It is a name change that should ensure a different appeal. It is around the corner from the Marriott Hotel, the Catshuis – Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s residence – and more than a dozen international organisations and embassies. Eighteen years ago, Bianca’s husband, Bauke van Schaik, left his position as chef at the restaurant behind the Kunstmuseum with the message to the then owners, “If you ever leave here, think of me.” And that’s what happened. Bauke became an independent entrepreneur, founded the Kookgemak catering company for events up to 1,200 people and is now owner of this location with his wife Bianca as his business partner.

The interior has been renovated, the service staff consist of a new team “with a very enthusiastic manager” and there is a new menu. "People used to come here from the museum for a slice of apple pie, a traditional ‘bitterbal’ and a croquette bun. You can still get those, but now you can also order oysters and fruits de mer. We have taken the toasted sandwich off the menu," Bianca explains, while Bauke works downstairs in the kitchen. "He’s very creative and good at cooking. I’m a real entrepreneur with a passion for hospitality, marketing and sales."

Love and attention

Part of the team worked here 18 years ago. However, the business lacked a bit of love and attention back then. “The current team is very enthusiastic and does all they can to give you a lovely afternoon or evening.” When we ask Bianca what kind of cuisine they serve here, she calls Bauke. He responds, “In one word? Delicious. In two words? Deliciously European.”

Gastrobar Berlage’s kitchen is open six days a week from 11 am to 9.30 pm. As well as being a restaurant, it is also a wedding venue. “We organise a lot of weddings, receptions, parties and (business) dinners.” You can even get married on the grass in the Kunstmuseum’s garden. The parties aren’t bad either. You can rent the conservatory separately, or you can reserve the entire Gastrobar exclusively for your event. “There are so many possibilities.”

Of course, Bianca hopes for more conferences in The Hague. “We already have a lot of international guests thanks to the organisations around the corner. When the hotels are full, we benefit from that too.” Incidentally, it is not all about the international scene; Bianca and Bauke work with local entrepreneurs. “We serve Kompaan beer and are offering a Bosman during the Art Museum's Dior exhibition, which runs until 2 March. It's a very cool place here. We'd like to show ourselves to the rest of The Hague, so if you're in the area: come along, pick a table and we'll take care of the rest."

In the garden of The Art Museum you will find Gastrobar Berlage.

www.gastrobar-berlage.nl