History
When you visit Die Port van Cleve nowadays, you still feel the atmosphere of historical times. Modern facilities and elements are integrated tastefully in the unique architecture of the building. The combination of heritage, hospitality and personal service continues to live in our hotel and assures each guest an extraordinary stay in the bustling city of Amsterdam.
Our History wall in Hotel Die Port van Cleve
1864
It all started with Heineken beer
For several centuries, since 1592, several breweries were held at one of the monumental buildings where Die Port van Cleve now stands. The one that started our story, came into the hands of Gerard Heineken on 1864, under the name “De Hooiberg”. The 22 year old brewer had a great understanding of finances and business affairs. With the help of his mother, they held a very successful brewery. They had steam driven machinery and started malting on the complex itself. The consumption of beer per capita back in the day was between 200 and 450 liters.
De Hooiberg brewery
1868-1870
Two visionaryBusinessmen
Gerrit and Martinus Hulscher, two visionary brothers came to an agreement with Gerard Heineken to convert a part of “De Hooiberg” brewery complex into a beer house. During the renovation an old brick tablet was found in a wall with a representation of various buildings in the style of Oud-Neurenberg and underneath, the inscription "De Poort van Kleef". The Hulscher brothers decided to take inspiration of this for their new beer house, which referred to a middle age fortified city. On September 5 th , 1870 Die Port van Cleve beer house was officially opened, and was very popular and crowded from the first night. "De Poort" as the beer house was now popularly called, only served beer brewed in the brewery “De Hooiberg”, which had an excellent quality.
Beerhouse 'Die Port van Cleve'
The Hulscher's brothers
Brick tablet found in a wall of the building
1874
A well listedBeer house
Not only locals loved to visit 'De Poort', but it was also very appealing to all visitors of Amsterdam. Even provincials felt very comfortable and helped spread the word throughout the country as a place of interest in the capital city. Die Port van Cleve received great recognition, without real organized advertisement. On special occasions, they got attention by organizing extraordinary activities.
In 1874, the popularity of “De Poort” contributed to the expansion of their services, and a restaurant was added. It soon started serving the world-famous numbered steaks. At the same time, “De Hooiberg” brewery was moved to the Buitensingel, the current Stadhouderskade, where the Heineken beer brewery was founded. For Gerard Heineken, relocation had become necessary because the canals had been filled up and transport by ship was no longer possible. The bottling of “De Hooiberg” beer remained at “De Poort”, led by the Hulscher brothers. The beer was transported from here through the city or sent to other cities.
The 'Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal' with canal, Die Port van Cleve on the right, featuring the old facade
Traditional beer transportation
Design of the certificates of the numbered steaks
Promotional drawing made for the numbred steaks
1879
The source ofLight
During January of 1879 big parties were planned for the entry of King William III and his spouse Queen Emma. The Hulscher brothers designed a great project for this occasion. Even though the party was cancelled, the project came through:
Die Port van Cleve was electrically lit every night. People in those days had heard a lot about electrical lighting, but they had never seen it being used in such an establishment before. This project attracted a great amount of people from everywhere.
From then on “De Poort” became even more popular, as one had to have a beer and food under the bright electrical lightning. Even the mayor and his aldermen came to see this novelty, noticed by the whole community. All over the Netherlands, manufacturers and owners of big companies travelled to Amsterdam to see this famous light. It was an expensive project, but that could not scare the Hulscher brothers. With this, they proved their progressive business spirit.
Wooden structure placed in front of the facade, featuring 7500 fat lamps for the entry of King William III
Waiters of restaurant 'De Poort'
The Unity
Equality in Amsterdam
The vibrant Die Port van Cleve was the only place where people from all layers of class sat next to each other. Farmers, citizens and stock market owners sat together at one large table. The only thing that differentiated them from each other was their clothing, as fashion was a symbol of status.
Representation of different clothing people wore in the late 1800's, all were welcome in Die Port van Cleve
1880
The Emperor's crown
A new building was purchased by the Hulscher brothers, next to the “De Poort”. On July 3rd , 1880, Bodega “De Blauwe Parade” was opened. During 1887 a great tile tableau was designed by the director of the Rijksmuseum and produced by Joost 't Hooft & Labouchere and A. Le Comte from Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles in Delft with the typical blue tone. The tableau features a parade of children, simulating the historical triumphs from the Golden Century in honour of the emperor Maximilian. The emperor is recognized by its crown and the three crosses on his chest. These days the crosses are still visible in the Amsterdam city sign. They stand for heroism, determination and mercifulness.
Bar-Bodega 'De Blauwe Parade' after installing the tile tableau
Centerpiece of the tile tableau featuring Emperor Maximilian in the middle.
1885
The garden of Cleve
At the end of the 19th century it wasn't usual for ladies to enter coffeehouses, it was even considered indecent. Behind the building of Die Port van Cleve and surrounded by high houses, a courtyard was hidden. This court was named “Het Tuintje”, which translates to the little garden in English. During the summer months this garden was filled with people, and the loyal visitors brought their wives and daughters, which was not common. Even distinguished ladies from the city came to take a look. This was very “forward thinking” for the time. Unfortunately, the garden had to be closed to the public on August 24, 1885.
The graden of Cleve before it got closed
1888
Times of Change
In 1888 internal and external changes were made. The façade was completely renovated in the Dutch neo-renaissance style, with sand stone, brick and high windows. This architectural design came from Amsterdam’s architect Isaac Gosschalk. He was also famous for the design of the Westergas Fabriek and the Central Station of Groningen. Big changes were also made in the kitchen and restaurant departments. Apart from the extra light from the big windows, the main dinner room did not change much and still made the loyal visitors feel at home.
Drawing of the new facade for Die Port van Cleve
The street view of the new facade on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
The voice of de Poort
The Echo
“De Poort” had a special system, meant to serve the best possible food as fast as possible. The speed of the order was very important. After ordering, the waiter shouted this as loud as possible. The waiter behind the buffet echoed the order to the kitchen, repeating it without missing a word. After the preparation in the kitchen, the whole order was echoed back to the restaurant.
The man whose voice still resonates in ‘De Poort’: The Echo
1910
Expanding into fine dining
During 1910, around the 40th anniversary of “De Poort”, a big change was made: the upper floor was turned into a modern French restaurant, according to the latest demands and with its own kitchen. There was no need for climbing stairs, as an elevator was installed to the restaurant. The interior decoration was very elegant, with carpets, white table linen and modern heating.
The French restaurant on the first floor of 'Die Port van Cleve'
1914-1918
World War |
Unfortunately there was a period, which didn't leave many pleasant memories. During the years of World War I, Die Port van Cleve endured a hard time, as food distribution went from bad to worse. “De Poort” without steaks was no longer “De Poort”. This period endured 5 months, and there was also no butter, but the chef continued to bake, at least with their own ration. As alternatives to the steak, all kinds of fish were implemented. The chefs accomplished miracles and developed new dishes continuously. Some dishes also included other elements like fried eggs, kidneys, corned beef and other canned foods. In many different ways they accomplished to keep the company running as well as possible.
The kitchen staff in restaurant 'De Poort"
1942
A helping hand
Die Port van Cleve proved once again to be a place where everyone was looked after during the hunger winter of World War II. There was an enormous scarcity of a wide range of products and fuels. The situation in Amsterdam was certainly urgent, and to help every person in need, an agreement was signed with the Central Food Association. The kitchen of “De Poort” ran a soup kitchen, which allowed many households to lay their hands on the much-needed food to survive this dark period. Director Paula Kappelle was in charge of the day-to-day management, and made sure that food was prepared and was enough for the long lines of hungry people waiting in front of the entrance on the Spuistraat with a small pan.
Women providing meals to children during the hunger winter of 1944-1945
1960
Expanding into a Hotel
During this decade, “De Poort” expanded into a hotel and added rooms, which was greatly received from their audience. A total of six monumental buildings were connected to create 122 rooms. A lot of changes were implemented, in order to achieve the same level of service and hospitality that the restaurant and bar had.
Interior of 'De Poort' during the 1970's
Entrance of Hotel Die Port van Cleve in the summer of 1979
1996
A newEra
Hotel Die Port van Cleve is bought by Aeon Plaza Hotels, and a full renovation takes place. It was important to preserve the historical appearance, so the new pieces of furniture and interior design reflected it. A big party was held to show everyone the new face of the hotel, and Alfred Heineken, the grandson of Gerard Heineken, came especially from Monaco to attend this event.
The Regency room (The Brewery Club) in Die Port van Cleve in the late-1990's
Restaurant 'De Poort' in the late-1990's
The rooms in Die Port van Cleve in the late-1990's
2021
Purveyor to the Royal Household
For the 150th anniversary of Die Port van Cleve, the King’s Commissioner for North Holland Arthur van Dijk, has recognized the establishment for its rich history, prominence, reputation and social involvement.
The King of the Netherlands grants the Right to bear the Royal Coat of Arms with the addition “Purveyor to the Royal Household by Royal Decree” to small and medium-sized enterprises that occupy a prominent position in their region and have been in existence for 100, 125 or multiple of 25 years. The directors of the company must be of impeccable conduct, just like the company itself. King Willem I introduced the Royal Warrant in 1815, and since, a selection of companies have received it.
The Managing Director and CEO of Aeon Plaza Hotels receive the 'Purveyor to the Royal Household by Royal Decree'
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