Hector’s Holländisch Hootenanny, a Brugge too far

Grimless Day, the end is nigh…

Craig met a Chap last night In de Wildeman who had sold him on the idea of visiting a brewery in Haarlem. It was written. Being Hector’s day off I was happy to comply. Four of us set off for Haarlem. Jonathan had texted me the address of the brewery. I could not find any street by the given name anywhere in Haarlem. I visited another Rated Bier site and found an alternative. With BlackBerry in hand I skilfully navigated my way to the Jopen Brouwerij. We passed two Curry Houses, I had already decided which one I was visiting.

Could we get served?

Craig and Robin went to the bar. They were sent back to the table. The Doris eventually acknowledged us but took no order. She was a fan dancer. ‘Very busy today.’ she told us. Serve the punters! The order was taken, eventually.

Hoppen: always available in draught

This was the Bier we were here to drink. Today it was only available in bottles. Doris suggested we try two sets of different Biers. The Wit Bier was not wonderful as set before Yvonne and Robin. Craig and I won the watch, the bottled Hoppen was fine.

The next bottle was warm, we mixed them. By this time a Bert was serving us. When I told him the bottle was warm he offered to replace it, but this was too late. He presented us with a glass of Dunkle Weizen, this was superb. This remained the Bier of Hector for the afternoon.

Meanwhile Dr Stan was wandering around Haarlem. He found the given address but no brewery, well of course not. The real Dr Stan would have worked this out sooner. Jonathan contacted Robin having failed to find the brewery. He eventually found us. This was a great venue, the Bier quality was excellent, the service improved markedly.

Everyone knows Dr Stan

A Chap appeared who knows Dr Stan. This is nothing unusual, this happens everywhere we go. After they had reacquainted themselves the conversation took a strange turn … steam engines… This meant Craig was in deep conversation for as long as the Chap could stand it…

Time for a Curry-Heute at The India Palace.

Meanwhile back in Amsterdam

Howard and Tracey had gone in search of some Asian food presentation. A day doing their own thing, how nice. I do not recall communication from The Brothers.

We arrived back In de Wildeman in time to meet Jim, Debs’ husband, who was over on a stag trip. The excellent young waiter who has served us the first two nights was at the door having a relaxing Bier after his shift. The photo is to reflect the appreciation for the service. There were only seats available for our group in the rear room. Minutes later the waitress who has served us only the previous evening came through to tell us that our table in the main room was free. This is service!