The Brown Café

Ab Flipse: "Generations of VU students have memories of the 'Bruin Café', tucked away between the main entrance and the cafeteria. In the days when the Zuidas did not yet exist and there were hardly any other bars or restaurants in the area, this was in fact the only place where you could go for a drink after class.

After the official opening of the main building of the VU in 1973, it took three years for the 'Bruin Café' to open its doors. Ad Valvas reported: "The former coffee machine area (...) has been transformed into a captivating brown café with a lowered ceiling, metal walls, the bar from the Uilenstede society and some seats."

Beer was served from noon, and distilled drinks from half past four. In a haze of cigarette smoke, many a student – and teacher – would end the day or week here in the decades that followed. Whether it was to process a tough exam, forge research plans, watch a football or skating match, or celebrate obtaining a diploma."