme park.
The sculpture honours Tilburg’s past textile industry. The
residents of Tilburg used to save their urine in jugs, which
was then used to wash wool in the factories, hence the Jug
Pisser. Q J
Roller coaster at the Efteling in Kaatsheuvel
Zoos & Animals parks
De Oliemeulen H-5, Reitse Hoevenstraat 30, tel. (+31)
134 63 00 26, www.oliemeulen.nl. This house of reptiles
isn’t for the faint hearted. You’ll see tarantulas, piranhas, tiger
pythons and crocodiles. It’s a large building with a number of
departments and the front section of the farmhouse displays
all kinds of special frogs in bright colours. A little further on,
you’ll arrive at the chameleons, adders and snapping turtles
and spiders and snakes can be found in the attic. Monkeys,
meerkats and parrots are housed in the enormous garden
and on busy days and on weekends there’s an impressive
presentation of birds of prey. The house of reptiles displays
informative signs next to each cage, but, sadly, only in Dutch.
If you have similar pets you can buy live beetles, spiders and
particularly fat maggots here to feed your snake or frog at
home. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. B
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Getting around
Getting around Tilburg is pretty simple, but here are a few
tips and suggestions. The old town is in fact so small, that
you can easily get everywhere you need to go on foot. If
you have to go a bit further, we recommend renting a bike.
Travelling to farther destinations by bus or train requires
an OV-chipkaart.
Public transport
The OV-chipkaart is the new means of payment for the entire
public transport system in The Netherlands. The smart card
is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip. The
OV-chipkaart can be loaded with credit in euros with which
you can travel anywhere within the country, or with another
travel product such as a single or season ticket. You can
also choose a personal, anonymous or disposable card. The
personal OV-chipkaart can be purchased online or from the
city public transport company. The anonymous OV-chipkaart
can be bought at the ticket office and vending machines at
the station. The disposable card can be purchased at the
station vending machine. This card allows the holder to travel
immediately, but it can’t be re-charged with another than the
original travel product.
You have to check in at the gate of the tram or bus by
holding your OV-chipkaart up to the screen. The sound and
light signal indicates your card has been read. If you do not
have a specific product on your card and, therefore, pay for
your journey using the OV-chipkaart e-purse, a boarding
rate will be deducted when you check in. The credit on your
OV-chipkaart should be enough to cover the boarding rate
or you won’t be allowed to go through the gate. At that end
of your journey, you check out by holding your card up to the
gate screen. The sound and light signal once again indicate
that your card has been read.
Bikes
The Netherlands is a bicycle country for a reason. The city
has a substantial network of cycle paths, known as the star
net-route or the ‘red cycle paths’, which criss-cross their way
through the city. You can rent a bicycle at the central station
at Fietspoint Derks for €7.50/day. Taking a bike on the train
cost you for the whole day €6. The city has five free guarded
indoor bicycle parks: Heuvel, Concertzaal, Katterug, Pieter
Vreedeplein and Stappegoor. Heuvel, sharing its name with
the square that it is located under, has the longest opening
hours, i.e., Sunday through Wednesday until 02:30 and
Thursday through Saturday until 04:30.
Buses
Tilburg has eight city buses, two district buses, and various
regional buses that will transport you to various places. The
city centre is more easily manageable on foot, however. With
line 169 you have a direct connection to entertainment park
De Efteling. And at night there are two ‘nightliners’ going
through Tilburg from the Spoorlaan, which deposit people,
more or less drunk, as the case may be, safely at various
places. The bus transportation is managed by Veolia
Transport Brabant which starts to the right of the central
train station. A large sign with place names and departure
times can be found at the edge of the bus station, and
the service office is located on the other side of the bus
station in the apartment complex Tilburion. You can pay
using the OV chipkaart or buy a ticket from the bus driver.
They do appreciate it if you can provide exact change. For
all information about routes and exact departure times,
you can go to www.9292ov.nl. When you enter your place
of departure and destination, it will show you the fastest
way to get there.
Taxis
Ordering a taxi by phone will get you better service and lower
rates for longer distances. The great majority of Dutch taxidrivers are honest and hard working people like everybody else
in this country. But essentially you are at the mercy of the
driver as once you’ve shut the door. Just make sure that the
meter is running before you set off. The following companies
are among the most reliable of the bunch. And please note
that all licensed cabs in all of the Netherlands have special
licenseplates. In contrary with normal license plates (who
are yellow with black), all taxi’s must wear blue numberplates
with black letters on it. Also a pricelist and the starting rate
should be clearly visible behind the window. And in case if
you have a terrible or rude driver, it’s easy to pinpoint him,
cause his personal license should be near the radio as well.
Algemene Taxi Service Tel. (+31) 135 42 08 00.
Stationtaxi Tel. (+31) 135 43 21 00.
Taxi Baron Tel. (+31) 135 32 18 38.
Taxi Reeshof Tel. (+31) 138 50 11 11.
Trains
Train travel in the Netherlands is easy. In the city you won’t
need a train to travel anywhere, everything in the city centre
is walkable on foot. If you wanna go to a different city, look
at www.nl.nl for the timetables. From the 4th of April and
onwards you can travel even in the night (only on Friday’s
and Saturday’s) between Tilburg and Den Bosch, Eindhoven,
Breda and Dordrecht.
Tilburg has three train stations: Central station, Tilburg
Universiteit, and Tilburg Reeshof. The central station, with
its three tracks, is a dwarf compared to the train stations in
Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Amsterdam. The front of the
train station faces right onto the city centre, and to get to
where you want to be, all you need to do is cross the street
and turn left or walk straight on.
For waiting travellers there are two kiosks, a shop with
coffee and cakes, a bookshop and a Sushi restaurant within
the station. Outside you will also find a kebab place and a tiny
supermarket. You can purchase train tickets at the service
desk in the hall or at one of the ticket dispensers. Do note
that the ticket dispensers do not always accept foreigner
bank cards, so make sure you have plenty of coins with you to
operate them. Close to the entrance you can change foreigner
currencies into Euros and vice versa.Tilburg Universiteit and
Tilburg Reeshof can only be reached by ‘stoptrein’ (a train
which stops at all small stations). Tilburg Universiteit is a
small way station with three tracks and is located close to
Tilburg University. Which also explains the presence of large
groups of young people with a thirst for knowledge. Tilburg
Reeshof has two tracks and connects to the most westerly
part of Tilburg, the new estate called Reeshof.
If you stay a longer period in the Netherlands, you might
consider buying a Voordeelurenabonnement Off-peak Discount Pass). Travel cheaply outside the morning peak period
is their motto. On weekdays, you receive a 40% discount on
train fare for journeys made after 9.00 in the morning. The
card costs €55 a year. And the price of a passport photo...
And it’s not only you who can benefit from this discount,
because holders of this card can travel with up to three
people and get the same 40% discount on the full fare. For
more information: www.ns.nl. Taking a bike on the train cost
you for the whole day €6.
Central Station B-1. Although smaller than many stations,
Tilburg central station seems better equipped and easier to
navigate. The station has a comfortable atmosphere that
stems from the many amenities it offers.
Getting around
E46
Shopping
While Tilburg isn’t exactly a shopper’s paradise in the traditional sense, its arty reputation makes it a great place
to pick up antiques, artwork and jewellery. Tilburg’s most
popular shopping area is the pedestrian street of De Heuvel. The city’s main department stores are also located
here. Enough patisseries and delicatessens are available
along the way to recharge from any shopping spree.
Antiques
De Refter B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 23 - 25, tel. (+31) 135
43 12 29, [email protected], www.refter.nl. If you’re
in the market for religious art, furniture, religious books or
antique monastic objects, than this is the place for you.
QOpen , Fri 12:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon,
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun.
Bookshops & Media
De Zevensprong B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 37, tel. (+31)
135 44 37 81, [email protected], w w w.
dezevensprong.net. This cheerful children’s bookshop offers a book crossing zone. The idea is to pick up a book for
free, finish reading it and then put it down again in a random
Book crossing spot somewhere else in the world. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Livius B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 56, tel. (+31) 135 43 59 44,
[email protected], www.boekhandellivius.nl.
Livius doesn’t just offer the current Top Ten, but also interesting stories about the city and region and, of course, Tilburg In
Your Pocket. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu
09:30 - 21:00, Sat 09:30 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Selexyz Gianotten C-3, Emmapassage 17, tel. (+31)
134 65 11 11, www.selexyz.nl. This bookshop, which is
one of the largest in Tilburg, has a great selection of books
of all genres. It also hosts a big collection of travel guides and
books about Tilburg. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 18:00, Sat 09:30 - 17:30. Closed Sun. J
Jimmy’s C-3, Stadhuisstraat 9, tel. (+31) 135 43 44
86, fax (+31) 135 80 05 65, [email protected], www.
jimmysmode.nl. This enormous clothing shop may be for
people in a higher tax bracket, but it’s still worth a peek if
only to pretend that you can afford something here. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed
Mon, Sun. J
Superfly B-2, Nieuwlandstraat 2, tel. (+31) 135 35
19 66, [email protected], www.superfly.nl. Big brands
like Levis fill the vintage shelves and cool unknown brands
adorn the clothes hangers. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon
12:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. J
Flowers
Bloom! B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 5, tel. (+31) 135 81 21
23, [email protected], www.bloomflowers.nl. The
most beautiful flower shop in Tilburg is situated in a stunning
building. In short, this is a florist with good taste. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed
Mon, Sun. J
‘t Boeketje C-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 178, tel. (+31)
tboeketje.nl. Even on grey rainy days this place has a
colorful and fragrant feeling. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00, Mon
12:00 - 18:00, Thu 09:30 - 20:00, Sat 09.30 - 17.00.
Closed Sun. J
Games & Toys
De Dobbelsteen B-3, Schouwburgring 155, tel. (+31)
Slagerij Kees van Hest B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 47-A,
tel. (+31) 135 42 22 16. This is a butcher’s shop with an
old-fashioned look, but the meat of course is fresh. QOpen
08:00 - 18:00, Sat 08:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Visspeciaalzaak Van Oursouw A-2, Prunusstraat
www.vanoursouw.nl. This speciality fish shop is located
just outside Tilburg’s city centre, but is definitely worth a
detour. The friendly owners will give you a sample of what’s
fresh and will even make you a sandwich. QOpen 09:00 18.00, Tue 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon,
Sun. PVS
dedobbelsteen.com. The owner of this shop takes the time
and effort needed to personally teach you any game, should
this be necessary. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Thu 11:00 - 21:00,
Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J
Het Zingende Nijlpaard C-3, Willem II straat 88, tel.
(+31) 135 35 38 29, fax (+31) 135 80 28 33, info@
hetzingendenijlpaard.com, www.hetzingendenijlpaard.
com. This place only sells nostalgic wooden and tin toys.
Neglected old toys are also patched up by the owner of
the shop, such as spinning tops that have been fabricated
in the same way since 1880. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon
13:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. J
Intertoys C-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 155, www.intertoys.nl. One of the largest toy shops in Tilburg is situated
in the cellar of the Pieter Vreedeplein. This shop doesn’t
place a big emphasis on modern video games and DVDs,
but rather on ‘real’ toys. The large collection of Legos
is especially impressive. Q Open 09:30 - 18:00, Mon
11:00 - 18:00, Thu 09:30 - 21:00, Sat 09:30 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. J
Fashion
Gifts & Souvenirs
Gimbrère D-3, Heuvelstraat 41, tel. (+31) 135 43 52
PickAlily B-2, Tuinstraat 106, tel. (+31) 135 35 68 88,
www.pickalily.nl. This lovely knick-knack shop will cheer
you up if only because birds start to sing when anyone walks
through the door. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Thu 11:00 - 21:00,
Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. J
Ethnic food & Delicatessens
50, [email protected], www.gimbreremode.
nl. This is one of the oldest fashion houses in Tilburg. The
founder opened the place in 1836 as an umbrella factory,
but it has since expanded to become a chain of 12 clothing
shops. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu
09:30 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Jan De Cock Mode D-1, NS Plein 45, tel. (+31) 135
42 16 62, [email protected], www.jandecockmode.nl. Jan De Cock Mode is an exclusive fashion shop
with well-known brands and very friendly staff. Q Open
09:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 09:00 - 21:00, Sat,
Sun 09:00 - 17:00.
Jewellery & Watches
Ocho B-3, Schouwburgring 5, tel. (+31) 135 45 50 62,
[email protected], www.ocho8.nl. Beautiful, affordable jewellery and watches, but also bags, belts and buckles. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Shopping
Shopping
Secondhand shops
Used Before B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 55, tel. (+31) 634
00 29 87, www.usedbefore.nl. Humbled by the economic
crisis or a lover of secondhand stuff? Whatever your reason,
this is a good place to buy a used washing machine, TV
or other household appliance for a decent price. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed
Mon, Sun.
Vincentshop D-2, Veemarktstraat 37, tel. (+31) 135
42 04 21, www.vincentiustilburg.nl. Come here for used
clothing and furniture for really affordable prices. With a
little luck you’ll even find an excellent book for around €2. All
proceeds help alleviate poverty in Tilburg. QOpen 10:00 17:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J
Viva Vintage B-2, Noordstraat 97, tel. (+31) 619 62
88 54, [email protected], www.vivavintage.nl. This is
the most orderly second-hand shop in Tilburg. It sells ladies
clothing and bags, but also quintessentially Dutch china
such as vermicelli and sugar jars. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00,
Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. J
Shopping centres
Emmapassage C/D-3, Emmapassage, www.emma-
passage.nl. This is a rather chic, indoor mall with a wide
range of shops and there’s always plenty of natural light
provided by the glass ceiling. Among the 22 shops are a very
large bookstore, fashion and shoe shops, travel agencies, a
jewelry boutique and a restaurant. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00,
Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 09:30 - 21:00, Sat 09:30 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. PTJ6ULGK
Heuvelpoort D-3, Heuvelpoort, [email protected].
This shopping centre houses two floors of stores. The ground
floor has 12 shops selling a variety of items, not to mention
a hotel and a restaurant, while the basement offers a gym
with a sauna. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00,
Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00.
TJUFLBKD
Schouwburg Promenade B-4, Schouwburgpromenade, www.schouwburgpromenade.nl. This partially
covered shopping centre houses over 35 shops. Some are
privately owned and independent, but some of the larger
international franchises are also available. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. TJ6UB
Speciality shops
De Feestspecialist B-3, Schouwburgring 157, tel.
(+31) 135 43 08 81, [email protected], www.
defeestspecialist.nl. You can count on this place for any
theme party you might want to throw. Buy festive costumes
and strange outfits for any occasion. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. J
Russian Market Kalinka Koningsplein 253, tel. (+31)
642 78 74 97. The first and only Russian store in Tilburg
sells the usual items you might expect like caviar and vodka,
but also Russian tea, preserved vegetables, candy and
cookies. Some of the products have English explanations
but others are written in Cyrillic, so when in doubt ask the
staff and make sure that a can of dog food doesn’t end up in
your stew. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu
11:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
Sigarenspeciaalzaak Havana D-3, Piusplein 4, tel.
(+31) 135 42 54 28, [email protected]. This has
been a Valhalla for Tilburg’s tobacco users since 1916. During
the Tilburg fair you can admire a miniature fairground in their
shop window. QOpen 08:45 - 18:15, Mon 12:00 - 18:15,
Thu 08:45 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. PJ
Shoppers at the book fair
The Innovators B-3, Heuvelstraat 133a, tel. (+31) 135
80 03 81, [email protected], www.the-innovators.
nl. The Innovators sell Apple products, but are also happy to
help with other computer related questions and problems.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Sports & Outdoor Shops
Sportief Tilburg I-6, Professor Goossenslaan 26, tel.
(+31) 135 43 39 60, www.sportieftilburg.nl. Sportief
Tilburg has been an expert on everything related to outdoor
sports and travel for over 30 years. Winter sports are also
taken seriously and are well represented in this 1,000m2
space full of snowboards, accessories and clothes. QOpen
09:30 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu, Fri 09:30 - 21:00,
Sat 09:30 - 17:00. Closed Sun. AU
Sweets
De Soete Inval B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 58a, tel. (+31)
135 43 36 71, [email protected], www.desoeteinval.com. De Soete Inval sells 700 different kinds of both
traditional Dutch and modern sweets. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Thu 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J
Tea & Coffee shops
Kaldi C-2, Willem II straat 68, tel. (+31) 135 35 07 51,
[email protected], www.kaldi.nl. From the plant or bean to
the liquid in your colourful mug, the friendly lady who runs Kaldi
knows all there is to know about coffee and tea. You can also
buy a present for friend or attend a barista workshop here.
QOpen 09:30 - 18:00, Thu 09:30 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00,
Sun 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. PJGW
Simon Lévelt B-3, Heuvelstraat 114, tel. (+31) 135
42 00 07, [email protected], www.simonlevelt.
nl. Simon Lévelt sells the best coffee beans and tea herbs
in town. The tea pots in the shape of a piano or a coach are
quite amazing. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00,
Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Wine & Liquor shops
T Drinks D-3, Heuvelpoort 318, tel. (+31) 135 80 11
26, [email protected], www.tilburgdrinkt.nl. This tiny
liquor shop is the only place to go for local specialties like
praotwater beer (talking water), knipoogske (a wink), and
Hullie Gullie, a unique liqour based on the Tilburg fair. The enormous whisky and beer collections are eyecatchers. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Spring/Summer 2012
E47
E48
Sports & Leisure
Diving
D-Diving L-7, Raadhuisplein 47, Rijen, tel. (+31) 682
04 71 20, www.d-diving.nl. This experienced dive team
will teach you how to appreciate life under water in a variety
of pools. Q
Fitness & Gyms
Health City D-3, Heuvelpoort 380, tel. (+31) 135 32
51 00, [email protected], www.healthcity.nl. This gym is
located in the basement of the Heuvelpoort shopping centre.
At first glance it doesn’t seem that big, but once inside you’ll
quickly come the the conclusion that it’s actually a veritable
work-out paradise. Exercising here isn’t cheap, but it does
have some fringe benefits like a pool and a sauna. QOpen
07:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri 07:00 - 23:00, Sat 09:00 - 20:00, Sun
09:00 - 18:00. JFD
Kwidam I-5, Cornelis de Vriendtstr 39, tel. (+31) 135 43
98 40, [email protected], www.kwidam.nl. Only women
are allowed to work out at Kwidam, a gym that specialises
in spinning, zumba and pilates. QOpen 09:00 - 22:00, Sat
09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun. GD
PUUR fitness H-5, Artemisstraat 6, tel. (+31) 135 90
01 40, [email protected], www.puur-fitness.nl. This is
by far the cheapest option for fitness aficionados in Tilburg.
QOpen 08:30 - 22:30, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 16:00. PTFL
Golf
Efteling Golfpark (Efteling golf course) M-7, Veldstraat 6, Kaatsheuvel, tel. (+31) 900 01 61, informatie@
efteling.com, www.efteling.com. Your dream golfing holiday doesn’t have to be the stuff of fairy tales. The Efteling Golf
course is a vast area with an 18-hole course and a practice
course. The clubhouse has a restaurant overlooking the rolling
lawn of the golf course and a golf shop for all your needs on
the links. Everything here exudes luxury, but you’ll also see all
of the typical Efteling accents designed by Dutch artist Anton
Pieck. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. HGBK
Prise d’Eau Golfbaan (Golf course Prise d’Eau) F-6,
Gilzerbaan 400, tel. (+31) 134 62 82 00, fax (+31) 134
62 82 01, [email protected], www.prisedeaugolf.nl. This golf course has no fewer than 27 holes. There
are nine holes bordering De Blaak, Tilburg’s well-to-do
neighbourhood at the edge of the city, nine holes around
the Leij, the river which runs through it, and nine in Sijsten, a
wooded area. QOpen 08:30 - 21:00, Wed 09:00 - 21:00,
Fri 08:30 - 19:00. HAK
Football: Willem II
March
Date
Time
Match
2320:00 Willem II - FC Dordrecht
April
6 20:00 Willem II - Fortuna Sittard
1320:00 Willem II - AGOVV Apeldoorn
2020:00 Willem II - FC Zwolle
Venue
W2
W2
W2
W2
Karting
De Voltage I-6, Groenstraat 139-391, tel. (+31) 135
80 00 07, fax (+31) 135 80 00 09, [email protected],
www.devoltage.nl. De Voltage was originally a part of the
Volt factory, nowadays it serves as an indoor entertainment
centre where you can have fun go-karting, playing laser tag
or paintball, try a rodeo or sumo wrestling or even play bungee football. QOpen 15:00 - 23:00, Wed 14:00 - 23:00, Fri
15:00 - 24:00, Sat 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. Closed
Mon. THEKW
Sports centres
Dolfijn I-5, Ringbaan Oost 2a, tel. (+31) 135 42 43 80,
www.tilburg-dolfijnbowling.nl. The Dolphin has 10 bowling alleys, but air hockey and billiard enthusiasts can also
have a great time here. Its shop offers all the professional
equipment you could possibly need to bowl a strike and kids
will have the time of their lives at its disco parties where you
can bowl under flashing lights. QOpen 14:00 - 24:00, Sat
12:00 - 01:00, Sun 13:00 - 23:00. GK
Montana Snowcenter Kemper vennendreef 4,
Westerhoven, tel. (+31) 402 07 18 88, [email protected], www.montana-snowcenter.nl. Montana
Snowcenter is an indoor ski park south of Eindhoven. The
centre provides skiing and snowboarding on real snow all
year long. The 7,000m2 of snow offers experienced skiers
challenging slopes, a mogul field and a big jump. There’s also
a separate run for beginners. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00, Sun
09:00 - 22:00. Admission: day ticket €31.
Skish Indoor Ski + Squash M-7, Gen. Eisenhowerweg
7, Berkel-Enschot, tel. (+31) 135 33 90 88, www.skish.
nl. If you’ve never skiiied before, this is an ideal way to learn.
You can pick up the basics on two small tracks, each 6m-wide
and 10m-long. Due to the large mirrored wall you’ll be able to
copy the movements of the instructors quickly and be ready
for the real slopes in no time. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00, Wed
10:00 - 23:00, Fri 14:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 14:00, Sun
10:00 - 14:00. Introductory lessons: €18. TJL
Squashcentrum De T A-2, Boomstraat 85, tel. (+31)
135 36 39 39. You’ll find this sports centre with four squash
courts along the picturesque Boomstraat. QOpen 09:45 24:00, Fri, Sat 09:45 - 18:00, Sun 09:45 - 13:00. J
Water parks
Recreatiebad Stappegoor (Swimming pool
Stappegoor) I-6, Stappegoorweg 1, tel. (+31) 135
Kids enjoy the water fountains on the Heuvel Square
32 59 00, [email protected], www.sportintilburg.nl/
Zwembaden/Recreatiebad_Stappegoor. The Stappegoor
swimming pool is small for a city like Tilburg, but children want
for nothing here with whirlpools, steam cabins and and the
wild rapids slide, which is fun for adults, too. It offers a pool
for competitions, one for recreation and a small outdoor pool.
QOpen 07:00 - 21:30. TGBKC
Health & Lifestyle
DVD rental
Cinematheek C-2, Willem II straat 6-A, tel. (+31)
cinematheek.nl. For those who have trouble choosing, the
Top-100 wall is a great source of inspiration and the staff are
like walking film-encyclopaedias. QOpen 14:00 - 22:30. J
Hairdressers & Barbers
Hardy’s E-4, Piushaven 1-D, tel. (+31) 135 36 52 00,
[email protected], www.hardys.nl. Having your hair cut here
might be more expensive than in similar places, but the stunning views of the Tilburg Piushaven from this hip hairdresser
boat are worth the extra cash. Call or make an appointment
on its website. QOpen 08:30 - 19:00, Mon 11:00 - 18:00,
Thu 08:30 - 20:00, Sat 08:30 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
John Beerens Haarstudio H-5, Professor Gimbrèrelaan 45, tel. (+31) 134 670 360, info@johnbeerens.
nl, www.johnbeerens.nl. You’ve come to the right place
if you want to have your hair cut by a local Dutch celebrity.
John, the bald barber, is one of the most well-known people
in Tilburg. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu
09:00 - 21:00, Fri 08:30 - 21:00, Sat 08:30 - 17:00. Closed
Sun. PA
Medical & Wellness
GGD H-6, Ringbaan West 227, tel. (+31) 900 463 64
43, www.ggdhvb.nl. The address for vaccinations for long
trips (and STDs), but come also here for a world of information
about all kinds of (scary) diseases. QOpen 08:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Mediq Apotheek Julianastaete (Mediq Pharmacy
Julianastaete) D-3, Heuvelring 212, tel. (+31) 135 42
63 52, fax (+31) 135 44 73 01, julianastaete.mediq-apotheek.nl. A centrally located pharmacy with all the medicine
and vitamins you might need. QOpen 08:00 - 17:30. Closed
Sat, Sun. PJA
Dentists
G.H.M. van der Zand B-2, Spoorlaan 378, tel. (+31)
135 80 18 88. QOpen 08:00 - 17:00, Fri 13:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sat, Sun. J
Doctors
Brands en Taminiau D-3, Heuvelring 138, tel. (+31)
135 42 37 34. Q J
Vets & Pets
Dierenkliniek Den Herd (Animal Clinic Den Herd)
A-4, Capucijnenstraat 78, tel. (+31) 135 42 02 74,
www.dierenkliniekdenherd.nl. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00,
Sat 09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun.
Spas & Beauty
SummerTan C-2, Telegraafstraat 13 - 15, tel. (+31)
135 42 47 09, [email protected], www.summertan.
nl. You don’t need an appointment to take advantage of this
state-of-the-art tanning salon. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Sat
10:00 - 21:00, Sun 11:00 - 21:00. (€4 - 9). PJG
Thermen Tilburg L-8, Moerse Dreef 10, tel. (+31)
135 71 54 10, [email protected], www.thermentilburg.nl. You can let yourself be completely pampered
at the largest and, in our opinion, best wellness centre
in town. With facilities like a Himalayan crystal salt stone
cabin, a rose salon and a light therapy room, you can be
sure that relaxing has never been easier. Your whole body
will be rejuvenated in the spa and the restaurant, which, of
course, serves healthy salads. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00, Fri,
Sat 10:00 - 24:00. PUGKD
Useful addresses
De Sleutelmaker I-4, Wagnerplein 65, tel. (+31) 134
56 22 73, www.desleutelmaker.nl. Q Open 09:30 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:30 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
GWK Travelex B-1, Spoorlaan 39, tel. (+31) 900 05
66, www.travelex.com. This is a handy address to buy
or cash traveller’s cheques, exchange foreign currency,
send and receive money from abroad or purchase calling
cards. Q Open 08:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00, Sun
10:00 - 17:00. JA
Lowie Kopie B-3, Schouwburgring 18 - 20, tel. (+31)
135 43 70 31, www.lowiekopie.nl. Printed textiles and
mugs, as well as photocopying and printing. Unfortunately,
it’s rather pricey if you only want one sheet printed. QOpen
09:15 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. J
Wasknijper I-6, Korvelseweg 132, www.wasknijper.
com. Six washing machines, four dryers and a selection of
magazines is all you need to get the laundry done. And 45
minutes of your precious time. QOpen 08:00 - 21:00. J
Was Me Groen ECOstomerij I-6, Broekhovenseweg
www.wasmegroen.nl. Eco-friendly steam and dry cleaning
services. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Thu
09:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Hospitals
St. Elisabeth Ziekenhuis (St. Elisabeth Hospital)
J-6, Hilvarenbeekseweg 60, tel. (+31) 135 39 13 13,
www.elisabeth.nl. This hospital is the place to go in an
emergency. Q PZTULGK
TweeSteden Ziekenhuis (TweeSteden Hospital)
H-4, Dr. Deelenlaan 5, tel. (+31) 134 65 56 55, fax
(+31) 134 63 01 96, www.tweestedenziekenhuis.nl.
This hospital specialises in many fields of medicine. Q
PZTULK
Massage
Pure L C-2, IJzerstraat 15, tel. (+31) 135 42 14 61,
[email protected], www.pure-l.nl. This ayurvedic massagesalon has the perfect city centre location when the daily
workload becomes pure stress. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Thu
10:00 - 21:00. Closed Wed, Sun. J
The garden behind the Interpolis Tower is a hidden gem
right in the middle of city centre
Spring/Summer 2012
E49
goirle
E50
If you’d like to take a day trip from Tilburg, the charming
Dutch villages of Goirle, Riel and Breehees are a great
option. The municipality has a small population of 23,000
inhabitants and each village has its own distinctive character. Best of all they are all connected by the beautiful
Regte Heathlands that are also home to six Bronze Age
burial mounds.
The name Goirle first appeared in a deed dated
July 26, 1292. The village, which is located next to the
Belgian border, was initially just a farming settlement
and its residents raised cattle and goats. These poor
agrarian workers would make extra money by weaving, a
foreshadowing of the village’s later status as a centre for
textile manufacturing. Some of the old factories can still
be seen today. Riel is also a traditional farming community
better known for its tanning industry and some of those
tanneries can also be found in the area if you know where
to look.
Eating & Drinking
De Eetkamer M-8, Tilburgseweg 34, tel. (+31) 135
34 49 00, www.eetkamergoirle.nl. You’ll find this tribute
to luxurious simplicity in a distinctive villa in the centre of
Goirle. De Eetkamer has been on the Michelin list of recommended restaurants for years and is distinguished, yet
surprisingly affordable. All of the tables have already been
set for lunch or dinner, but don’t let that deter you from sitting down for just a cup a coffee. Anybody is welcome here
and the service is very friendly. Although there are some
elaborate dishes on the dinner menu, the lunch specials
include simple Dutch food like a roll with kroket, which is
a kind of local sausage. Live lobsters and oysters float in
a bath on top of the bar so you know that the seafood is
definitely fresh. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Sat 17:00 - 24:00.
(€20 - 25). GBK
De Zeven Zonden M-8, Tilburgseweg 37, Goirle,
tel. (+31) 135 40 05 80, fax (+31) 135 47 06 66,
[email protected], www.de7zonden.nl. At the edge
of a shopping centre in the picturesque village of Goirle
you’ll find a big villa where people sin on a daily basis.
After all, who can control their gluttony when looking at a
delicious cake platter? And who doesn’t get greedy when
faced with a drinks menu offering 32 different kinds of
chocolate milk? It’s impossible not to get jealous when
your neighbour’s drinking brandy from a glass the size of
a fish bowl and the excellent service is bound to make you
lazy. In short, you’ll definitely sin in De Zeven Zonden. One
thing is certain however: there’ll be no need to confess to
losing your temper when you leave, as there’s absolutely
nothing to disappoint you here. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
(€26 - 31). GBK
NEW
En El Fuego M-8, Kloosterstraat 4, Goirle, tel. (+31)
135 34 43 45, www.el-fuego-goirle.nl. Although the name
of the restaurant means ‘on fire’ in Spanish, there’s nothing
all that hot about the décor. That said, as soon as the tables
are full and the din of chatter fills the restaurant, you suddenly
feel like you’re abroad in some Iberian destination. Although
the furnishings could use some work, the tapas are beyond
reproach. Order from the menu as you would in Spain or try
the ‘full table’ when the chef chooses a variety of delicacies
that stacked elaborately on your table. The staff are friendly
and motivated, unlike their colleagues in Barcelona or Madrid,
and seem to constantly be in motion bringing fresh plates
of cured ham or chorizo to neighbouring patrons. QOpen
17:00 - 21:00, Fri, Sat 17:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€18 - 25).
PTJABXW
Goirle In Your Pocket
Sightseeing
Goirle Windmills (Akkermolens) M-8, Molenstraat
80, Goirle, tel. (+31) 135 81 12 65, [email protected], www.akkermolens.nl. There are only two
authentic windmills left in Goirle. Of these, De Visscher,
built in 1875 at Molenstraat 80, and De Wilde, built in
1898 at Nieuwe Rielseweg 39, only the latter is still in
use. Grain is ground into flour regularly, but obviously only
when the wind cooperates. On Saturday mornings you can
come here to watch the age old milling process, which is so
typical of the Netherlands, or just to admire these amazing
examples of ‘archaic’ but useful technology that allowed
Holland to become prosperous all those many years ago.
QOpen Sat 09:00 - 14:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu,
Fri, Sun. TJ
Jan van Besouw Cultural Centre (Jan van Besouw
Goirle) Thomas van Diessenstraat 1, tel. (+31) 135 34
34 00, fax (+31) 135 34 76 70, info@janvanbesouw.
nl, www.janvanbesouw.nl. The Jan van Besouw Cultural
Centre is located in a former monastery in Goirle. The modern
interior instantly catches your attention upon entering, but
the theatre with roughly 400 seats is its main attraction.
A chapel, a grand café, conference rooms and a library are
also at your disposal. QOpen 09:00 - 24:00, Mon 13:00 24:00. HLGK
Regte Heathlands (Regte Heide en omgeving)
M-8, www.brabantslandschap.nl. Together with the
Riels Laag, Riels Hoefke, Halve Maan, Ooijevaarsnest
and Nieuwkerk, De Regte Heathlands comprise a nature
area of 876 hectares. It consists mainly of moors and
swamps as well as pine and deciduous forests. Due to
the damp climate, drosera, marsh gentians, inundated club
moss and bog asphodel all flourish here. Many different
species of birds and butterflies can also be spotted here
and there are plenty of walking routes throughout the
entire region. Among its most remarkable features are
the seven megalithic graves dating from the Bronze Age
(2000 - 700 BC). Q
Schapenheld Shepherd Tours M-8, Goorstraat 6,
tel. (+31) 135 08 33 78, www.schapenheld.nl. Have
you ever wondered what it would be like to cast aside your
urban existence in favour of a much simpler lifestyle? Well, if
you’re not exactly ready to sell your apartment and parking
space to move to the country, you can arrange a special day
at Schapenheld where a real shepherd will take you out on
a walk with the sheep to see what life was like many years
ago. A local lunch will be packed away in a cloth which is then
tied to a stick like in photos of Depression Era hobos you’ve
probably seen in old books and magazines. You can also
have a delicious, if expensive, meal of local lamb or throw a
children’s party with lots of pancakes on the farm. You must
reserve in advance. Q T
Where to stay
Ruys Willem Ruysstraat 9, Goirle, tel. (+31) 135
34 76 83, fax (+31) 135 34 75 29, [email protected], www.gastenverblijfruys.nl. Guest house
Ruys is located about five-minute drive outside of Tilburg.
This means you’re close to the comforts of the town, yet
the house is surrounded by greenery. This apartment
measures roughly 40m2 and consists of a bedroom, living room, bathroom and small kitchen and is suitable for
day-trippers as well as businessmen looking for a quiet
environment and personal service. Q 1 apartment (€44
- 50). GBW
E52
Loon op Zand / Kaatsheuvel
The municipality of Loon consists of the three villages of
Loon op Zand, Kaatsheuvel and De Moer, which have a
combined population of 23,070 people. Each village has
its own unique character. The oldest of the three is Loon
op Zand, formerly called Venloon. Loon op Zand got its
name from the moor (ven) and forests (loon) that are an
integral part of the area. In 1269 the village was lent to
William van Horne by the Duke of Brabant and became a
so-called heerlijckheid. Because Venloon was located
near the drifting sands of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen,
or dunes, it was later called Venloon op ‘t Sandt and finally
renamed Loon op Zand. The oldest mention of Kaatsheuvel dates from 1506, when it was referred to as Ketshovel.
A canal to transport peat from the surrounding area was
constructed then to develop the already incredibly lucrative peat trade. After the peat was exhausted, Kaatsheuvel became a centre for the footwear and leather industry,
but today it’s mostly known for its famous theme park,
The Efteling. De Moer was founded in the 14th century and
has never really grown since then. The name of the village
refers to its location on a bog. ‘Moer’ simply means moor
or boggy land in Dutch.
Arriving in Loon op Zand
Loon op Zand and Kaatsheuvel are located 5 and 11km north
of Tilburg, respectively. If travelling by car simply take the
N261. The villages are easily accessible by direct buses from
Tilburg. Buses No.136, 137 and 205 depart Tilburg Central
Station for Loon op Zand, De Moer and Kaatsheuvel. Bus
No.169 is an express bus to the Efteling theme park. All of
the villages are also within cycling distance.
Eating & Drinking
De Heeren van Loon M-7, Kerkstraat 64, Loon op
Sightseeing
Estate Huis ter Heide M-7, Middelstraat 1, De Moer,
tel. (+31) 135 15 93 45, www.natuurmonumenten.
nl. Between Loon op Zand and De Moer you’ll find the
650-acre Huis ter Heide estate. The area consists chiefly of
forests and marshes and it’s home to flora and fauna with
exotic names like the klokjesgentiaan, heikikker and the
vinpootsalamander, not to mention the Scottish Highland
cattle that graze on its fields. Huis ter Heide is a lovely, quiet
oasis of nature only 30 minutes away from the city and easily
accessible by bicycle. Q
National Park De Loonse & Drunense dunes M-7,
www.nationaalpark.nl. The dunes in this national park are
unique and not to be found anywhere else in North Western
Europe. Its sands are always moving. At the end of the 19th
century woodlands were planted around the ‘drifting lands’
to control this unusual movement. On the south side of the
park lies the De Brand marshland. Although very beautiful in
autumn and winter, the best way to explore the Loonse and
Drunense Dunes is on foot or by bike in spring or summer. Q
The Couwenbergh Windmill M-7, Vaartstraat 102,
Kaatsheuvel, tel. (+31) 416 53 02 30, www.restaurantdemolen.nl. This windmill was built in 1849 by Couwenbergh,
a local miller. Unfortunately, the mill was severely damaged
during World War II. In 1994 it was sold and then completely
restored by its new owners, who also converted the neighbouring warehouse building into a restaurant. The mill is still in
use, but only for milling flour to bake bread for the restaurant.
The windmill is accessible via a small entrance from the
restaurant. Take the stairs up three flights for a view of its
inner workings. QOpen 12:00 - 21:30. T
Where to stay
Zand, tel. (+31) 416 36 50 40, www.eetcafedeheerenvanloon.nl. For an affordable lunch or dinner in the heart
of Loon op Zand, look no further than this charming place
overlooking the church and a busy road. A three-course
meal won’t cost much and you’ll be welcomed with genuine
hospitality for which the province of Brabant is so famous.
Although not the place for cutting-edge culinary delights, you
can enjoy a good steak, spare ribs or a traditional ham here.
In short, it’s a good pit stop on your way to the Loonse en
Drunense Duinen or one of the other sightseeing highlights
surrounding the village. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Wed, Thu
16:30 - 24:00. Closed Mon, Tue. (€14 - 18).
tel. (+31) 416 27 45 27, www.delandereije.nl. This cosy
hotel is situated in the rural surroundings of Kaatsheuvel,
which borders the Loonse and Drunens dunes, an excellent
place for hiking and bike rides. The hotel has only 11 rooms
in a farmhouse built in the late 18th century and some only
have a shower, while others have a bath or even a whirlpool. If
you’re lucky you might be able to get one of the two rooms with
original bedstead. Behind the hotel you’ll find The Landerije
restaurant and in summer the big garden is a lovely place to
relax. Q 11 rooms (doubles €65). HGBKW
De Kiosk M-7, Oranjeplein 20a, Loon op Zand, tel. (+31)
Hotel de Kroon M-7, Gasthuisstraat 140, Kaatsheuvel,
416 36 16 21, www.cafebrasseriedekiosk.nl. Although
this establishment was actually a bandstand years ago, it’s
now been transformed into a café/brasserie. Located on a
cycling path heading toward the Loonse en Drunense Duinen,
it features a large terrace overlooking the bustling village
square. Its clientele is diverse and it can get very crowded in
the summer months, but in the winter you can sit behind the
tall windows or at the reading table with a hot chocolate or
perhaps something stronger. QOpen 10:30 - 01:00. (€12 16). PJUEBK
De Lakei L-7, Hoofdstraat 20, tel. (+31) 416 28 21
12, www.restaurantdelakei.nl. The staff bringing the food
to your table aren’t really lackeys as in centuries past, but
certain characteristics of the manservant can be detected
in this restaurant including a luxurious atmosphere, refined
culinary delights and a proper wine cellar. The hostess is also
a sommelier, so she’ll be able to help the inexperienced wine
drinker with any questions they might have. QOpen 17:00 24:00. Closed Tue, Wed. (€ 35 - 70). PJHAGKW
Loon op Zand In Your Pocket
De Joremeinshoeve Lage Zandschel 17, Kaatsheuvel,
tel. (+31) 416 27 35 67, fax (+31) 416 27 85 21, info@
hotelkaatsheuvel.nl, www.hotelkaatsheuvel.nl. This
somewhat old-fashioned hotel looks a little outdated at first,
but the service is top notch. Free parking is available and the
people at the reception desk are friendly. Although this familyoriented hotel looks a bit like a 1970s housing estate, its kids’
corner and close proximity to the Efteling amusement park
make it a good option if you’re travelling with children. A proper
breakfast is included in the price of a room, so it’s good value
for money for a short stay. Q 14 rooms (3 singles, 2 doubles,
5 triples, 4 quadruples €71 - 128). PTJAUGKX
Recreatiepark Het Genieten L-7, Roestelbergseweg
3, tel. (+31) 416 56 15 75, [email protected], www.
hetgenieten.nl. You can either camp at Het Genieten or stay
in one of its mobile homes on site. The small houses with
blue curtains and tidy lawns exude old-fashioned cleanliness
and propriety, but if you’re looking for a completely different
experience, you can stay in a circus truck with an old-fashioned
box bed. Q From €210 per week. TBKW
E54
turnhout
Exactly 800 years ago the Belgian village of Turnhout
gained the privileges of a town and many once-in-alifetime events will celebrate this achievement throughout
2012. Due to this fact, Turnhout is also an official Flemish
City of Culture for the entire year of 2012. This is an
apt title for a distinctive city that has plenty to offer day
trippers. Turnhout is also an attractive place for sports
enthusiasts and people who appreciate nature. The city’s
park is a great place for a picnic and many walking and cycling routes criss-cross the area, especially the Turnhout
Fens, just north of town. Shoppers will also have plenty do,
as will foodies and gourmets. And if you’ve still got some
energy left after perusing Turnhout’s shops and sights,
the town centre is full of lively pubs and bars. Naturally,
there’s no need to drive home after a long day, as there
are plenty of places to spend the night for all budgets from
campgrounds to 5-star hotels.
Arriving
Turnhout is located roughly 30km south of Tilburg. The former railway line between the two towns, the so-called Belgian
Line, has now been turned into a picturesque cycling path.
From Eindhoven, Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent take the E34
motorway to exits 23 and 24. Express buses also depart for
Turnhout from Antwerp and Tilburg. Two free parking areas
are located at the edge of town and you can then get to the
centre of town with public transport for only €0.50 return.
Tourist information
Toerismehuis ‘t Steentje Grote Markt 44, Turnhout,
tel. (+32) 144 43 355, www.toerismeturnhout.be. Some
towns hide their tourist information offices so well, that many
passers-by never find out what the town has to offer. Thankfully, Turnhout isn’t one of them. This spacious information
centre is located right in the city centre on the town’s most
important square. Q JW
Eating & Drinking
Argentino Patersstraat 12, Turnhout, tel. (+32) 144 78
791, www.argentino.be. Wining and dining often comes
at a price and this establishment is no exception. However,
there are few places in the centre of town that are better for
a meal than this cosy Argentinian restaurant. And although
this South American country is one of the best in the world
for meat-lovers, the menu also includes exotic steaks from
Asian Wagyu beef. In case you haven’t heard of these Japanese cattle, they generally enjoy a better life than most of us
humans. They are pampered by personal masseurs every day
to make their delicious meat more tender before it ends up
on your plate at this grill restaurant. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00.
(€24 - 29). JALGK
Huis Verbaandert Renier Sniederstraat 11, Turnhout,
tel. (+32) 144 11 962, [email protected]. Huis
Verbaandert is a multifunctional space housed in a beautiful
historic building where you can buy magazines, tea and cigars
and enjoy them in a special lounge on the top floor. Officially
you have to be a member of the Anilla Havana Lounge in order
to sit on one of its comfortable leather chairs, but you can
easily bypass this rule by asking for a free day pass. Owner
Stefan will gladly help you choose a simple Mercator or an
exclusive and expensive Cuban Cohiba Behike for a mere
€38 each. Even in the early hours, this place is usually full
of bon vivants sipping one of many whiskies or sherries and
you can also order the local Tilburg drink - warm Schrobbeler
with cream - in this stylish place. QOpen 07:00 - 18:00, Mon
07:00 - 12:30, Thu, Fri 07:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun. JALX
Turnhout In Your Pocket
Mc Cormack’s Irish Pub Grote Markt 4, Turnhout, tel.
(+32) 344 02 64, www.mccormacksturnhout.com. Mc
Cormack’s Irish Pub brings the best of two worlds together on
the corner of the Big Market. The cosy décor and authentic atmosphere are obviously Irish, but the drinks menu hints at a deviance
from the traditional Irish pub concept. Since 2011 the owners have
made some changes at this two-storey bar and have added a
more refined touch. The result is a trendier pub which doesn’t just
offer Guinness and plenty of Belgian beers on draught, but also believe it or not - wine, prosecco and champagne. Q JLX
Sightseeing
Begijnhof Begijnhof, Turnhout. If you didn’t have a map
or a handy IYP guide, you could just miss this hidden gem. A
visit to Turnhout simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit
to this 13th century complex. This oasis of tranquillity is
hidden behind a majestic entrance, but once you enter the
courtyard a different world unfolds before your eyes. Medieval
streets and buildings surround a central lawn with a baroque
church at its centre and a genuine grotto where Catholics
light candles and pray to the saints. The order of nuns after
which this beautiful piece of Turnhout is named, is long gone,
but the serene feeling is still palpable. This shrine where time
stands still was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in
1994. A convent museum is also available if you’re curious
about the lives of nuns.
Turnhout Castle Kasteeldreef, Turnhout. These days
the most attractive building in Turnhout functions as a court
of law. Turnhout Castle is another must-see sight in the town
and the grandiose building deserves a closer look. In the
past the fortification also served as a prison, a warehouse,
a fire house and a weaving school and today the castle still
proudly bears the scars of its rich history. The large murals
in the courthouse are also impressive, so it’s almost a
shame that the only people to see them these days aren’t
proud nights and beautiful noble women, but drunken or drug
dealing youths summoned before a judge. Sadly, the former
residence of the dukes of Brabant can only be visited after
a written request has been sent to the courthouse. Q J
Taxandriamuseum Begijnenstraat 28, Turnhout, tel.
(+32) 144 36 335, www.taxandriamuseum.be. This history and archaeology museum revives the past with a multitude
of precious objects and documents. If you’re fascinated by
antiquities, then don’t miss the 17th-century bible, a beautifully
bound book that’s so big it requires a weightlifter just to pick
it up. The bronze statue of Bacchus, which is over 2000 years
old, is still in excellent condition despite its advanced age. And
if you think that your office is a sweatshop, just take a look at
the painting called The Coercion Mill from 1891. QOpen
14:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00: - 17:00. Closed Mon. Admission:
adults: €7.50, children under 18 free. TJUL
Where to stay
Best Western Turnhout City Hotel Stationstraat 5,
Turnhout, tel. (+32) 148 20 202, www.turnhoutcityhotel.be. Many business people prefer to avoid Best Western
hotels, as they are franchises that have an increased risk
of disappointment. This reasoning often holds true, but the
Turnhout City Hotel is a pleasant exception. The sincere
and friendly owners have created a pleasant atmosphere
in which all guests feel at home. Reasonable prices, extras
like free internet and a generous welcome package will
help you understand why many consider this hotel to be a
home away from home. Its good location, helpful staff and
exceptionally clean rooms are also reasons to return. Q
POTJAFLGKW
E56
street register
In the footsteps of Van Gogh
Internationally, Vincent van Gogh is perhaps Holland‘s best-known son. As his parental home changed
regularly and the painter himself tended to roam as
well, many places in the province of Noord-Brabant
display traces of the creator of Sunflowers, The
Potato Eaters and other masterpieces. However,
his time spent in Tilburg at the Koning Willem II
Grammar School is perhaps the least known period
of Van Gogh‘s turbulent life.
When he arrived in Tilburg in 1866 he was an
inexperienced 13-year-old boy who took lessons at
the HBS grammar school. The school was housed in
King William II‘s palace which he had ordered built.
However, just before the building was completed the
king died. For a number of years the building was
left empty until the government instituted several
schools for civilians. One of those established was
the only grammar school in the province of Noord-Brabant.
Van Gogh was registered in Tilburg from 1866
until 1868. The painter lived in a boarding house at
Haringseind, which is now St. Anna Square at the
beginning of the Korvelseweg. There‘s a plaque on
the wall of the square commemorating the place
where he lived for one and a half years.
The renowned expressionist was taught by the
artist Constant Huijsmans, who was rather famous
at the time. This drawer, painter and writer of books
on art education, put a lot of effort into teaching
the drawing of perspective, a method which Van
Gogh struggled with in his later works. There‘s only
one known drawing from the master‘s youth and
one report card from his school days. The drawing
measuring 28.5x22.5cm depicts two sketches of
a man leaning on his spade.
The work is signed and dated V.W.v.Gogh ft 1867.
Many other large cloth paintings, which would now
be priceless, disappeared, having most likely been
recycled by the active textile industry of the day.
Van Gogh never completed his education at the
grammar school and in 1868 he left for The Hague
and a job at the art dealers Goupil & Cie. Still, it’s
fair to say that the foundation for Vincent’s artistic
career was laid in Tilburg.
It’s obvious that Tilburg‘s residents are proud of
this fact. You can follow a special Vincent van Gogh
walking route, which is available from the Tourist
Information Office (VVV). You can also visit Vincent’s
Art Room, a reconstruction of the classroom in
the current Palace-Town Hall where Constantijn
Huijsmans taught drawing. Follow in Van Gogh’s
footsteps and walk where he used to walk on the
Sint Annaplein, the Zomerstraat or the Oude Markt,
create your own painting in Vincent’s Art Room or
buy a bottle of Absinth, a dubious drink which Van
Gogh enjoyed to excess!
Old town street register
Aartestraat, Jan
D3
AcaciastraatA1
AkkerstraatA3
AlexanderstraatC3
Annahof, Sint
A4
Annaplein, Sint
A4
Annastraat, Sint
A4
AntoniusstraatB2
AtelierstraatC1
BarkstraatD4
BesterdringD1
BleshofB3
BodehofC2
BoomstraatA2
Bouwmeesterplein,
LouisB4
Brabantlaan, Hart van
A1
BredasewegA3
Brokxlaan,
BurgemeesterA1
BurgerijpadA2
BuxusplaatsA1
CapucijnenstraatA4
CatamaranstraatE4
CavaleriestraatD3
ClercxstraatD4
DamsstraatD3
DionysiusstraatA2
Dondersstraat,
Professor=3E2
DunantstraatE2
ElzenhofA2
ElzenstraatA2
EmmapassageC3
EmmastraatD3
EnschotsestraatE1
Esdoornstraat=4A2
FabriekstraatA2
FleminghofE3
FlemingstraatE3
FraterstraatA1
GaleipadD4
GaljoenhofE4
GaljoenstraatE4
GardiaanhofA4
GasthuisringA1
GirostraatC3
GoudenregenstraatE1
HarmonieparkB2
Helga Deentuin
C2
HendrikhofC3
HeuvelD2
Heuvel, Achter de E2
Heuvelpoort=1D3
HeuvelringD2
HeuvelstraatB3
HoogvensestraatE3
HuzarenstraatE3
IJzerstraatC2
JasmijnstraatE1
JolstraatE4
Josephstraat, Sint E3
KapelhofB3
KarrestraatC2
KazernehofE3
KerkpadC3
KlipperpleinD4
KloosterstraatB4
KoestraatD1
KoggepleinE4
KoningspleinC4
KoopvaardijstraatD4
Korte Schijfstraat A2
Korte Tuinstraat
B3
KorvelsewegA4
KotterstraatE4
KurassiersstraatE3
LaagstraatA2
LanciersstraatE3
LandsteinerstraatE2
Lange Schijfstraat A4
LangestraatB2
LeliestraatE1
LochtstraatA1
MadeliefstraatE1
MagazijnstraatC2
MariastraatB3
Mattheushof, Frater A4
MauritshofD4
MonumentstraatC3
NazarethstraatA4
NieuwlandstraatB3
NoordhoekringA3
NoordstraatA2
Ns-PleinD1
OranjestraatD3
OrdonnansenstraatE3
OudedijkB4
Oude Markt
B3
PaleisringD3
PasteurhofE2
PasteurstraatE2
Paulownahof, Anna C4
Paulussehof, Frater B3
PiushavenE4
PiuspleinD3
PiusstraatD4
PoststraatB2
RankenstraatB3
RoemerhofB3
Romboutshof, FraterA3
RozenpleinE1
RozenstraatE1
SalkplantsoenE2
SchoenerstraatE4
SchoolstraatA3
Schouwburgpromenade
B4
SchouwburgringB3
Sebastiaanstraat, Sint
D4
SeringenhofE1
Sonstraat, Van
A4
SophiastraatC3
SpoorlaanB1
StadhuispleinC3
StadhuisstraatC3
StadstraatC4
StationsstraatB2
Stolbergstraat, Juliana
vanD3
TelefoonstraatC3
TelegraafstraatC2
TelexstraatC2
TivolistraatE2
TjalkstraatD4
TrouwlaanA4
TuinstraatB2
Tulpstraat=5E1
UtrechtsestraatA2
VeemarktstraatD2
VincentiuspadB3
VincentiusstraatA3
VorstenhofD4
Vreedepad, Pieter C2
Vreedeplein, Pieter C2
Vreedestraat, PieterC3
Vrouweplein, Lieve A4
WagenstraatD1
WilgenstraatA3
Willem II Straat
C3
WillemspleinC4
WingerdhoekB3
ZomerstraatB4
Zuid-OosterstraatE1
ZwaanstraatD3
ZwijsenpleinC4
Zwijsenstraat, Bisschop
C4
old town map
E57
Netherlands map
Spring/Summer 2012
N60

tilbuRg - Roadburn

Transcription

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