Simonis aan de Haven

Located at Visafslagweg 20 in Den Haag, Simonis aan de Haven is primarily known to the public as a fish restaurant and fish shop. Situated in the port of Scheveningen, the establishment is part of the broader Simonis family business. While coffee plays a role within this profile, available data suggests it is not a standalone coffee bar. For coffee enthusiasts, this location is therefore most relevant as an example of coffee service within a hospitality venue where the primary focus lies elsewhere.

The history of Simonis dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. According to the company description, the family business began as a small eel smokehouse, with Grandpa Albert credited as the one who smoked and sold the fish. An external profile mentions that Albert Simonis opened a café and smokehouse on the Westeinde in Den Haag in 1880.

Simonis aan de Haven opened its doors in 1980 on the Visafslagweg. The location started as a smokehouse and was later expanded to include a shop and seating areas. It is also noted that Allie Simonis and his brother opened this branch, with Giovanni Simonis and Dennis Simonis mentioned as being involved in the management of the harbor location.

The concept centers around the sale, preparation, and on-site consumption of fish. Publications describe the business as a combination of a shop and a restaurant. The ordering process is set up with counter service and self-service, which distinguishes the concept from a coffee bar where coffee is the core of the offering.

Available information regarding coffee at Simonis aan de Haven is limited, but concrete on a few points. ARC Coffee is publicly linked to the location as the bean supplier. Additionally, a new espresso machine has been installed, and a system from Latte Art Factory has been implemented for the preparation of milk-based drinks.

The documented coffee drinks are espresso, cappuccino, and latte, placing the emphasis on espresso and milk drinks. No public indications were found for filter coffee, pour-over, AeroPress, or batch brew. Furthermore, no data is available regarding countries of origin, roast profiles, or rotating coffees on the grinder.

For the specialty coffee sector, the connection with ARC Coffee is the most relevant aspect. This partnership shows that a fish restaurant and shop is paying attention to the quality of its coffee service. At the same time, information regarding flavor profiles, brewing recipes, and staff training remains out of sight. The coffee information should therefore be read as part of a broader hospitality profile.

Simonis also describes activities outside the daily restaurant and shop environment. The company provides catering for events and corporate parties, utilizing a mobile sales unit. Demonstrations are also mentioned, such as cleaning herring and making sushi. Participation in larger events is also noted, including ParkPop, The Hague Jazz, and North Sea Jazz.

These activities are related to fish, catering, and hospitality. No coffee-focused workshops, tastings, exhibitions, or community activities have been documented. For readers specifically looking at coffee culture, this distinction is important; the company’s social and event-driven role lies primarily with fish and catering.

In terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Simonis mentions several measures. Heat from cooling machines is recovered to save energy. Additionally, almost all existing fixtures in the locations have been replaced with LED lighting. The company also mentions the separate sorting and disposal of waste streams.

Regarding fish procurement, Dennis Simonis is linked to the choice of seasonal fish and, wherever possible, fish from the region. The goal is to limit transport and emissions. Specific names of fishery suppliers are not publicly documented in the available data.

Regarding the coffee service, the documented business ties are more concrete. ARC Coffee, Sanremo, and Latte Art Factory are mentioned in relation to beans, equipment, and milk-based beverage preparation. Further details regarding contracts, volumes, or technical settings are unavailable. Consequently, the picture remains factual, yet limited.

Simonis aan de Haven has been mentioned in various publications as a hospitality venue in Scheveningen. Gault&Millau listed the location in its 2020 awards list as “POP of the Year”. Other publications adopted this recognition or referred back to it. The establishment was also included in a guide for dining in the harbor area of Scheveningen.

Additionally, there were reports of a fire at Simonis in Scheveningen in July 2022. These reports also referenced the previous recognition. A 2022 profile covered the history of the family business and the development of Simonis aan de Haven. Coffee-specific press attention or professional coffee awards have not been documented.

The profile of Simonis aan de Haven is clearly defined. The location is primarily a fish restaurant and fish shop with a long family history in Den Haag. Coffee is available via espresso, cappuccino, and latte, with ARC Coffee as the documented bean partner and equipment from Sanremo and Latte Art Factory.

For the specialty coffee sector, this case demonstrates how coffee can play a supporting role within a hospitality business outside the traditional coffee bar domain. The available information provides insight into suppliers and equipment, but not into origin, recipes, or a dedicated coffee program. Thus, the conclusion remains cautious: coffee is part of the service, while fish and hospitality form the primary profile.