ROTTERDAM, 13 June 2024 – A new premium restaurant and cocktail bar inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's tale offers a unique journey from Rotterdam to the moon. Celest will immerse visitors in storytelling and spectacular design, creating an extraordinary experience.

Magnicity unveils Celest at the top of the Zalmhaven

A new addition to Rotterdam’s skyline, Celest, will open at the top of the Zalmhaven tower. The restaurant and cocktail bar, created by Magnicity, is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's story "The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall" (1835). This unique concept aims to offer more than just a culinary experience, transporting visitors from Rotterdam to the moon through innovative storytelling and design.

A poetic and dreamy identity

Celest's concept is rooted in the story of Hans Pfaall, a Rotterdammer who travels to the moon in a self-made hot air balloon. This theme of celestial exploration will be evident throughout the restaurant, where elements like earth, oceans, the moon, stars, and planets will be incorporated into the design.

The name “Celest” is derived from the word “celestial,” evoking grandeur, beauty, and mystery. The logo combines 19th-century style with modern elements, featuring a hot air balloon reminiscent of 19th-century engravings, paired with contemporary typography.

With the microphone: Dennis Vermeulen, General Manager at Celest, reveals the plans. Far right: Eline Strijkers, interior architect responsible for Celest's look and feel

An unparalleled high-altitude experience

Magnicity, a global leader in urban tourism at high altitudes, has revealed plans for Celest, though specific details about the design and menu remain under wraps. Scheduled to open by the end of 2024, Celest will be located 190 metres above Rotterdam, offering the highest culinary experience in the Benelux.

Visitors will enjoy gourmet dishes, exceptional service, and stunning 360-degree views of Rotterdam. The experience begins on the ground floor as visitors step into the lift and embark on a journey to the moon, much like Hans Pfaall.

Upon reaching the 57th floor at 185 metres, visitors will encounter a moon-inspired landscape. The restaurant on the 58th floor, at 190 metres, will feature an interplay of light between the sun and the earth, designed by Doepel Strijkers Architects. The interior will transition from the cool northern lights to the warm glow of a sunset, creating a modern setting inspired by Pfaall’s fictional world.

The view from Celest, unfiltered, unedited and shot with a Samsung S24+

Location and directions for Celest

Celest, once it is open, will be situated at the top of the Zalmhaven tower. The area is well-served by public transport, including metro, tram, and bus services. For those driving, parking facilities are available nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 14 June 2024 – A new restaurant, 't Slaakhuys, has opened in Rotterdam, merging gastronomy with local heritage. Located in a historic building once home to the newspaper Het Vrije Volk ('The Free People'), the restaurant aims to offer an exceptional dining experience.

Restaurant 't Slaakhuys opens its doors in Rotterdam

A new dining establishment, 't Slaakhuys, has been inaugurated in Rotterdam. The restaurant is situated in the former office of the newspaper Het Vrije Volk, a building designed by architect Jo Vegter during the city's post-war reconstruction. The venue has undergone significant renovations and now features a modern and warm interior, including graffiti art by renowned Rotterdam artist Marcel Labrie. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Tonny Berentsen, the restaurant offers a distinctive culinary experience.

Gastronomic offerings

The menu at 't Slaakhuys has been crafted by chef Tonny Berentsen, known for his work at the classic French restaurant De Kromme Dissel, which has held a Michelin star for over 50 years. At 't Slaakhuys, the menu diverges with intercontinental influences, presenting contemporary and surprising dishes. Notable options include an upscale version of the Rotterdam 'kapsalon' with rendang and macadamia nuts, as well as timeless classics like sole meunière and poached lobster. The restaurant also offers breakfast, with options ranging from a leisurely weekend brunch to a quick meal for busy professionals.

Restaurant 't Slaakhuys opens in Rotterdam

International flair in Rotterdam

't Slaakhuys is located within the four-star-plus Fletcher Boutique Hotel Slaak-Rotterdam. General Manager Costa Panagopoulos aims to redefine the dining experience in a hotel setting, bringing international luxury to Rotterdam. The restaurant's setting is designed to accommodate various occasions, from breakfast with mimosas to celebratory dinners and post-work relaxation at the bar.

A piece of history

The building housing 't Slaakhuys was previously used by Het Vrije Volk. The editorial offices, where journalists once worked on pressing social issues, have now been transformed into hotel rooms. The building was described in 1954 by a Het Vrije Volk editor as "a newspaper palace, unparalleled in Dutch journalism, playing a significant role in the emergence of the new Oostplein."

Restaurant 't Slaakhuys opens in Rotterdam

Staying at 't Slaakhuys

The upper floors of 't Slaakhuys feature 74 high-end hotel rooms, offering luxurious accommodation with historical details. The rooms are characterised by large windows for ample natural light and decorative brickwork, reflecting the architectural style of Rotterdam's reconstruction. The hotel's design also includes a raw, industrial look, typical of the port city.

Directions and area

't Slaakhuys is located at Slaak 34, 3061 CS Rotterdam, within the Fletcher Boutique Hotel Slaak-Rotterdam. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby tram and bus stops at Oostplein. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the vibrant neighbourhood, which features a mix of historical and modern architecture.

ROTTERDAM, 16 April 2024 – Eurobrouwers, Schiedam's unique brewery, has launched its very own brewing facility. A significant milestone in the regional brewing landscape was marked with the opening last Friday.

Opening of the new brewery and tasting house

The new brewery and its associated 'Pilshuis' (tasting house) in Schiedam were inaugurated last Friday, introducing a facility equipped with a 600-litre brewhouse and a fermentation capacity of 6,500 litres. Notable products like Hoppig Blond and Superpils will now be brewed on-site.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from brewer Coen Wooldrik, who expressed his enthusiasm for the new capabilities and future brewing prospects.

Enhanced gastronomy and social activities

Coinciding with the brewery's opening, Eurobrouwers unveiled a refreshed food and drink menu. Offerings include a homemade aubergine schnitzel with kartoffelsalat, a Kielbasa pretzel dog accompanied by IPA pickled red cabbage, and traditional fish 'n chips served with remoulade sauce and mushy peas. New merchandise and a limited edition wooden crate containing 10 cans of their best-selling Hoppig Blond and a new Czech-style pilsner were also introduced.

Community and festive events

Eurobrouwers is known for its vibrant community events, such as the National Moulade (mussel feast), and has a lineup of activities planned for April. These include viewing the finals of the Dutch football cup featuring Rotterdam's on 21 April (supporting Feyenoord) and a festive King's Day event on 27 April featuring a flea market, children's activities, and live entertainment.

Directions and location

Eurobrouwers is located at the historic Glasfabriek complex in Schiedam, easily accessible by public transport and cycling paths from Rotterdam. The venue offers ample space with a distinctive industrial charm that has been thoughtfully integrated into the new brewery's design.

ROTTERDAM, 12 April 2024 – Maria & Pepe are set to return to OASE at the Maas this summer, offering a blend of culture and cuisine under the Rotterdam sun from July to August.

Pop-up restaurant returns to Rotterdam's OASE

For the second consecutive year, the pop-up Mexican restaurant and bar, Maria & Pepe, will reopen at the cultural hub OASE along the Maas river in Rotterdam. Following its successful inception in 2023, the venue will once again offer a space where food and culture intertwine from 11 July to 31 August.

A taste of Mexico on the Maas

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Maas, visitors can indulge in an array of Mexican dishes inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The evenings will be filled with food, cocktails, and social interactions, alongside salsa dancing, musical performances, and tortilla-making workshops.

Maria, one of the founders, shared, "Mexico is incredibly rich in colours, scents, and flavours. At Maria & Pepe, we aim to showcase this diversity through our responsibly sourced, plant-based menu that prioritises organic and local ingredients."

Born from love and sustainability

The concept for Maria & Pepe was born from a romantic encounter between Maria and Pepe (formerly known as Joost) in Rotterdam's Bergse Voorplas area. Their shared passion for authentic Mexican culture and sustainable living led to the creation of this unique dining experience.

Maria & Pepe (Joost). Photo credit: Michelle Urbiztondo

Commitment to transparency and community involvement

Maria & Pepe is more than just a dining destination; it is a community-centric project that embraces transparency and participation. All team members share in the revenue, reflecting their roles and hours worked. This model fosters a sense of responsibility and unity within the team.

A crowdfunding campaign will kick off in early May to gather the necessary start-up capital. The restaurant also aims to host at least 50 Rotterdam residents for whom dining out is not a common occurrence, with crowdfunding support helping to achieve this goal.

Important dates and opening hours

Crowdfunding starts: Early May
Reservations open: Mid-June
Open: 11 July to 31 August, Wednesday to Sunday.

The restaurant will operate from 17:00 until late, with the kitchen open from 17:30 to 21:30. Sundays will feature finger food and early dining options starting from 14:00, with the kitchen closing at 20:00.

Maria & Pepe restaurant returns to Rotterdam

Directions to OASE at the Maas

Situated at the vibrant cultural hub OASE along the Maas, Maria & Pepe is easily accessible via public transport and offers ample parking nearby. The area is known for its artistic atmosphere and stunning river views, making it a perfect spot for a summer evening out.