The Ballentent®

The Ballentent® is a household name in Rotterdam and troundabouts. The former customs warehouse from 1905 was converted into a port café in the first years after World War II. Renowned hospitality entrepreneur and owner of De Ballentent®, René Kheenen, took over the café in 2003 from the first pub owner and plans to leave its former glory untouched.

An authentic, Rotterdam experience

You will be helped by knowledgeable staff who are always up for a chat or a joke. At The Ballentent, everyone is welcome, from managing director of the port authority to boat worker, from a quick drink to full meal. Dutch hits are played most of the day and during weekends the roof will sometimes go off. One of the elements of this part of Rotterdam's fame, alongside the delicious meatballs, is Lavazza coffee.