Just under a year and then owners Klaas and Marita Hegeman will lock the door of café De Buuf in Barger-Compascuum. According to the two, it is no longer possible to keep the catering company going. With the closure, the Southeast Drenthe village loses its last village pub. A complex with 20 apartments will be built in its place.
August 1, 2023. That is the date that De Buuf will end for good. “Actually, we wanted to stop in February,” says Marita. “But we still have a wedding for next July of a couple who really want to get married in our business. That’s why we will continue for a while.”
The two bought the catering building on the corner of Verlengde Oosterdiep and Postweg in 2017 from the Jalving brothers, the owners of a local roofing company. The business went smoothly and was well attended. Since corona, however, things have come to a head.
The case had to be closed, making parties and parties no longer possible and to make matters worse, the carnival celebration was also canceled. Now that the corona lock is off, that did not translate into the run-up of yesteryear.
Klaas: “Some villagers have built these bars in log cabins behind their house. Others prefer parties in the football canteen.” Where parties with 130 people used to be the norm, this is now an average of 50, Marita adds. The large banquet hall behind the bar has hardly been used. Marita: “Add to that the fact that we are also getting older. Klaas has also had some health problems.” All in all, reason for the couple to tie the knot two weeks ago.
Is it a shame that Barger-Compascuum loses the last remaining café? Of course, the two agree. From the village there is certainly appreciation for the last catering business that remains, but Klaas and Marita do not see that reflected in the visit.
“What stings me somewhat is that people who shout the loudest that this pub is so important just stay away. What are you doing it for in the end?” sighs Marita. “On the other hand, being able to be home on the weekend is also nice.”
(Text continues below the photo)