Our Story
Roel Smeets always dreamed of starting his own speciality and craft beer café that would place Belgian beers in the spotlight. On 4 July 2014, his dream became a reality when he opened De Gouverneur with his wife Jolanda Plantaz. However, the history of this unique concept in this particular location goes back many, many years.
Historical character
The building that is now home to De Gouverneur had a close relationship with beer from the mid-nineteenth century up until the early twentieth century, when two generations of the Marres family brewed beer on this very site. Back then, the brewery was called the Falcon Brewery (Valkenbrouwerij) owing to the two falcons on the front of the building – they’re still there in their original condition to this day.
This history inspired Jolanda Plantaz and Roel Smeets to open a Belgian speciality and craft beer café in this location.
With every visit, you can taste and feel the historical character of De Gouverneur, reflected in the retro interior of the pub that creates a cosy and inviting vibe.
The name of this vibrant beer tavern refers to a historic Limburg tradition, as this is the only province in the Netherlands to have a Gouverneur (governor) instead of a King’s commissioner. In Belgium, all provinces have a Gouverneur at the head of their provincial governments.