ROTTERDAM, 7 July 2023 – A new destination for leisure and dining is set to open this weekend in the heart of Rotterdam, offering a unique blend of entertainment, food, and stunning views of the city.

The Rooftop at GHG: A new city landmark

The Groot Handelsgebouw (GHG), an iconic building in Rotterdam, will be the home of the city's latest attraction, The Rooftop at GHG. From 8 July, residents and visitors to the city will have the opportunity to explore this vibrant new space, which offers a range of games for all ages, as well as a restaurant and bar. The Rooftop at GHG will continue the GHG's legacy as a bustling hub for activities and dining options. A monthly programme of exciting events, lively drinks, and artistic activations will be available until December.

Elevated comfort and dining

The restaurant and bar, managed by Spinning Group and Smoke Masters, will provide a full menu and a bar with a wide range of options. Guests will be able to enjoy their meals and cocktails in the colourful indoor space or on the sun-drenched terraces, both offering stunning views of Rotterdam's city centre. The menu will feature a variety of dishes, from comfort food to Mediterranean cuisine, prepared in the open kitchen and at two bustling food stations.

The Rooftop at GHG: Rotterdam's latest leisure destination

Activities for all ages

“Our aim is to create places that are fundamentally local, humble, layered, colourful, exciting, ambitious, and inclusive,” said Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, which owns the GHG building. “The Rooftop at GHG is our translation of this theory for Rotterdam. With a vibrant and playful atmosphere full of colourful elements, the entire concept becomes an immersive experience that stimulates the senses.”

The Rooftop at GHG: Rotterdam's latest leisure destination

About The Rooftop

The Rooftop is an initiative of Jamestown, a real estate company known in the US for creating vibrant innovation centres and community hubs, including Chelsea Market and Industry City in New York and Ponce City Market in Atlanta. In the Netherlands, Jamestown is currently leading the creative revival of GHG in Rotterdam and the Schinkelbuurt in Amsterdam.

Directions to The Rooftop at GHG

The Rooftop at GHG is located in the Groot Handelsgebouw, adjacent to Rotterdam Central Station. The area is bustling with a mix of multinational companies, startups, creatives, and cultural organisations.

ROTTERDAM, 28 June 2023 – Nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, the historic Didot34 restaurant, once a newspaper printing press, has evolved into a culinary haven. The restaurant, known for its unique shared dining concept, has recently introduced a new dinner menu, offering a diverse range of dishes designed to be enjoyed collectively.

A historic monument with iconic appeal

Upon entering Didot34, one is immediately struck by the warm ambiance and stunning interior. The preserved elements of the historic monument lend an iconic 1950s feel to the space. This setting, perfect for celebrating special occasions, also welcomes those who simply wish to enjoy a meal or a drink at the cosmopolitan bar, known for its beautiful brass lighting.

Didot34: Unveiling a unique shared dining experience in Rotterdam

Shared dining reimagined

This summer, Didot34 has elevated its menu with the introduction of a new shared dining concept. The menu, far from ordinary, surprises and delights with its variety of vegetarian options and unique dishes. Among the offerings are thinly sliced rib eye with yuzu, soy, garlic chips, papadum, and egg yolk, and roasted beets with stracciatella, parmesan crumble, watercress, and sourdough.

A culinary journey with Chef Michiel Buker

"Embracing an international cuisine that spans from Europe to Asia, we bring the essence of home cooking with international influences to life at Didot34. As an international port city, we consciously choose seasonal ingredients, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience. I look forward to sharing my passion for the craft and contributing to the ongoing development of the restaurant," says Michiel Buker, the new chef at Didot34.

Popular dishes

Didot34's menu boasts many crowd-pleasers. The internationally inspired dishes pique curiosity, and the use of local, quality products ensures they hit just the right note. From breakfast to lunch, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including egg dishes, avocado toast, and generously topped sandwiches with bread from Rotterdam's icon, Jordy’s Bakery.

Didot34: Unveiling a unique shared dining experience in Rotterdam

About Didot34

Located around the corner from Oostplein, in The Slaak Rotterdam hotel, Didot34 is housed in a building that is now a national monument and a typical example of Rotterdam's post-World War II reconstruction. The restaurant's name, Didot34, pays homage to the building's past, as Didot34 was the font used by the newspaper that once occupied the space.

Directions

Didot34 is situated in The Slaak Rotterdam hotel, just around the corner from Oostplein. The area is easily accessible and offers a variety of attractions for visitors.

ROTTERDAM, 26 June 2023 – An oasis of calm is blossoming amidst the bustling city centre of Rotterdam. Newly inaugurated restaurant Grace introduces its spacious terrace, invoking Mediterranean charm on the notable Coolsingel.

A tranquil escape on Coolsingel

The recent addition of a large terrace at Grace, an establishment recently opened in the city, invites guests to experience a serene city escape. Accommodating up to 250 guests, the location is situated opposite the grand city hall on Coolsingel. Reflecting Grace's interior, the terrace exudes international sophistication, reminiscent of the Côte d‘Azur's ambiance. Light hues and circular forms characterise the elegant design, while greenery and comfortable seating areas foster a tranquil atmosphere.

The meticulously arranged terrace provides an escape from the city's hustle, according to Niels van Putten, manager at Grace. “The terrace enhances Grace's international ethos. Every aspect, from the terrace design to the diverse dishes and beverages served, has been thoughtfully considered to create an enchanting environment for our guests,” he elaborates.

The story of Grace

After years of vacancy, the large corner building on Coolsingel underwent a major transformation spearheaded by seasoned hospitality entrepreneur Herman Hell. Taking inspiration from renowned restaurants in Paris, London, Barcelona, and Madrid, Hell endeavoured to create something unique in Rotterdam with Grace.

Headed by the distinguished chef Marco Prins, the impressive culinary team, along with the extravagant interior and a central location, contributes to the distinctive charm of Grace. Discerning visitors may note elements reminiscent of the 1920s within the bold, warm colour palette and stylish floor patterns.

Unveiling Grace's Large Terrace in the Heart of Rotterdam

Hell's Kitchen Horeca Groep

Hell's Kitchen Horeca Groep, established in 2001 by Herman Hell, operates several well-known restaurants and cafés in the Rotterdam region, including Loos, the Zalmhuis, Sijf, Nieuw Rotterdams Café, and Wester Paviljoen. The group, recognised for its courage, passion, and determination, was recently awarded the Rotterdam Entrepreneurship Award.

Directions and Location

Grace (or 'festive restaurant Grace') is located in the heart of Rotterdam on Coolsingel, directly opposite the stately city hall. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby tram and metro stops. It's also just a short walk away from the central train station.

This part of Rotterdam is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with an array of shops, museums, and other attractions nearby. If you're planning to visit, take some time to explore the vicinity and soak up the city's culture.

ROTTERDAM, 5 June 2023 – The culinary scene in Rotterdam has always been a melting pot of innovation and tradition, and SUGO Pizza is no exception. The popular pizzeria, renowned for its square, airy 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice), is making a notable shift this month. While dishes containing animal products were previously highlighted on the menu, the reverse is now true, with markings being placed on dishes containing plant-based ingredients.

A paradigm shift in dining?

The decision to make this change came from the company's director, Hugo Kruijssen, who explained that the company is striving to meet the growing demand for healthy and plant-based food. One example is the fully plant-based pizza with lamb kebab, red onion, and a dressing of garlic and pimentón. Despite this shift towards plant-based cuisine, milk is not entirely off the menu. Customers preferring non-plant-based milk, however, will be subject to a small surcharge.

A fresh approach to the menu

In addition to a majority of plant-based dishes, the menu also takes a new approach to ingredient labelling. Dishes containing egg, milk, or meat, for instance, are marked with a logo of the corresponding product. This is in line with the pizzeria's commitment to sustainable ingredients and varied plant-based eating. The Roman pizza served at SUGO is known for its high-protein flour, making it easily digestible. The base contains no fat and considerably fewer carbohydrates than an average pizza.

Partnering with Redefine Meat

In its pursuit of innovation, SUGO Pizza has formed a partnership with Redefine Meat, a company focusing on the development of 'new meat' that possesses the same taste, texture, and juiciness as animal meat but is 100% plant-based. This collaboration aims to develop innovative products for the SUGO Pizza menu.

SUGO pizzeria in Rotterdam is now fully plant-based

Directions to SUGO Pizza

SUGO Pizza has various locations in Rotterdam, including at Aert van Nesstraat 20, Weestblaak 87, Kleiweg and Prins Alexanderplein. These vibrant parts of Rotterdam are easily accessible.