Tilburg In Your Pocket #3, spring 2012 by Asega Media & Communication

Hotels Restaurants Cafés Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps

TILBURG Spring/Summer 2012

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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

A few words from the editor

Arriving in Tilburg

How to get to your hotel

The Basics

Getting to grips with Tilburg

History

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

Cafés E29 Classic cafés, bakeries and high tea

Nightlife E30 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

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Old town street register Old town map Tilburg map Greater Tilburg map Netherlands map

E56 E57 E58 E59 E60

Spring/Summer 2012

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.

E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S

In Your Pocket Netherlands Weikesstraat 21 5335 LE Alem Nederland Tel. (+31) 653 79 91 46 netherlands@inyourpocket.com www.inyourpocket.com In Your Pocket Tilburg tel. (+31) 135 453 298 (ASEGA Media) tilburg@inyourpocket.com ISSN 2211-2553 © In Your Pocket Netherlands Printed by Microdot in the EU Published two times per year 30,000 copies

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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It was a busy 2011 for In Your Pocket, with new guides published in Bulgaria (Veliko Turnovo), Netherlands (Amsterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht and Sittard-Geleen), in Austria (Vienna), in Croatia (Šibenik), in Switzerland (Zurich) and in Belarus (Minsk); 2012 promises to deliver many more new Pockets, including our first guides in Italy. The number of cities we cover has now climbed past 75, and the number of In Your Pocket guides published each year is approaching an amazing five million. To keep up to date, like In Your Pocket on Facebook (facebook.com/inyourpocket) or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/inyourpocket). You can also now follow our tips on Foursquare (foursquare.com/inyourpocket).

Editorial Editorial team Theo Leerintveld (theo.leerintveld@inyourpocket.com) & 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

Copyright notice Text and photos copyright In Your Pocket Netherlands 2011 - 2012. Maps copyright cartographer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without written permission from the publisher and copyright owner. The brand name In Your Pocket is used under license from UAB In Your Pocket: Vokieciu 10-15, Vilnius, Lithuania tel. (+370) 52 12 29 76.

Editor’s note The editorial content of In Your Pocket guides is independent from paid-for advertising. Sponsored listings are clearly marked as such. We welcome all readers’ comments and suggestions. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of going to press and assume no responsibility for changes and errors.

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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, vvv@tilburg.nl, 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

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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

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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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.

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BASICS

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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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.

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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

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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

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, info@bkkc.nl, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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

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CULTURE & EVENTS Rock, folk, jazz & More 22 24 25 27 28

Let your hair down at Solar Weekend, Holland’s very own Burning Man, beginning August 3

Rock, folk, jazz & More 8 10 11

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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

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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

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Spring/Summer 2012

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CULTURE & EVENTS Live music

Classical & Opera

Bolle D-3, Piusplein

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 22 11:30 Classical. Kamermuziekserie Souvenir. Enjoy the international music series and a surprise lunch for €10 24 20:30 Classical. Kamermuziekserie 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

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Theatres Bosvreugd Cultuurbos H-5, Reeshofdijk 12, tel. (+31)

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, info@denwevorst.nl, 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

Tickets

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SB SB

Jun 9 13:00 Classical. Lunch break concert by SB Lauri Brons, Mirjam Venema and others. Surprise lunch for €10

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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 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

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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

Venues 013 013 AH Ahoy Rotterdam (North Sea Jazz) BI Biddinghuizen (Lowlands) BS Binnenstad CB Cafe Bolle DP De Pont DPS De Petterlaarse Schans (Den Bosch) EHVN Eindhoven (Queensday) FW Festivalpark Werchter (Rock Werchter) HA Haarlemmermeer festival area Floriade (Mystery Land) HC Het Cenakel IT Interpolis Tuin LI Lichtenvoorde festival area De Schans (Zwarte Cross) LM Landgraaf Megaland (Pinkpop) LP Leypark MR Maasplassen Roermond (Solar Weekend) MZ Muzentuin NB Natuurmuseum Brabant NO Natuurtheater Oisterwijk NV De NWE Vorst OP Oosterplas (EuroHockey 2012) PA Paradox SB Schouwburg (film foyer NIET) SC Schijndel (Paaspop) SW Spaarnwoude (Dance Valley) W2 Willem II stadion WP Wagnerplein TM Audax Textiel Museum TS Terschelling (Oerol) VC Venlo city (Floriade)

Spring/Summer 2012

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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

Exhibitions 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.

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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

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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.

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.

An old acquaintance

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.

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

tilburg.inyourpocket.com

Theo Leerintveld

A trip to Kharkhiv

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.

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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, info@depostelsehoeve.nl, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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

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WHERE TO STAY

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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. Tilburg In Your Pocket

More hotels at www.tilburg.inyourpocket.com Buitenom J-5, Broekstraat 4, tel. (+31) 646 42 88

77, info@buitenomtilburg.nl, 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, info@eenderkoningshoeven.nl, 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, info@gustvandijk.nl, 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

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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, achtvan@xs4all.nl, 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, Biezenmor-

tel, 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

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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, info@efteling.com, 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 www.tilburg.inyourpocket.com Spring/Summer 2012

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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

A Credit cards accepted

E Live music

S Take away

T Child friendly

I Fireplace

X Smoking section

U Facilities for the disabled

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

Asian

Belgian

Easy Wok & Go D-3, Juliana van Stolbergstraat 23, tel.

Anvers B-3, Oude Markt 8, tel. (+31) 135 83 35 33,

(+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, info@restaurantjade.com, 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

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

info@oudemarkt.nl, 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

De Sinjoor B-3, Oude Markt 8, tel. (+31) 135 83 35

30, info@oudemarkt.nl, 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 Etenstijd J-6, Professor van Buchemlaan 4, tel. (+31)

Tilburg has a lot to offer for the whole family

Tilburg In Your Pocket

135 37 26 50, info@etenstijd.nl, 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

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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, bommel@beren.nl, 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, info@restaurantdebisschop.nl, 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

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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. Tilburg In Your Pocket

Slagroom D-3, Piusplein 6a, tel. (+31) 135 82 00

70, info@cafeslagroom.nl, 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, info@bonheurhorecagroep.nl, 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, info@restaurantbijwijzevanklijsen.nl, 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, lorangerie@live.nl, 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, info@puur-mercure.nl, 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

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RESTAURANTS Taste! D-3, Heuvelpoort 300, tel. (+31) 135 35 32 96,

info@taste-tilburg.nl, 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, info@hofstededeblaak.nl, 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, lebistro@planet.nl, 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, lucebert@theaterstilburg.nl, 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

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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, info@zorbadegriektilburg.nl, 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

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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, info@reunietilburg.nl, 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, info@rodeo-tilburg.nl, 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 o@7hillranch.nl, 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, info@tuinhuisculinair.nl, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

Yammie C-2, Telegraafstraat 1a, tel. (+31) 135 80 29 23, info@yammietilburg.nl, 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, info@intermezzotilburg.nl, 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, info@dekleine-indo.nl, 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, info@gember-sereh.nl, 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

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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

Jack’s Cuisine D-2, Pieter Vreedeplein 176, tel. (+31) 135 42 57 80, info@jackscuisine.nl, 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,

info@pinos-eetcafe.nl, 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, receptie@prisedeau-golf.nl, 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

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

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Pieter Vreede Square offers a variety of shops, a casino and a large cinema

Spring/Summer 2012

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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, info@sushisuki.nl, 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, info@sushi-koi.nl. ‘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, info@wokparadijs.nl, 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.

Koi D-3, Heuvelring 126, tel. (+31) 135 45 10 00, info@

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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

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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, tilburg@tortillas.nl, 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, info@hendrik-oisterwijk.nl, 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

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In the summer you can spend hours on one of the city’s many terraces

Spring/Summer 2012

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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,

info@fajalobi-tilburg.nl, 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 In Your Pocket

Tilburg’s lively café scene

Thai Jasmine I-5, Molenstraat 136, tel. (+31) 135 81

07 66, info@jasminethai.nl, 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

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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

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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, info@mugsandmuffins.nl, 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

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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,

info@clancystilburg.com, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

Symbol key P Air conditioning

A Credit cards accepted

E Live music

S Take away

T Child friendly

I Fireplace

X Smoking section

U Facilities for the disabled

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,

info@deprinsvan.nl, 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,

Michel@cafedeslijterij.nl, 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, info@cafe-extase.nl, 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,

info@havana-tilburg.nl, 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

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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,

info@cafejacks.nl, 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, info@littledevil.nl, 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

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Polly Maggoo D-3, Heuvel 10, tel. (+31) 135 45 67 30, pollymaggoo1@home.nl, 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,

info@cafeslagroom.nl, 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, info@stadscafevangogh.nl, 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, info@studio-tilburg.com, 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

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NIGHTLIFE

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‘t Vaticaan D-3, Heuvel 2, tel. (+31) 135 35 79 47,

info@cafevaticaan.nl, 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, kafeebuitenbeentje@mac.com, 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, info@jackscasino.nl, 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? www.tilburg.inyourpocket.com Tilburg In Your Pocket

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, info@depopcorn.nl, 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, info@dewijn.nl, 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 tilburg.inyourpocket.com

NIGHTLIFE Lounges & Cocktail bars NEW

T Kwadraat I-6, Marathonpromenade 383, tel. (+31)

135 81 28 84, info@horecatkwadraat.nl, 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, info@cafezomerlust.nl, 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)

134 67 10 85, info@dorstigehert-tilburg.nl, www. 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, info@saints.nl, 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, info@poolcentrum4friends.nl, 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

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Tilburg nightlife

Spring/Summer 2012

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NIGHTLIFE Burgemeester Jansen E-4, Piushaven 22, tel. (+31)

135 45 10 08, info@burgemeesterjansen.nl, www. 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,

jouwplaats@hotmail.com, 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, info@hetelfdegebod.eu, 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

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, kandinsky@home.nl, 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, stoffel@stoffel.nl, 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

Heuvel 15 D-3, Heuvel 15, tel. (+31) 135 35 08 06,

cafe@heuvel15.nl, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

Join the party in Tilburg

tilburg.inyourpocket.com

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

The Tilburg Fair by night

De Triangel E-3, Lanciersstraat 70, tel. (+31) 135 35

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

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

Philip D-3, Heuvel 38, tel. (+31) 135 80 03 61, info@

Lambiek I-5, Wilhelminapark 66, tel. (+31) 135 36

Miller Time D-3, Piusplein 6, tel. (+31) 135 44 27 07.

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, info@betkolen.nl, 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

tilburg.inyourpocket.com

43 51, info@kaffeelambiek.nl, 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, info@squaretilburg.nl, 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

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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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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). tilburg.inyourpocket.com

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

Maximillian A-4, Korvelseweg 192, tel. (+31) 135 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.

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, spoorlaan@grasscompany.nl, 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

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

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Get your lips around this one!

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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, Zwi-

jsenplein 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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, Louisbouw-

meesterplein 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, info@tilburguniversity.edu, 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

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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, info@hasseltsekapel.nl, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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, Stadhuisplein. 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

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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, info@natuurmuseumbrabant.nl, 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, info@depont.nl, 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

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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 Religieuze kunst) Vorstenburg 1, Uden, tel. (+31) 413

Parks, gardens & Cemeteries

26 34 31, info@museumvoorreligieuzekunst.nl, 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

Bredaseweg Cemetery (Begraafplaats Bredaseweg) A-3, Bredaseweg 45. The best-known cemetery in

The Village Doctor (De Dorpsdokter) M-8, Doelen-

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.

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

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

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 remain-

ing ‘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

Summer day at the Muzentuin Tilburg In Your Pocket

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

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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. 0900-

0161, 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

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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.

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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.

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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, derefter@home.nl, 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, dezevensprong@zonnet.nl, 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, boekhandellivius@planet.nl, 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, info@jimmysmode.nl, 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, jeroen@superfly.nl, 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, info@bloomflowers.nl, 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) 134 56 22 26, bloemhandel.jkools@home.nl, www. 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)

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 9, tel. (+31) 134 67 63 84, info@vanoursouw.nl, 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

135 44 37 00, Tilburg@DeDobbelsteen.com, www. 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,

Ethnic food & Delicatessens Slagerij Kees van Hest B-3, Nieuwlandstraat 47-A,

50, info@gimbreremode.com, 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, info@jandecockmode.nl, 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.

Tilburg In Your Pocket

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

Jewellery & Watches Ocho B-3, Schouwburgring 5, tel. (+31) 135 45 50 62,

info@ocho8.nl, 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

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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, info@vivavintage.nl, 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-

Shoppers at the book fair

The Innovators B-3, Heuvelstraat 133a, tel. (+31) 135 80 03 81, web@the-innovators.nl, 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

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, info@heuvelpoort.nl. 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

Sports & Outdoor Shops

Speciality shops

Kaldi C-2, Willem II straat 68, tel. (+31) 135 35 07 51,

De Feestspecialist B-3, Schouwburgring 157, tel.

(+31) 135 43 08 81, info@defeestspecialist.nl, 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, m.v.outheusden@home.nl. 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

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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, info@desoeteinval.com, 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 tilburg@kaldi.nl, 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, tilburg.hs@simonlevelt.nl, 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, info@tilburgdrinkt.nl, 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

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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, info@healthcity.nl, 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, kwidam@home.nl, 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, info@puur-fitness.nl, 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

Football: Willem II March Date Time Match 23 20:00 Willem II - FC Dordrecht April 6 20:00 Willem II - Fortuna Sittard 13 20:00 Willem II - AGOVV Apeldoorn 20 20:00 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, info@devoltage.nl, 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,

Golf Efteling Golfpark (Efteling golf course) M-7, Veld-

straat 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, receptie@prisedeau-golf.nl, 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

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, info@montanasnowcenter.nl, 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

Tilburg In Your Pocket

32 59 00, sport@tilburg.nl, 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

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE DVD rental

Vets & Pets

Cinematheek C-2, Willem II straat 6-A, tel. (+31)

Dierenkliniek Den Herd (Animal Clinic Den Herd)

135 43 26 79, balietilburg@cinematheek.nl, www. 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,

info@hardys.nl, 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

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, info@summertan.nl, 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, info@thermentilburg.nl, 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 73, tel. (+31) 135 43 24 80, info@wasmegroen.nl, 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,

info@pure-l.nl, 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

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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.

Sightseeing

Eating & Drinking

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

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, info@de7zonden.nl, 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

Goirle Windmills (Akkermolens) M-8, Molenstraat 80, Goirle, tel. (+31) 135 81 12 65, info@akkermolens.nl, 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

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, info@gastenverblijfruys.nl, 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

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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

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).

De Kiosk M-7, Oranjeplein 20a, Loon op Zand, tel. (+31)

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

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 De Joremeinshoeve Lage Zandschel 17, Kaatsheuvel,

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

Hotel de Kroon M-7, Gasthuisstraat 140, 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, info@hetgenieten.nl, 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

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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

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

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

Taxandriamuseum Begijnenstraat 28, Turnhout, tel.

Huis Verbaandert Renier Sniederstraat 11, Turnhout,

Where to stay

tel. (+32) 144 11 962, stefanenhilde@skynet.be. 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

(+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

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

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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 Acaciastraat A1 Akkerstraat A3 Alexanderstraat C3 Annahof, Sint A4 Annaplein, Sint A4 Annastraat, Sint A4 Antoniusstraat B2 Atelierstraat C1 Barkstraat D4 Besterdring D1 Bleshof B3 Bodehof C2 Boomstraat A2 Bouwmeesterplein, Louis B4 Brabantlaan, Hart van A1 Bredaseweg A3 Brokxlaan, Burgemeester A1 Burgerijpad A2 Buxusplaats A1 Capucijnenstraat A4 Catamaranstraat E4 Cavaleriestraat D3 Clercxstraat D4 Damsstraat D3 Dionysiusstraat A2 Dondersstraat, Professor=3 E2 Dunantstraat E2

Tilburg In Your Pocket

Elzenhof A2 Elzenstraat A2 Emmapassage C3 Emmastraat D3 Enschotsestraat E1 Esdoornstraat=4 A2 Fabriekstraat A2 Fleminghof E3 Flemingstraat E3 Fraterstraat A1 Galeipad D4 Galjoenhof E4 Galjoenstraat E4 Gardiaanhof A4 Gasthuisring A1 Girostraat C3 Goudenregenstraat E1 Harmoniepark B2 Helga Deentuin C2 Hendrikhof C3 Heuvel D2 Heuvel, Achter de E2 Heuvelpoort=1 D3 Heuvelring D2 Heuvelstraat B3 Hoogvensestraat E3 Huzarenstraat E3 IJzerstraat C2 Jasmijnstraat E1 Jolstraat E4 Josephstraat, Sint E3 Kapelhof B3

Karrestraat C2 Kazernehof E3 Kerkpad C3 Klipperplein D4 Kloosterstraat B4 Koestraat D1 Koggeplein E4 Koningsplein C4 Koopvaardijstraat D4 Korte Schijfstraat A2 Korte Tuinstraat B3 Korvelseweg A4 Kotterstraat E4 Kurassiersstraat E3 Laagstraat A2 Lanciersstraat E3 Landsteinerstraat E2 Lange Schijfstraat A4 Langestraat B2 Leliestraat E1 Lochtstraat A1 Madeliefstraat E1 Magazijnstraat C2 Mariastraat B3 Mattheushof, Frater A4 Mauritshof D4 Monumentstraat C3 Nazarethstraat A4 Nieuwlandstraat B3 Noordhoekring A3 Noordstraat A2 Ns-Plein D1

Oranjestraat D3 Ordonnansenstraat E3 Oudedijk B4 Oude Markt B3 Paleisring D3 Pasteurhof E2 Pasteurstraat E2 Paulownahof, Anna C4 Paulussehof, Frater B3 Piushaven E4 Piusplein D3 Piusstraat D4 Poststraat B2 Rankenstraat B3 Roemerhof B3 Romboutshof, Frater A3 Rozenplein E1 Rozenstraat E1 Salkplantsoen E2 Schoenerstraat E4 Schoolstraat A3 Schouwburgpromenade B4 Schouwburgring B3 Sebastiaanstraat, Sint D4 Seringenhof E1 Sonstraat, Van A4 Sophiastraat C3 Spoorlaan B1 Stadhuisplein C3 Stadhuisstraat C3

Stadstraat C4 Stationsstraat B2 Stolbergstraat, Juliana van D3 Telefoonstraat C3 Telegraafstraat C2 Telexstraat C2 Tivolistraat E2 Tjalkstraat D4 Trouwlaan A4 Tuinstraat B2 Tulpstraat=5 E1 Utrechtsestraat A2 Veemarktstraat D2 Vincentiuspad B3 Vincentiusstraat A3 Vorstenhof D4 Vreedepad, Pieter C2 Vreedeplein, Pieter C2 Vreedestraat, Pieter C3 Vrouweplein, Lieve A4 Wagenstraat D1 Wilgenstraat A3 Willem II Straat C3 Willemsplein C4 Wingerdhoek B3 Zomerstraat B4 Zuid-Oosterstraat E1 Zwaanstraat D3 Zwijsenplein C4 Zwijsenstraat, Bisschop C4

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OLD TOWN MAP

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NETHERLANDS MAP

Spring/Summer 2012

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