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Carefree lunches at Hofje Zonder Zorgen TEXT: BAS VAN DUREN | PHOTOS: HOFJE ZONDER ZORGEN
A lovely springtime sun shines brightly on lunchroom Hofje Zonder Zorgen (meaning ‘Carefree Courtyard’), located on the southern edge of Haarlem’s centre and owned by Marja Jochemus and Petra Kloosterman. We are greeted by Jochemus, a talkative local who has traded in a career in the advertisement business for hospitality with the Hofje as her most recent endeavour. She excuses herself several times for talking too much, but it is fun to hear her speak with such passion about her work and their own establishment. She has every reason to: the Hofje Zonder Zorgen is set in a beautiful, historic 15th century building with a very welcoming feel. It is, of course, surrounded by courtyards. The menu, made almost entirely in-house, is bursting at the seams with organic soups, sandwiches, salads, pies and fresh juices. The place offers
an afternoon tea and if you have any kind of allergy, do not fret: there are more than enough options to choose from. “I’m a storyteller,” says Jochemus right off the bat. “Whether it’s about the local suppliers who deliver our coffee, tea or chocolate, or just a nice chat with our guests, we greatly value those personal experiences. We expect that from our waitresses as well and it’s always a challenge to fathom if a guest is up for a short talk or not. We have a multilingual team and to see them converse with tourists in their language is a joy to behold. Some of our staff submits ideas for our menu and, if approved, we name a sandwich after them, for example.” Jochemus’ and Kloosterman’s way of running the establishment pays off: it won several awards (such as TripAdvisor’s certificate of excellency) that are on display in the reception room. Jochemus: “It adds to the compliments we get from our guests. We can count on a
A little piece of Ireland in Haarlem TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: TIERNEY’S IRISH PUB
From an abundance of whiskeys to the Gaelic music, and from Guinness to the authentic atmosphere: Tierney’s has taken the best pieces of Ireland to the heart of Haarlem. Even its name exudes Ireland: the name Tierney comes from the Gaelic ‘O’ Tighearnaigh’, roughly translating to male descendant of Tighearnach, which means ‘lord’ or ‘master’. Tierney’s pub is owned by brothers Paul and PJ Tierney who, after many years of working in the bar trade in Ireland and abroad, anchored down in Haarlem. “The city of Haarlem and Tierney’s fit in well together,” says Paul. “Our clientele is a balanced mix of locals and expats, and it is not unusual for the place to be filled with families.” Tierney’s has eight draught beers on offer, including excellent Guinness and other Irish beers as well as Dutch and Belgian varieties, such as the local Haarlem-brewed Jopen beer. 48 | Issue 40 | April 2017
Splendid is the large, expanding whiskey collection, with more than 200 varieties, including blended whiskeys and single malts from all round the globe. Let Tierney’s pub food menu satisfy your hunger. “That is an Irish thing,” Paul adds. “Fairly priced pub food that is actually high quality.” Both Tierney brothers are keen sports fans and regularly show live rugby and Gaelic football, resulting in many happy Irish and local visitors. Irish music is also rightfully honoured, with a session of traditional Irish music being served up regularly. For those longing for an English-spoken pub quiz, Tierney’s organises one every Monday night. It is Tierney’s authentic and friendly ambiance that makes everyone feel at home. “The Irish are known for their swift and friendly bar service,” Paul concludes. “And, of course, you are served by true Irish people!” www.tierneysirishpub.nl
formidable group of regulars who suggest our place to their friends and that keeps the ball rolling. They know that if there’s one thing we love to do here is to welcome people who are having a bad day and make them leave with a big smile on their face.” Carefree indeed. If you wish to make a reservation at Hofje Zonder Zorgen or would like to know more, visit their website at www.hofjezonderzorgen.nl/en