Pannenkoekhuis Den Strooper

Pannenkoekhuis Den Strooper is located at Koningsweg 18 in Schaarsbergen, near Arnhem. Public sources primarily characterize the establishment as a pancake restaurant, not as an independent coffee bar. Coffee is, however, a fixed part of the offering, alongside pancakes, lunch, pastries, and other drinks.

The building was constructed in 1862 as “School no. 1”. In the 1950s, the building took on a hospitality function as Wildrestaurant De Koningshoek. Since 1995, Pannenkoekhuis Den Strooper has been located here.

The official history mentions Paul, Hetty, and Kiki Mahieu. The precise role of each in the founding is not fully documented. Hetty Mahieu has been associated with the business since May 1995. A trade publication from 2014 names Paul Mahieu as the owner. No public information has been recorded regarding earlier careers or the role of Kiki Mahieu.

The concept combines a restaurant in a former school building with a location near the Veluwe. The business caters to multiple dining moments, from coffee with pastries to lunch and dinner. In its communications, the function as a rest stop for hikers and cyclists is also highlighted.

According to the menu, the pancake batter consists of wheat flour, milk, and salt. The kitchen bakes the pancakes in vegetable oil. Guests can request alternative batter, although the variations are not explained in detail.

The current menu lists coffee, espresso, double espresso, cappuccino, flat white, latte macchiato, espresso macchiato, and iced latte. The offering is therefore primarily composed of espresso and drinks based on espresso and milk.

In addition, several alcoholic coffee drinks are listed on the menu. Examples include Italian, French, Irish, and Spanish coffee. The Veluwse koffie is prepared with the regional liqueur ‘T is Tied. The menu also mentions Den Strooper koffie and “Luxe Koffie,” served with small sweet treats.

Chai latte is part of the permanent offering. The 2026 spring menu also featured an iced chai latte. These drinks fall outside the category of coffee but are part of the hot and cold beverage assortment.

Technical details regarding coffee preparation are missing. The brand of the espresso machine, the type of grinder, the dosing, and the extraction time are not publicly described. No information was also found regarding filter methods such as pour-over, batch brew, AeroPress, Chemex, or French press. Cold brew and preparation with a mokkapot are also not mentioned.

In the provided research, Smit & Dorlas is mentioned as a coffee roaster. The consulted public information does not confirm this relationship. Therefore, it cannot be established whether this brand is the current coffee supplier.

Den Strooper participates in the David de Kabouterpad, a children’s trail in the forest near Dorpskerk Schaarsbergen. At the restaurant, backpacks are available containing a task booklet, a pencil, and a pointed hat. The trail is a collaboration with the village church and ‘t Pannekoekhuis Schaarsbergen.

The trail was officially opened on September 28, 2025, by an Arnhem alderman and a local donor, identified as Joke. Previously, Den Strooper participated in the program marking 150 years of Schaarsbergen. In 2019 and 2020, a “Woeste Pannenkoek” was part of the program.

Regular coffee workshops, tastings, or lessons on brewing methods are not publicly documented. Public activities are mainly in the realm of hiking, family, and local collaboration.

A formal sustainability policy, climate goal, or certificate has not been published. The menu mentions organic loose-leaf tea from Senza Tea and products with a regional or recognizable origin. These include Schulp-sappen, smoked salmon from De Jongens van de Fant, cheese from Utrecht, Arnhem beers, and the Veluwse liqueur ‘T is Tied.

In 2014, the restaurant had a dosing system for frying oil installed. According to Paul Mahieu, oil consumption subsequently dropped to approximately one-fifth of the previous level. The publication described this primarily as a measure for efficient use, lower costs, and less pollution in the kitchen.

Furthermore, a charging point for electric bicycles and a smoke-free restaurant and terrace are documented. These facilities fit the location and use by recreational visitors, but do not constitute a developed sustainability program.

Den Strooper has a broad coffee offering but does not present itself as a specialty coffee shop. Information on origin, branding, bean profile, and brewing parameters is missing. Also, no coffee prices, hospitality prices, or other formal distinctions are known. The coffee provision must therefore be seen primarily as part of a pancake restaurant with a local and recreational function.