Nestled on the bustling Langendijk, one of Gorinchem’s oldest streets, The Local Club is surrounded by artisanal craftspeople, trendy boutiques, concept stores, and a wine shop. The historic building, home to the beloved Mykonos restaurant for over four decades, has been transformed by new owners - entrepreneur Pieter van Reeuwijk and chef-partner Tonny van Houwelingen - into the town’s must-visit venue. ‘With our all-day concept, we offer a rich local experience,’ says Pieter. ‘From your first cup of coffee through to lunch, dinner, and even a late-night club vibe with DJ beats in The Basement: here you’re truly stepping away from the everyday.’
Energy
Pieter, who built his career in recruitment and real estate, and Tonny, a seasoned chef known for his work at De Gasterij on Grote Markt, met through mutual friends and quickly bonded over a shared vision. Pieter reflects, ‘We both thrive on creating something new.’ For Pieter, this means a scalable concept with potential beyond Gorinchem, while Tonny finds his passion in experimenting with dishes, delighting guests, and curating a standout wine list to captivate enthusiasts. Tonny’s culinary highlights, such as Ribbeling with a Sauerkraut Crisp, Gyoza Delight, Dutch Wagyu, or the inventive Stroopwafel Taco, are mouthwatering. ‘When guests ask me to create something just for them, it’s a challenge that sparks my creativity,’ he says.
Pure and local
‘Oysters in Gorinchem? That was missing, and we’re here to change that,’ Tonny explains. The Local Club delivers a luxurious dining experience rooted in quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. ‘The average dish in many restaurants involves ingredients that have travelled 30,000 kilometres. We’re doing things differently here, embracing the wealth of top-notch products from the Netherlands.’
Their all-day concept is personal, artisanal, and experiential. While The Local Club is accessible, it also offers indulgent options like oyster and champagne celebrations. Longtime Mykonos regulars, some with 20 years of loyalty, have embraced this fresh take on dining with delight.
Urban luxury
Situated on the lively Langendijk at the front and offering serene views of the Lingehaven waters at the back, The Local Club boasts a versatile layout with various levels. A charming side terrace acts as a ‘secret garden,’ providing a tranquil escape. ‘The height differences make the space playful and exciting - guests don’t discover everything all at once,’ explain Nina van Rietschoten and Tessa Jansen of Horeca Sfeermakers, the design agency behind the transformation. Guided by their motto, ‘Make it stand out,’ the interior is a harmonious blend of roaring twenties and Art Nouveau vibes, with a modern twist. The warm atmosphere is brought to life through a mix of styles, from charred wood and smoked glass to lush greenery, textured finishes, and custom-made wallpaper by Daisy James. Eye-catching brass accents and organic Tom Dixon wall lamps lend a cosmopolitan edge. ‘The bold bar design and intimate corners offer something for everyone, whether it’s a cosy date or a lively group outing,’ Nina adds.
Love and attention
Pieter shares, ‘We knew we needed expert guidance for the design. We aimed for something extraordinary and pulled it off in just seven weeks.’ The collaborative effort of Horeca Sfeermakers, Kroeze for interior construction, and Morren Totaalbouw brought the vision to life. Nina reflects, ‘This project allowed us great creative freedom, resulting in a diverse and exciting design. It’s rare to work with such a passionate chef-owner - here, it’s all about amazing interiors and amazing food.’ The Local Club has quickly become a jewel in Gorinchem’s crown. Guests rave about the now-iconic mirror adorned with red neon letters, perfect for selfies. Pieter concludes, ‘It’s incredible how the element we were initially unsure about has become the most defining feature of the space. The mirror and its glowing letters connect all the restaurant zones, becoming our signature brand element.’
At The Local Club, quality, love, and attention are palpable in every detail. Whether it’s the interiors, the food, or the overall vibe, it’s a place where everything comes together seamlessly.
