How Verhip became Verhip

Verhip is located in the heart of the Lloyd Quarter, a neighborhood where history and modernity come together. This former port area has undergone a complete transformation and is now a vibrant and trendy part of Rotterdam, where creativity and innovation prevail. Artists, designers and other creative professionals have found their place here and contribute to the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood.

At the same time, the Lloyd Quarter remains true to its roots. You can feel history in the air, with old warehouses and beautifully refurbished warehouses that remind you of the time when this area was the beating heart of the port of Rotterdam. This mix of old and new makes the Lloydkwartier a special place that you simply have to explore, and that also applies to Verhip.

This café combines the best of both worlds: the nostalgia and charm of the past with the taste and conviviality of today. Whether you're here for a good chat, a delicious meal, or just to soak up the atmosphere, at Verhip, you'll feel right at home in this dynamic neighborhood.

Through the years

As the Lloyd Quarter changed and reinvented over the years, Verhip's building remained on that lawn as a silent witness to the times. It wasn't always an eatery; owners changed, new dreams found homes, and the building filled with fresh energy each time. But one thing remained unchanged: his place as a trusted anchor in the neighborhood.

De eigenaar, Paul, met de dochter van vader Schruyer, de bouwers van het pand van Verhip.

1928

The Pre-War Grocery Store

In 1928, the Verhip building was built by the Schruyer family. It served as a supply point for ships that sailed to the East Indies under the flag of the Rotterdam Lloyd. The flagship of this fleet was the Willem Ruys.

The little girl in the picture met Verhip's current owner a few years ago. This was an emotional encounter because her father had an accident on a motorcycle at the railway crossing in Kethel years ago. There was a story that the girl's sister had had a relationship with an Indonesian boy, which her father couldn't put up with. After his death, the business was sold and a café was added to the building. Later, the business was taken over by the Groenhorst family, who were in it for a long time.

The little girl sadly passed away in 2024. The following photo shows her with the owner of Verhip.

Early 1960s

Cafe Neeleman

In the sixties, the Neeleman family became the owner of the building. For two generations, they ran the business. Rokus Neeleman took over the company from his father. Van Gend & Loos and Taxi Sint Job were located in and around the Lloyd Quarter at the time, while Rotterdam's Lloyd had now disappeared. The picture shows the Neeleman family.
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Café Neeleman was known as a shop that opened at 6 a.m., selling delicious dishes from a small kitchen, including their famous ball sandwich. The café grew into a household name in the city. The owner of Verhip is still in contact with the Neeleman family. Recently, they visited to share fun stories and photos. Of course, we recorded this meeting.

Paul, de eigenaar van Verhip, poserend achter de bar met de oude eigenaren van café Neeleman

Aanzicht van het pand waar Verhip in zit

since 2006

cafe Verhip

After the Neeleman family, the building had several owners. In 2006, the business was taken over by Paul Bouwens and Danny Nederstigt, who named it Verhip. With respect for history, they modernized the café.

At the time, the neighborhood was still fairly empty, but over the years, the Lloyd Quarter has been transformed into a modern residential area with a lot of activity. To this day, construction continues in the area. Over the years, Verhip has grown into the neighborhood's living room.

In 2019, Paul decided to go on his own. The characteristic building with its large terrace attracts a constant stream of guests, even from outside the neighborhood.

After the challenges of the coronavirus period and a fire, Verhip has gone through a difficult time, but the future looks bright. Especially with a great team that is there for you every day!