Oudaen

Stadskasteel Oudaen, the Oudaen town castle, stands on the Oudegracht in the centre of Utrecht, and it is a rare survival of a medieval patrician residence that is now used as a restaurant, cafe and brewery. The building rises directly from the old canal, its tall brick facade reflected in the water, and it looks very much like a castle in the middle of the city. It is one of the places that gives the Oudegracht its atmosphere, and its terrace is a popular spot on the canal quay.

The house dates from the late Middle Ages, around the fourteenth century, when wealthy families in Utrecht built fortified town houses along the canal. These so-called stadskastelen were a mixture of home, warehouse and stronghold, with thick walls, small windows and towers or turrets that signalled the status of the family. They were also a defence against the rivalries and street fights that were common in medieval towns. Oudaen is one of the few that survives in good condition, and its name comes from one of the families that owned it.

Over the centuries the building has had various uses, and it has been restored several times. Today the interior is arranged with a restaurant, a cafe, a venue for performances and events and a brewery in the lower level. The rooms combine old structure with contemporary art and furnishing, and the walls, beams and arches show the age of the building. The brewery produces its own beers in the cellar, and tours allow visitors to see the equipment and to taste the results. Beer brewing has a long history in Utrecht, and the cellar setting is fitting.

The building is open throughout much of the day, with the cafe serving coffee, lunch and drinks, and entry is free for those who simply want to look in. The terrace on the wharf, at canal level, is among the best places to sit in the city, with a view of passing boats and the bridges. The Oudegracht is lined with similar wharf cellars that have been converted into restaurants and cafes.

The castle is close to the Dom Tower, the Dom Church and the Centraal Museum, and it combines easily with a walk along the canal. It suits couples, groups of friends and anyone looking for a historic place to eat and drink. Check opening times for the brewery tours, and book ahead for dinner.