TorenTuin

TorenTuin is a coffee bar and meeting place on Lisplein in Rotterdam North. The location is situated near Lisvijver, in the area surrounding Liskwartier and Bergpolder. The space is publicly described as a place dedicated to slowing down, meeting, and connecting. This positions TorenTuin not only as a hospitality venue but also as a neighborhood location with social functions.

According to available information, TorenTuin first opened its doors on Saturday, July 8, 2023. An official opening brunch followed on August 26, 2023. The formal founders are not fully documented in public records. However, Arie-Jan Baan is named as the initiator. He wanted to create a neighborhood-focused meeting place with a group of acquaintances in a vacant space of the Opstandingskerk church on Lisvijver.

The organization behind the venue is linked to Stichting TorenTuin Liskwartier. The 2023 policy plan states that its goal is to promote social cohesion and sustainable connection between different groups in Liskwartier and Bergpolder. The same plan notes that the foundation operates on a non-profit basis. This makes the organizational structure relevant to how the coffee bar and its activities are presented.

Public team information lists Arie-Jan Baan as chair, Marieke Dunning as treasurer, and Dorianne Verhage as a member of the core team. The 2023 policy plan names Arie Jan Baan, Maria Magdalena Floor, and Cornelia Ingeline Heijkoop as board members. Daily management is attributed to Cynthia Heydari and Joanne Roest.

Beyond these names, volunteer work plays a visible role. A publication about TorenTuin notes that nearly fifty volunteers organize activities, including events for both children and adults. This setup aligns with the foundation’s broader goal, which centers on meeting and collaboration among neighborhood residents.

For coffee, Brandstof Koffie is the documented supplier. TorenTuin has mentioned via social media that this coffee is donated. Brandstof Koffie describes itself as a small-scale roastery on Goeree-Overflakkee, founded by brothers Jan and Joost. While the coffee supplier is publicly known, further details about TorenTuin’s full coffee offering are limited.

No public menu with a complete list of brewing methods has been found. However, it has been reported that TorenTuin has a new espresso machine. Volunteers were also able to attend a workshop on preparing flat whites and cappuccinos. Based on this, it is clear that espresso and milk-based drinks are part of the practice, but other methods have not been publicly confirmed.

Coffee and tea also feature in various activities. The activities page and agenda mention these beverages at events such as KantoorTuin, Peuteratelier, and open days. As a result, coffee functions not only as a product but also as part of the social use of the space.

TorenTuin organizes and facilitates a variety of activities. Public information mentions, among others, Social & Outdoor Workout, KantoorTuin, Peuteratelier, Buurtontbijt, and TorenTuin Podium. The latter is described as an evening featuring a speaker, live music, and drinks, taking place every two to three months.

The agenda also lists recurring elements such as KantoorTuin with a networking lunch, a morning walk, and the neighborhood breakfast. The space can also be used for birthdays, lectures, or meetings. The policy plan includes examples such as a vintage clothing corner, a terrace garden, a play area, a game afternoon, creative children’s workshops, a chess tournament, reflective activities, and shared meals.

In addition to its own activities, TorenTuin is also listed as a pickup location for a vegetable subscription. The address given is Lisplein 1, with a pickup time on Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This function fits the image of a location that combines multiple neighborhood-oriented roles.

Sustainability emerges in the available information primarily through sharing and reuse. The policy plan mentions a vintage clothing corner as an example, where children’s clothing can be reused. The plan also describes a vegetable garden on the terrace, maintained by neighborhood residents. According to the plan, the harvest is shared with the neighborhood.

For coffee, Brandstof Koffie is the only documented supplier. This roastery publicly states that it only purchases coffee when it is known which farmer grew it. Brandstof Koffie also mentions that it strives for a short chain with the farmer and uses electric roasting equipment. No specific origin list, certification list, or complete purchasing policy from TorenTuin itself has been found publicly.

TorenTuin received attention from Rotterdam media and agendas in 2023. Publications described the place as a meeting spot and coffee bar in Rotterdam Noord. Among other things, the Peuteratelier, KantoorTuin, and the possibility of renting space for gatherings were highlighted. The location is also listed in public location overviews for Rotterdam.

No publicly documented prices or rankings have been found that mention TorenTuin. The available information points primarily to a local function, with coffee, neighborhood activities, and space usage as the main components. Within the Rotterdam coffee sector, TorenTuin thus serves as an example of a place where hospitality and social objectives come together.