1/2 Bart Brugman behind the tap in Tasting Room ‘t Paultje (photo: Imke van de Laar)
Tasting room ‘t Paultje in the center of Den Bosch will soon open its doors again. The pub had been closed since April, when owner Paul Leeyen died suddenly. Employee Bart Brugman hated the idea that the business would change so much that he is now taking it over himself.
“He used to sit here often.” Bart points to the corner of the bar. “Paul enjoyed having a beer with the regulars.” The blow was therefore big when Paul Leeyen died suddenly during his holiday at the end of March. “My world was upside down, I was really in shock.”
Bart has been working in ‘t Paultje for ten years, known for its large collection of specialty beers. He was behind the bar for two years and worked there as a manager for eight years. “It’s like a second living room for me. It’s a small pub, but with a large group of regular guests.”
“My dream is now gaining momentum.”
The business was closed after Paul’s death. “We first had to arrange the funeral. But shortly after that I already decided that the case should not remain closed.”
It had been Bart’s wish for some time to take over the pub. That dream was now gaining momentum. “I was planning to do that in a few years. That it is happening this way now gives me a mixed feeling.”
Paul’s family is happy that Bart is taking over the business. With the help of colleague Chris. Bart explains: “They are very happy that the name and the concept of Paul have been preserved. They are proud of what he has built.” And the regular guests are also enthusiastic. “They are happy that it will remain a beer pub and not become an eatery, as there are already so many in the city.”
“People will always call this ‘t Paultje, a beautiful tribute.”
Before his death, Paul had started a renovation. Bart is finishing it now. “It feels good. It can’t go away, it has to stay the same.” The name of the pub will not change either. “No, people will always keep calling this ‘t Paultje. And that is a nice tribute.”
A picture of Paul will probably hang above the bar. “There must be a little place for him to honor him.”
Bart hopes to officially open the doors of ‘t Paultje again in August. And he is looking forward to that. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the guests again. I hear that some even want to take a day off for it. We will probably shed some tears, but the intention is that it will be a festive reopening.”
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