A classic bar with character where atmosphere, stories and good drinks come together

Wiland Toelen is the owner and bartender of Café De Ouwehoer, a local resident and founder of Delibird in 2010. At the time, several buildings on Deliplein were still empty. He saw an opportunity to create a place where people could stay after dinner. With all the restaurants nearby, that was missing. He opened his café next to Delibird. Within a few months, it was already nominated for “Most Beautiful Classic Bar of the Netherlands.”

What did that nomination mean to you?
Wiland: “It was a huge surprise because everything was brand new. Now the place has a lived-in feel, which I love. And I keep working on it. It’s never really finished. I will always keep refining, adding, and experimenting. That’s what I enjoy. I come from a set design background, so styling is my hobby. It’s all in the details. Everything is thought through. The interior, the atmosphere, the display of bottles, the balanced selection of drinks.”

Did it become what you had in mind?
“Absolutely. People still walk in and are surprised, wondering what this place is. It feels like a small museum. Art, curiosities, everything mixed together. It fits the history of Katendrecht. We have regulars, people who love good drinks or live music, and many visitors after dinner. And it keeps evolving. Thanks to the nearby museums, we now also have daytime visitors. From 3 PM it gets lively, now also with families.”

What makes De Ouwehoer special?“We had a spectacular opening with live music, burlesque and striptease. And we still have a fun program. Every Saturday we have vinyl DJs. There are bands, musicians, jam sessions. When it’s not too busy, I like to share stories about the whiskeys and other drinks. I get a lot of satisfaction from conversations with guests. That’s what ‘ouwehoeren’ is about. Investing in relationships and making sure people had a great evening.”