The Netherlands, Leiden February 1, 2026, by Anouk Ardesch

Brasserie Rumour in the beautiful old fort

Eat & Drink
The Netherlands, Leiden , February 1, 2026, by Anouk Ardesch

Brasserie Rumour in the beautiful old fort

Brasserie Rumour is a fantastic restaurant and bar with an internationally oriented menu, located in the monumental building Koetshuis at Burgsteeg 13. Hotel Rumour combines good food, hospitality, and conviviality.

There was a major renovation before this new gem could open; everything inside was stripped and the outside also underwent a lot of renovation work. And with success.

 

 

All-day bistro

All-day bistro

The newly opened Brasserie Rumour is a bistro where you can all day can go to; in the morning for breakfast, in the afternoon for an extensive lunch, to a late drink and dinner. You can also work there all day, they serve surprising cocktails (in the picture: Ananas Margarita, with Tecán Blanco, Cointreau, caramelized pineapple and agave), they organize weekly events, and you can rent the upstairs room for a (large) party. Or are there any more plus points? How about the large terrace on the Binnenhof, directly under the historic Castle. Ha!

 

The eye wants something too

The eye wants something too

The interior is thanks to Studio Modeijefsky, who tried to preserve the origins of the historic coach house from 1657 (and also did the interior design for other favorites, such as Arie op de Hoek and Bonnie) and in our opinion they succeeded very well. The design has resulted in a beautiful bistro bar, where you recognize the monumental features of the past. Think of high ceilings, large arches and original wooden beams, combined with modern elements. In the spacious restaurant there are all kinds of nice seating areas, from vintage and modern to beautiful wooden benches. The bar is a picture, with a striking terrazzo counter, from where you look out on the veranda with the terrace.

On the menu

On the menu

At the helm in the kitchen is chef Thomas van der Slikke from Voorburg. He previously worked at Bolenius (Amsterdam), Hotel QO (Amsterdam) and De Kurk (Delft). The menu? Not too complicated, beautiful recipes with a French twist, with some other influences here and there (such as the shakshua and the sea bass crudo). There is also plenty of choice for the vegetarians and vegans among us. In short, a place where you can really take everyone.

Fish (or actually everything) must swim and there is also a huge choice. An extensive wine list with a variety of wines from French Burgundies to orange natural wine and even their own cuvée Rumour. For beer fanatics there is a wide selection of beers on tap and bottle, and cocktail lovers can also indulge themselves. So off to Leiden.

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