Bar Bruis in Nieuw-Vennep: Breathing New Life into a Familiar Spot

Nieuw-Vennep just gained a stylish new hotspot: Bar Bruis. Two weeks ago, Nick Vermeiden opened the doors to his new venture in the former home of the iconic Bolle Olifant. And to be fair — he’s doing it with flair.

The interior is spacious, tastefully decorated, and radiates warmth. There’s a cosy lounge area, a generous bar, and well-placed tables throughout the space. The only real drawback? The restroom area is on the small side — something to improve in time.

One thing that stands out right away is the impressive range of beers on tap. Sure, you’ll find the classics like Heineken, Guinness, and Texels, but there are also some fun surprises like Texels Wit and craft brews from Uiltje. Wine lovers won’t feel left out either — besides a nice selection by the glass, the wine list includes bottles like Chablis, Meursault, and Barolo. Exclusive picks at very reasonable prices.

Bar Bruis isn’t a full-blown restaurant — nor does it claim to be — but the snack menu is seriously on point. We put together our own platter with beef tataki, carpaccio, salmon, gambas, mushrooms, and truffle fries. Everything was well-seasoned and fairly priced.

Another thing worth mentioning: the vibe. It’s lively and buzzing — even on a Tuesday night. The young staff handle service, and while there’s still a bit of inexperience (a little more attention to guests than screens would be welcome), some light coaching will take care of that in no time.

Bottom line: Bar Bruis is a real asset to Nieuw-Vennep. I’ll definitely be coming back.