From my very first pint in the UK, I was captivated by its rich beer culture. The history, the breweries, the sheer number of excellent international beer venues – it was all so impressive. Yet, one crucial element seemed to be missing: Dutch beers. For much of the 20th century, the Dutch market had been dominated by a handful of large breweries, perpetuating the myth that the Netherlands was solely a lager nation, and that truly "special" beers could only be found in Belgium.

Thankfully, that narrative has dramatically shifted in the last three decades. Pioneers like Menno Olivier, Kees Bubberman, and Michel Orderman spearheaded a craft beer revolution, introducing world-class brews to the Netherlands. Today, the country boasts over 1,100 active breweries, producing phenomenal beers and world-class brands.

Inspired by this resurgence, I launched a Dutch beer festival in a West London pub, which ultimately led to the creation of Proeflokaal Rembrandt, a dedicated Dutch beer bar. All the while, I had my sights set on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. This vibrant hub of craft beer bars felt like the perfect home for our concept.

When the lease on the original Rembrandt location expired, fate intervened: a space became available on the Beer Mile. The timing was perfect. With the incredible support of craft beer enthusiasts, Rembrandt regulars, UK craft bars, and friends from the Netherlands, we launched a successful crowdfunding campaign and began building.

In September 2023, we finally opened our doors. Initially operating with a limited selection, we’re now in full swing, offering 35 different beers, a Dutch-inspired menu, and a mezzanine level for tastings and events. We’re constantly growing, having recently added four new breweries to our already impressive portfolio. Our next big step? Expanding our tap system to 65 lines, which will make us the largest craft beer bar in the UK. We aim to be the premier international outpost for Dutch beers!