Røst

Røst is an espresso bar and breakfast-lunch spot located at Sint Janstraat 45 in the center of Middelburg. The venue is widely described as a destination for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and pastries. While its name and profile align with the coffee sector, the establishment also offers a broader daily menu.

Røst opened its doors on December 10, 2015, at Sint Janstraat 45. Karin Scheurkogel and Bart Luijks are credited as the original founders and operators. They had previously run a similar establishment in Antwerp. This gave Røst a clear identity from the start as an espresso bar serving breakfast and lunch in the heart of Middelburg.

On July 1, 2024, Scheurkogel and Luijks handed over the business to Petra Vervoorn and Wilfred Lubbers. Vervoorn was formerly a co-owner of Eeterij Suster Anna in Veere. Lubbers also worked there and was, among other things, the chef at Restaurant 1611. This transfer marks a significant recent milestone in the company’s history.

Røst’s concept revolves around coffee, breakfast, lunch, cake, and an informal setting. The venue highlights music and wall art as key elements of its atmosphere. Local artists are also given a space within the interior. According to public information, the wall art is refreshed periodically, featuring work from local, national, and international visual artists.

The café is located on a street in the center of Middelburg. This places Røst in an urban context, surrounded by other hospitality venues and shops. Available information emphasizes the combination of espresso, daily dining, and local suppliers.

Røst serves specialty coffee roasted locally by Koffiebranderij De Koepoort. Even after the 2024 transfer, this roastery continued to be listed as the supplier of coffee beans. The available information does not specify fixed countries of origin, plantations, or specific lots used at Røst.

The documented coffee menu includes espresso, double espresso, regular coffee, double coffee, and filter coffee brewed in a Moccamaster. Additionally, the menu lists americano, cortado, cappuccino, espresso macchiato, latte macchiato, caffè latte, and flat white. Decaf coffee is also mentioned.

Beyond classic coffee drinks, several blended beverages are listed. Examples include dirty chai, espresso tonic, iced latte, iced coffee, and affogato with Zeeuws babbelaarijs. Coffee with Zeeuwse boluslikeur and whipped cream also appears on the documented menu. Add-ons include oat milk, coconut milk, an extra espresso shot, coffee syrup, whipped cream, honey, and decaf.

Røst states that it works with producers and suppliers from the local area whenever possible. The coffee comes from Koffiebranderij De Koepoort. For milk and cheese, Kaasboerderij Schellach in Middelburg is cited. Bread is sourced from bakery Den Soeten Inval. Ice cream comes from ijsboerderij De Koehoorn in Meliskerke.

The available information also describes a changing menu featuring fresh, seasonal, and homemade dishes. These details place Røst within a hospitality segment where coffee, lunch, and regional sourcing come together. Specific sustainability certifications for Røst itself are not publicly documented in the consulted information.

Koffiebranderij De Koepoort documents information about direct-trade coffee and displays both direct-trade and conventional coffees in its green coffee portfolio. However, it is not publicly established which specific origins or coffee batches are served at Røst. As a result, the origin at the venue level can only be described in terms of the mentioned collaboration with De Koepoort.

Art is a visible part of Røst’s profile. The venue displays wall art and mentions local artists. It is also documented that Røst participated in WE ARE in June 2021, a traveling exhibition and culinary walk. Other participating venues included Het Koffiepand, HoneyPie, Jells Lunchcafé, and Warung Senang.

No publicly documented workshops or coffee tastings specifically organized by Røst were found in the provided information. The venue’s community profile therefore primarily stems from the wall art, participation in a previous exhibition, and collaboration with local suppliers.

Røst is featured in several public listings regarding hospitality and coffee in Middelburg. These entries include details such as location, opening hours, service categories, and contact information. The change of ownership in 2024 was also publicly documented. Furthermore, the venue was included in a directory of Middelburg addresses in December 2024, noting De Koepoort as the supplier of the beans.

Public recognition through awards or prize lists is not documented in the provided information. The available profile is therefore primarily factual: an espresso bar in the Middelburg city center, established in 2015, under new ownership since July 2024, featuring coffee from a Zeeland roastery and a menu that highlights local suppliers.