In July 2025, we opened our doors as a pop-up for the very first time.
The Hof de Plezance is part of the De Republiek Stadmakers initiative here in Brugge — a space designed as an incubator to help people test ideas before making a more permanent commitment. For us, it was the perfect location and the right moment to explore how we might connect to the region and the people of Brugge through the food we source and prepare.
From the beginning, it felt important to create an experience that would allow everyone to connect more deeply — to the food, to the space, and to one another.
And as newcomers to the city, we were eager to meet local producers and introduce ourselves to the community, sharing our ideas for creating a place where people could gather, eat, drink, and enjoy the kind of atmosphere we are passionate about.
At its heart, Café Amba is about connection — to the land, to the seasons, and to each other. We hoped to create a space for meeting and forming deeper relationships. And in so many unexpected and beautiful ways, that is exactly what happened.
From October 19, we took time away — travelling, reflecting, and learning from the experience. We spent time imagining how our ideas might continue to evolve into a space that keeps us rooted in the city, connected to its people, and nourished by the region, while nurturing our own growth along the way.
In December, we returned to the Hof de Plezance to continue testing our ideas through to the end of February and, more importantly, to stay connected to the community — and to the energy we created together over the summer.
The season has shifted, the gardens are sleeping, and we continue to be inspired to build something that, at its core, is about connection. This truth has become more and more apparent as we observe our motivations in search of our truest expression.
What cooking means to us...
There comes a moment when cooking becomes a celebration of life —
of the farmers, bakers, and producers working with the natural cycles —
reflecting a deeper relationship with nature, time, and process.
Biodynamic growers tending the land in rhythm with the moon, cultivating soil with care and intention.
Traditional bakers working with ancient grains, natural fermentation, and time-honoured methods to bring true nourishment to the table.
This kind of attention carries through.
It can be tasted.
It can be felt — in the body, around the table, and between people who gather to eat.
When we cook, cooking becomes an offering —
a celebration of nature, the people who inspire us,
and the foods that feed us.
There comes a moment when cooking becomes a celebration of life —
of the farmers, bakers, and producers working with the natural cycles —
reflecting a deeper relationship with nature, time, and process.
Biodynamic growers tending the land in rhythm with the moon, cultivating soil with care and intention.
Traditional bakers working with ancient grains, natural fermentation, and time-honoured methods to bring true nourishment to the table.
This kind of attention carries through.
It can be tasted.
It can be felt — in the body, around the table, and between people who gather to eat.
When we cook, cooking becomes an offering —
a celebration of nature, the people who inspire us,
and the foods that feed us.
Before Café Amba was even an idea, we had already stumbled across what felt like the perfect home for our vision.
In May 2025, we arranged a viewing of the property and immediately fell in love with the space.
The business there today has been running for 29 years under the same ownership. The current owner asked us to wait until January 20, 2026, before she would move forward with any sale. That pause gave us the perfect window to test our ideas — and it was during that time that the opportunity at Hof de Plezance presented itself.
This window has given us a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community in a very special way. It has inspired us to evolve our ideas into something we believe can become a unique addition to the city — a space rooted in our core motivation: connection.
We have part of our investment secured, and we are exploring ways to raise the remaining funds needed to take over the business, renovate, and create a beautiful space.
Going to the bank for investment is one of the paths we are taking. Alongside this, we’ve opened a quiet crowdfunding campaign — an invitation for anyone who feels moved to help us grow roots here in Brugge.
We’ve chosen not to launch it publicly just yet. If you are still reading, then you are already connected to what we are creating, and you may enjoy being part of the next chapter.
If so, here is the link.
Thank you for reading, supporting, and already being part of our journey.
OPENING HOURS
(JANUARY)Thursday - Sunday 09:00-17:00
(Last kitchen orders 15:00)
CONTACT
Support the growth of Cafe Amba and be a part of our next chapter
GoFundMe
GoFundMe