Venue provided complimentary food and drinks during Sherika’s visit for this feature. The Hague Online retained editorial control, and the views expressed are the writer’s own
De Oude Tol has been successful since the doors opened 2.5 years ago nearby one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Peace Palace.
Owners Michelle and Roland van Breemen who originate from Durban, South Africa, were looking for a new adventure and decided to move to The Hague, following their son and daughter. With over 28 years of experience in the food industry, Roland spotted that the space was for sale while on holiday visiting his kids, it felt only natural to bring the delicious taste of sunny South Africa to The Netherlands.
Many restaurants around in the city frequently suffer from long waits and poor service, which can detract from the overall dining experience, however that is not the case here. You’re welcomed with a smile and can expect service that feels like you’re truly looked after – Roland wants to ensure he brings that same friendly, personal service of his home town to De Oude Tol.
What can you expect on the menu? Iconic South African favourites such as chicken mayo toasties (as a South African myself, it tastes like the real deal), boerewors rolls, biltong sandwiches and homemade milk tarts will soon be available. Almost everything on the menu is freshly made, including the mixing of coffee beans and biltong by Roland himself and all can be enjoyed with some delicious wine, also from SA of course. And if you’re a rugby fan, the restaurant has viewings available during the big games. You may also run into some of the judges from the International Court too who frequently dine here.
What is Roland most proud of since opening? That he and his wife already feel settled and the business is doing well. While the restaurant industry can be challenging, Roland has found his feet and continues to grow and adapt.
De Oude Tol is located on Scheveningseweg 23, Wednesdays to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The space can also be rented out for private functions.
Images: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers and De Oude Tol
Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
On 14 February, a new culinary concept opens quietly above Café Paloma (Anna Paulownaplein 1): The Dessert Room, an intimate, reservation-only experience dedicated exclusively to dessert.
Created by Richard Morris—former lecturer at Hotelschool The Hague and founder of The Hague’s after-hours barbershop The Night Barber—The Dessert Room reimagines dessert not as an afterthought, but as the central event of the evening. Each service presents a carefully structured dessert journey featuring multiple desserts, palate cleansers, and paired beverages, all served in a fixed, seated format.
Rather than offering à la carte choices, The Dessert Room delivers a choreographed experience. Courses arrive in sequence, paced and paired with intention, encouraging guests to slow down and fully engage with flavor, texture, and timing.
Collaboration plays a central role in the concept. Morris works closely with local chefs and restaurants, inviting them to contribute desserts that reflect their individual styles while fitting into the broader narrative of the evening. The result is a rotating program that balances consistency with creative surprise.
Accessibility and inclusivity are also core principles. A long-time vegetarian, Morris is committed to developing desserts that are mindful of dietary preferences and cultural considerations, with a strong emphasis on plant-based options wherever possible—without compromising on indulgence or technique.
The Dessert Room is housed in a small private space above Café Paloma, designed to feel refined yet relaxed. Seating is limited, conversation is encouraged, and the atmosphere favors attention over distraction.
“With The Dessert Room, I wanted to create a place where dessert is taken seriously—but not solemnly,” says Morris. “Desserts are emotional. They’re celebratory. They deserve their own moment.”
The Dessert Room opens on Valentine’s Day, with limited seatings per evening. Reservations are required. The March 14th and April 18th editions are now open for reservations.
Later this winter, The Dessert Room will also unveil a playful, family-friendly, American-influenced interpretation of the classic British High Tea.
Led by three outstanding artists in the contemporary Brazilian music-scene, this trio offers a fresh and powerful take on Brazil’s musical heritage—rooted in tradition yet firmly connected to today’s sound.
The ensemble brings together the virtuoso contrabassista Matheus Nicolaiewsky, the amazing pianist Henrique Gomide, and the renowned drummer/percussionist Mauro Martins.
This trio presents groove-driven, modern arrangements of works by Edu Lobo, Tom Jobim, Djavan, Hermeto Pascoal, Dominguinhos, and other giants of Brazil’s vast musical landscape.
From samba to baião and maracatu, these rhythms provide the foundation—expanded by tight interplay, Herbie-esque harmonic surprises, and a contemporary improvisational spark that energizes every audience.
Matheus Nicolaiewsky, one of Brazil’s most distinctive young bassists, is known for his close collaborations with Francesca Tandoi, Stochelo Rosenberg, as well as for playing and recording with Kiko Freitas, Peter Bernstein, Ivan Lins, the WDR Big Band, and for his acclaimed debut album with Yotam Silberstein. His deep groove, melodic sensitivity, and contemporary approach to Brazilian rhythm are a core part of the trio’s sound.
Henrique Gomide is a key figure in the Brazilian jazz-scene in Europe, known for his work with Caixa Cubo and collaborations with Toninho Horta, Yamandu Costa, and Guinga. https://www.henriquegomide.com/ https://www.caixacubo.com.br/
Mauro Martins brings decades of international experience, including performances at Montreux, Blue Note New York, and collaborations with Toquinho, Airto Moreira, Phil Collins, Tania Maria, Toninho Horta, and Richard Galliano.
Concert including Pasta, coffee/tea with dessert and limoncello or whisky/grappa €50 pp Reservations via the contact form on this site All welcome from 1700H Pasta 1800H First music set 18.45H
The Dramtune Foundation was established in The Hague in 2009, after its founder, Sandro Bruti, had already spent many years developing a deep passion for traditional music, particularly from Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
Since then, this love of music has been shared wholeheartedly with friends and fellow music lovers, combined with good wine, good whisky and, of course, Italian delicacies from the country of his father, specifically the area around the volcanic Lake Bolsena in northern Lazio.
Over the years, Dramtune has provided a stage for many hundreds of musicians across a wide range of musical styles, from jazz, funky soul, blues and Latin to tango, gypsy, Americana, country and folk rock. It has also featured traditional music from, among others, Scotland, Africa, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Brittany, Iraq, Turkey, Hungary, Romania and Greece.
An enchanting journey through the rich & vibrant landscape of traditional Gypsy music and Gypsy Jazz, thanks to the legendary singer and violinist TCHA LIMBERGER, Vilmos Csikos on the double bass and Benjamin Clement on guitar. https://www.tchalimberger.com/limberger-clement-csikos
Concert including Pasta, coffee/tea with dessert and limoncello or whisky/grappa: €60 pp Reservations via the contact form on this site
All welcome from 1700H Pasta at 18.30H First music set around 19.30H
The Dramtune Foundation was established in The Hague in 2009, after its founder, Sandro Bruti, had already spent many years developing a deep passion for traditional music, particularly from Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
Since then, this love of music has been shared wholeheartedly with friends and fellow music lovers, combined with good wine, good whisky and, of course, Italian delicacies from the country of his father, specifically the area around the volcanic Lake Bolsena in northern Lazio.
Over the years, Dramtune has provided a stage for many hundreds of musicians across a wide range of musical styles, from jazz, funky soul, blues and Latin to tango, gypsy, Americana, country and folk rock. It has also featured traditional music from, among others, Scotland, Africa, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Brittany, Iraq, Turkey, Hungary, Romania and Greece.
On Tuesday january 27 of 2026, the Dramtune foundation will host an amazing Irish duo in The Hague’s Casa Bruti: DAVID MUNNELLY on the button accordion and vocals & MACDARA O’FAOLÁIN on bouzouki & vocals. These two Irish legends will perform a wide range of tunes & songs, an enchanting journey through the rich and vibrant landscape of traditional Irish music, and beautiful self-written compositions containing various styles of music from various parts of the world.
Concert including some lovely italian cheese, bread, olive oil, pasta en coffee/tea with dessert: €50 pp
From 18H all welcome Towards 19H Pasta Towards 20H first set of music Around 21H little break followed by the last set
What is Dramtune?
The Dramtune Foundation was established in The Hague in 2009, after its founder, Sandro Bruti, had already spent many years developing a deep passion for traditional music, particularly from Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
Since then, this love of music has been shared wholeheartedly with friends and fellow music lovers, combined with good wine, good whisky and, of course, Italian delicacies from the country of his father, specifically the area around the volcanic Lake Bolsena in northern Lazio.
Over the years, Dramtune has provided a stage for many hundreds of musicians across a wide range of musical styles, from jazz, funky soul, blues and Latin to tango, gypsy, Americana, country and folk rock. It has also featured traditional music from, among others, Scotland, Africa, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Brittany, Iraq, Turkey, Hungary, Romania and Greece.
Located within Quench Café on Weimarstraat, WarmePretzel is a new pop-up that offers a relaxed space to enjoy something delicious. The concept is the creation of Joanna, an international entrepreneur based in The Hague.
The name says it all — while these handmade pretzels can be enjoyed cold, the real wow factor comes when they’re eaten warm. Served fresh in the café or easily reheated at home, they’re soft, satisfying, and full of flavour.
After noticing that pretzels were hugely popular in other parts of Europe but not yet common in the Netherlands, she decided to bring these treats to her new home city. What began as a personal project quickly developed into a growing local business with a loyal following.
Joanna’s passion for baking and hospitality shows in every detail. She hand-rolls and bakes each pretzel with care, using quality ingredients and experimenting with a range of both sweet and savoury options.
Regular customers often return to try new flavours, and Joanna listens closely to their feedback, adapting recipes and toppings based on what people love most. The current range is mostly vegan.
Adding to its charm, WarmePretzel also makes dog-friendly pretzels — a thoughtful touch for pet owners who like to share their outings with their four-legged friends.!
During our visit, we sampled both a sweet and a savoury filled pretzel, as well as one of the traditional salted versions. Each one was warm and freshly baked, striking the perfect balance between texture and flavour.
Quench your thirst
Alongside your Prezel, you can enjoy drinks from Quench Café’s distinctive selection of local and international brands.
Prezel Workshops & Catering
Beyond its daily offerings, WarmePretzel also runs interactive Pretzel Workshops — fun, hands-on sessions ideal for friends, families, or team-building events. Participants learn to roll and twist their own pretzels, choose toppings, and bake them together, with no prior baking experience required.
For larger gatherings, WarmePretzel provides catering and team events, offering freshly baked pretzels, ideal as a snack, dessert or a meal. Suitable for team events, conferences, trade shows, concerts, weddings, and stadiums thorough out the Netherlands.
Try them for yourself
Although currently a pop-up inside Quench Café, Joanna can often be found at local markets and events, bringing her signature pretzels to different parts of The Hague and beyond.
Whether for a quick snack, a full meal, or an interactive experience, WarmePretzel combines homemade quality with a warm, welcoming community spirit.
Find out more about the menu, opening hours, catering, and workshops at warmepretzel.nl
