't Hart van Breda, The Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

I have spent many a late afternoon and evening at this drinking establishment and so I thought I should have a bash at saying a few words about it. Now here's a interesting fact for you; "t'hart" is an abbreviation of "het hart", so "'t Hart van Breda" means "the heart of Breda". Ooooo! Located on the main square (Grote Markt) of Breda, this is a very popular spot all year round, with a predominately younger crowd. The name of the bar isn't far wrong in terms of location.

THE BAR

When you walk in, you can see that the entrance is just glass, and so you have a good view both of the square from the inside and the bar from the outside. Handy if you've trying to see if there's anywhere to sit. The front section has several high tables and stools, mostly for 4 people. There is lots of light this area, unsurprisingly. I really like the 2 leather couches at either end, which are very comfortable if you arrive early enough to nab one. Further inside in the main area are bigger high tables. It's quite dark, and the walls are covered with pictures, wallpaper that looks like tapestries and a big legend written in huge letters on the wall but I have completely forgotten what it says! Over the bar, lots of little lights hang, which makes this quite a bright area.

This place has people in it all week round. At the weekends and on Thursdays (late shopping nights) it's packed. During the rest of the week it's about half full and you should be able to find somewhere to sit without too many problems.

The male toilets are worth a mention as the metal urinals have some sort of troll face built into it, sat over the top of them which is a bit scary after a drink or two. There is also a bright red one with what looks like shattered glass panes acting as a partition either side of it, which looks a bit out of place.

MENU

There are several beers on tap on offer; Jupiler, Hertog Jan, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blode and Leffe Dubbel. 12 others are available in bottles, including Palm, Leffe Triple and Duvel. You can also order spirits, soft drinks, liqueur coffees, a few cocktails (only 5 on the menu, I hear the Mojito is particularly good) and wine. The coffee is nice here, served in a little cup with a biscuit on the side, and I'm pretty sure they have a box of teas should you fancy that.

There is quite a range of food, too. Soups, salads and sandwiches are available as well as mains like burgers, steak, lasagne, spare ribs and shrimps. Food ranges from 5 to 14 Euros and so is quite reasonably priced. I haven't eaten here for a while but I recall that the portions are pretty big and the food is quite tasty.

Most of the tables inside (and in the summer, all of the tables outside) have table service, which is pretty good, although when they're busy it can take some time to get their attention, They have been known to get drinks orders wrong but are always happy and quick to correct them without quibble. Sometimes it's my fault as to them when I ask for "Hoegaarden" it sounds like "coke". I've spent nearly 6 months here over the last year and I still can't say it properly! I find the service friendly and they're happy for a quick chat when they have the time. You even get little heart shape candies when you get presented with your bill.

FUN WITH BABEL FISH

From their website:

t heart of breda is, such as the name already, established in the centre of breda and is already 15 years a term in this sociable city does presumption. In 2005, t has heart of breda a thorough modernisation undergoes and is now with regard to interieur unique in the Netherlands. It exhales the environment of a bruine kroeg but is not this totally or is nevertheless it nou a bruine kroeg but then in a new style. And in spite of the new interieur the right feels trusted, a house chamber in the centre of breda. You a first impression can get with the photograph on this site but you can it of course just really experience if you bezoekje bring there.

CONCLUSION

There are a few bars on the main square but this is the most popular by far and it's not hard to see why. It's perfectly located and has decent food and drink. Be sure to visit here if you're ever in Breda and are after a coffee or drink; you'll get the perfect view of the city's main square and its inhabitants from this vantage point.

CONTACT INFORMATION

't Hart van Breda
Grote Markt 4-6
4811 XR Breda
Tel.: 076-5217506

Email : info@hartvanbreda.nl

Website : http://www.hartvanbreda.nl/