How the Brasserie Groep came to be
The city of Leiden once asked entrepreneurs to turn the remaining medieval city gates into something special. Because this piece of heritage couldn’t be allowed to disappear. Two Leiden-based hospitality entrepreneurs, Bob and Johan, seized this opportunity. They transformed one of the gates into a seafood brasserie, and Brasserie de Poort was born. With that, Brasserie Groep was also born, even though no one was aware of it at the time. “We never had the intention of becoming this big,” says Bob Meijer, co-owner of Brasserie Groep. “Gradually, more locations came our way, each with its own character and its own story. That’s what defines Brasserie Groep.”
Locations with their own stories
Brasserie Groep has six locations, each completely different from the others. And that’s exactly the point. Brasserie de Poort is still located in that old city gate in the heart of Leiden, but has since become much more than just a restaurant. “Personally, I think the gatekeeper’s hall is one of the most beautiful rooms in the Brasserie Group,” says Bob. “You’re literally sitting right inside the gate, surrounded by arches and beams that are centuries old.” A spiral staircase leads up to a huge rooftop terrace with a stunning view of Leiden’s canals. Enjoying a drink atop the city gate is a truly unique experience.
Brasserie Park is located in an old farmhouse in Leiderdorp, adjacent to De Houtkamp city park. Inside, you can still see the original posts from the cowshed, the milk cans hanging from the ceiling, and the slightly weathered beams. Traces of the farm life that once took place here. You don’t just see it, you feel it when you’re here. Brasserie Park offers a warm and pleasant atmosphere and is often called the ‘living room of Leiderdorp’ for good reason.
Then there’s the Polderfabriek. Located close to the A4 and featuring a lush mix of industrial and green elements inside: concrete walls, graffiti, and plants everywhere. Step out onto the back terrace, and you’ll look straight into the polder where you can’t hear the highway. In the apple orchard, there are three gypsy caravans. Ideal for meetings that require you to truly get away from it all. At the spot where once a windmill was located, you’ll find the Molenkas: fully equipped with glass walls for a fantastic view of the polder. “You’ll also find our food park at this location, which is managed by biologist Joost and his team. We have an inclusive workplace. So Joost works closely with people with all kinds of differences and disabilities. These colleagues also work in various other areas within our brasseries,” says Bob. “Whatever is ripe in the food garden, goes straight to the kitchens. Tomatoes, pumpkins, berries, and herbs for example.”
Brasserie Buitenhuis is located on Lake Valkenburg, just outside Leiden. It’s a lovely, open space with a spacious terrace by the water and a relaxed atmosphere that you immediately feel as you walk in. The rooms can be flexibly arranged for meetings, dinners, or cocktail parties. Those seeking complete privacy can opt for the Buitencantine: a room that can be rented exclusively, separate from the rest of the venue. It’s ideal for quarterly reviews or sessions involving sensitive business information.
Tuincafé Zondag is yet another type of venue: a charming tea house in the Van der Werfpark, right in the heart of Leiden. It can be rented out in its entirety for drinks or small gatherings up to 60 people. There’s also a terrace and garden. Compact, but with an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
And for those who simply want to enjoy a great meal: Anna et Fred, the French bistro on Leiden’s Singel, is also part of Brasserie Groep and highly recommended. However, this location cannot be rented out for groups. Here, you can enjoy the sun the longest in the whole city while sitting on the terrace by the water. It’s no wonder this restaurant is a favorite of the Brasserie Groep team.
Hospitality you can feel
At Brasserie Groep, it’s all about two things: being a great brasserie and specializing in hosting groups. You’ll notice this from the very first contact. The four-person sales team actively works with you to find the best solution: which room suits your group best, in what layout, and with what program? In total, there are 21 rooms spread across the locations, so there’s almost always a good option available. As soon as guests arrive, they’re warmly welcomed and escorted to the room. A drink is waiting for them, and the team helps plan the timing and catering. The team takes care of everything that needs to be arranged and is happy to go the extra mile. “We never want our guests to feel like anything is missing,” says Bob. “That’s the philosophy you can feel throughout our entire organization.”
More than just a good meeting room
For a gathering, Brasserie Groep offers more than just a good meeting room. Those who are interested can build a whole program around the location. A boat tour along Leiden’s canals for example starting from the Poort, a visit to the local cheese farmer or beekeeper at the Polderfabriek, or a barbecue on the rooftop terrace with a view of the city. The team knows all possibilities, is creative, and works closely with clients to find the best solutions. Brasserie Groep also collaborates with trusted partners for technical support, music, and entertainment. Partners who know the venues and understand exactly what’s possible for which type of event.
Food that matters
Brasserie Groep started out as a restaurant, and it shows. The chefs cook along with the seasons. All meat is organic or free-range. Local suppliers play a natural role: cheese from Kaasboerderij 't Groene Hart, a five-minute drive away; eel from Eveleens in Burgerveen; and ice cream from Dames van Akkerlust in Stompwijk. Jams and jellies come from Oma Appel, made from fruit grown in the polder, and their own beer ‘Frisse Neus’ is brewed in collaboration with Brouwerij Pronck in Leiden, using lemon thyme from their own food park at the Polderfabriek. They also make a non-alcoholic version: Fopneus.
An organization you can count on
Teams and companies from all kinds of sectors know where to find Brasserie Groep’s locations and love coming back. From healthcare and education to technology and business services. The venues are stunning, the packages are well-thought-out, and the food is always exceptional. But what stands out most of all is that it never feels corporate. Anyone familiar with one Brasserie Groep location knows they can expect the same high standard of quality at the others, and yet every visit is a unique experience. Six locations, all completely different, and all well worth a visit. The only question that remains: which brasserie is the best fit for your next gathering or event?