There is a bar very close to me, that I had not visited your years, which I discovered has new owners. The bar had actually been shut for the previous six months and had now been fully refurbished. Actually its opening night was the same night that the Dutch played their first match at the finals, had to be a good omen, didn’t it? So as the weather was beautifully hot and they were laying on a pre match barbecue, I thought the wife and I should watch the final in that bar. The bar is called the Goudenregen Bar and sits on Goudenregenstraat 282, 2565 GE Den Haag.

Wearing my lucky Dutch shirt and shorts. (Which have not been washed since the tournament began!) The missus and I walked into a sea of orange tomfoolery. It was 18.00 and the place was rocking, loud music, lots of singing and dancing as people for some reason felt a little excited.

I introduced myself to the new owners Marius and Danny and they were most welcoming to an English guy who had got in to the swing of all things Dutch football orangeness. I was then given a quick meet and greet to the locals, who once again were most welcoming to this alien in their midst. I was dead impressed by the welcome, really blew me away.

The food that had been laid on was gorgeous, really lip smackingly good. Everybody tucking in whilst trying to keep an eye on the television for any news updates on the team. The time flew by and by 20.15 the whole pub was gathered around the television in anticipation of a Dutch victory. Beer glasses were full, light snacks a plenty. I soon realized that I could get used to this lark of watching the National team in a bar. The general consensus amongst the fans just before kick off was; if they lose, it is would be easier to swallow against Spain rather than their fierce rivals across the border in Germany.

During the game the beer flowed and the cheers and jeers were called out at regular intervals. I took a bit of good natured banter of the locals considering the ref and me are English.

The final whistle went and the pub was full of swear words being blurted out in frustration. Heads were hung in disappointment as reality sank in that their favourites had failed to bring the Holy Grail home. Beer was swiftly swallowed to dull the pain and heartache. Some tears flowed as the television pictures showed their heroes trudging around, manfully accepting defeat. Not until someone shouted that Holland should be proud of what they have done. It was the correct call. That shout was the catalyst for the place to bounce back in to life, well, limp back to life anyway.

After the match, I had a quick talk again with Danny and Marius and told them what a great night it had been in their bar. They told me their intention is to welcome everybody young and old to the bar, which will be a home for sports fans especially. Three screens showing football from around the world, plus many other top sporting events. They want to encourage the expats to go and enjoy the football especially. The food and the beer is good and more importantly cheaper than in the centre of town. They say they are looking to recruit teams for darts lteagues and would welcome an expat team or two.

I think you should pop in and give it a try, I am sure you’ll enjoy the welcome.

By Neal McClimon
neal@thehagueonline.com
www.itpphotography.com
 

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