HIM+ puts the Dutch region ‘Achterhoek’ on the map with hospitality concepts with a story
Bjorn Massop and Robin Overdreef of HIM+
Eetwinkel van Mien below the Villa Wanrooy
Villa Ruimzicht in Doetinchem
Kees Hensen and Mascha Schmit of HIM+
Disclaimer this article is more interesting for Dutchies.
Dutch hospitality, quality and accessibility from the region Achterhoek for a large audience. That is what the Horeca Inspiratie Maatschappij (HIM+) stands for, the parent organization of various food and hotel concepts in the region Achterhoek. The group gives national monuments from the region a new, connecting function as a meeting place where contemporary enjoyment is the key issue. The group recently expanded with the acquisition of Hotel de Wereld (Hotel The World) and the opening of the brand new boutique hotel Villa Wanrooy. In addition, HIM+ is fully committed to sustainable and circular catering concepts, of which the Green Michelin star obtained in March 2021 at restaurant Lokaal in Villa Ruimzicht is a direct result.
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Collaboration is number one at HIM+
Tranquility, space and cordiality combined with the ‘everything will be fine’ mentality. That is what the Achterhoek is all about. HIM+ embraces this philosophy and translates it into high-quality, casual hospitality concepts in monumental buildings. The group was founded in 2007 by entrepreneur and concept developer Kees Hensen with the aim of bringing the Achterhoek, Attention and Craft together. Since February 2019, HIM+ has been reinforced by Mascha Smit, who is responsible for sales and marketing and has extensive experience in organizational change. At the same time, chef Bjorn Massop also joined the group, who, with enormous enthusiasm for the profession and passion for the Achterhoek, ensures unity in the kitchens of the various catering establishments. With the arrival of co-owner Robin Overdreef (SVH Wijnmeester) in August 2020, HIM+ has all the expertise in house to focus on further growth and professionalization. With several captains, working together in the group is number one. “That can sometimes be quite a challenge, but it is what makes us happy,” says Mascha Smit. “We firmly believe in sharing knowledge. Because everyone works from their own strength, we can complement each other and really focus on quality.” The recent period proves that it has turned out to be a strong team which created new initiatives during the ‘corona’ era. Such is the new LEV. by Mike (former Strandlodge) in Winterswijk, new food trucks have been purchased and momentenmakers have been given a lot of attention. The staff has also been trained and seconded to various care institutions and Hotel de Wereld has been purchased. Finally, Villa Wanrooy and eetwinkel (food shop) van Mien have also opened its doors.
Casual hospitality concepts
The showpiece and perhaps best-known concept from the HIM+ portfolio is Hotel Villa Ruimzicht in Doetinchem. The former boarding school has been transformed from a dilapidated villa into a contemporary four-star hotel. You can enjoy a ‘farm-to-table experience’ at restaurant Lokaal, the restaurant located in Villa Ruimzicht, where chef Bjorn Massop combines culinary delights with great and responsible regional products. The chef believes in short chains, respect for the seasons and sustainability. In March 2021 he was awarded a Green Michelin star for sustainable gastronomy. Also to be found in the heart of Doetinchem: Villa Wanrooy, a brand new boutique hotel with the Eetwinkel van Mien (food store) located below, where craftsmanship is paramount. A little further on you will find LEV Foodbar, a hidden gem in the center of Doetinchem, where you eat delicious dishes that are all the size of intermediate dishes, so you can easily share among friends. The food bar has been awarded a Bib Gourmand. On to LEV. by Mike (formerly the Strandlodge) in Winterswijk. The former lifeguard house has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant at an A-location. With a view of the beach bath in the middle of the forest, you can enjoy refined dishes in a unique setting. And those looking for a truly special overnight stay can indulge themselves at Hotel de Wereld. The famous four-star hotel in the center of Wageningen has been known since 1945 as the place where the liberation of the Netherlands was negotiated. As a hotel of peace and with the nature of the Veluwe just around the corner, there is no better place to celebrate freedom. Even non-hotel guests can enjoy the World at LEV. @ the world.
Website: HIM+
