"Often nondescript from the outside and thus easy to miss, these cosy, homely, rustic cafe-style bars typically have plain dark-wood furniture, candles on the tables, aged knick-knacks and faded pictures. There will be dim lighting, usually from antique-style lamps, and they make ideal hubs they are often referred to as a surrogate living room."
"The name comes from the venues' tobacco-stained walls and ceilings, which since the smoking ban started in 2008 have been topped up by dark brown paint. Beers and jenevers (Dutch gins) are the most popular drinks, and snacks such as bitterballen (meat ragout croquettes), boiled eggs and borrelnootjes (nuts with a crispy coating) are often available too."
"But in recent years they have come under threat from ever-rising rates, property prices and modern bars that are able to generate greater income. They are still found throughout the Netherlands but it is estimated that more than a quarter have closed since 2010."
Bruine kroegen are traditional Dutch brown bars characterized by dark wood furniture, candles, aged décor, and dim lighting that serve as communal gathering spaces. The name derives from tobacco-stained walls and ceilings, darkened further by brown paint since the 2008 smoking ban. These establishments serve beers, jenevers (Dutch gins), and snacks like bitterballen and boiled eggs, with soft vintage jazz as ideal background music. Originally male-only venues, they now welcome diverse patrons of all ages. However, over a quarter have closed since 2010 due to rising property rates and competition from modern bars generating higher income. Amsterdam maintains the highest density of bruine kroegen and hundreds continue operating successfully.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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