6x Lunch in the woods in the Netherlands

After a quiet walk through the forest of Dorst, you arrive at Beum, an attractive restaurant in a beautifully restored forester's barn. On the sunny terrace, enjoy seasonal dishes such as a creamy pumpkin soup in autumn. Or choose a fresh salad with herbs from the restaurant's own carefully tended herb garden. What makes Beum really special is its apprenticeship for people with disabilities. Here, they get the chance to work and develop new skills, while contributing to the preparation and serving of the delicious dishes. Beum uses many local products, such as meat from Slagerij van Kuijk, bread from De Smaakmakers and ice cream from the Jacobushoeve.

De Tuinman, tucked away at Buitenplaats De Hoorneboeg in Hilversum, is a hidden gem for lunch in the woods. In the atmospheric greenhouse or on the terrace, you taste seasonal dishes that match the harvest from their own vegetable garden. This small-scale vegetable restaurant emphasises sustainability. They do this through organic ingredients, vegan options and a menu adapted to reduce food waste. One particular example is the surprise menu 'Gardener's Table'. This is a three-course menu that changes every two to three weeks and is entirely inspired by the fresh harvest. At De Tuinman, you will discover the flavours the season has to offer at every lunch.

At Landgoed Vorden, right next to the castle, you can enjoy lunch in the woods at Bosloods 1873. Owners Carla and Chris give you a warm welcome at Bosloods1873. They ran Herberg Restaurant de Lingehoeve in Oosterwijk for twenty years. In addition, they cooked for eleven years in Bourgogne, among the vineyards of Chateau de Frétoy. With this experience, they bring their passion for fair food and hospitality to the forest. Fairtrade coffee from Giraffe and tea from Pelican are served at Bosloods 1873. Or treat yourself to a piece of homemade cake. Did you know that the apples for the famous apple pie are supplied by a local farmer? Chickens also scratch around freely on the estate and bees supply their own honey. Everything comes from the immediate area, fresh and prepared with care. The kitchen works with the seasons, in early summer they have delicious asparagus and strawberries and in autumn you will enjoy mushrooms and carrots.

Hidden between beautiful flowers and plants on the edge of the Schuitwater in Broekhuizen is Tea Garden Vanilla. Treat yourself to a carrot cake or a tasty brownie. The small lunch menu offers tasty dishes made from pure, seasonal produce from the region. My favourite is the sandwich with brie apple syrup and walnuts. There are also options for guests who want to eat gluten- or lactose-free. The high teas are highly recommended, with savoury snacks, fresh scones and various luxury pastries. This is accompanied by a wide selection of teas. They have well-known classics like chamomile tea, but also surprising flavours like turmeric peach. An ideal destination for those who love peace, nature and cosy walks and lunch in the woods.

After a nice walk in the woods in Oisterwijk, stop by for a bite to eat and a drink at De Rode Lelie. Each dish is prepared with fresh, local ingredients, giving an immediate taste of the passion of the kitchen. An absolute must from the menu is the 'Kip van Nel'. This is a tasty, marinated half chicken with fries and raw vegetables. You can also opt for lunch for two. You then get an etagere with surprise dishes and a soup. Want to go out with the whole family? While you relax on the terrace, the kids play in the playground. So whether you stop by for a drink after a nice walk in the woods or want to have an extensive lunch in the forest, at De Rode Lelie you can feel plenty of relaxation in the middle of greenery.

In the middle of the Schoorl woods is Bospaviljoen De Berenkuil, a nice stop after a walk through the woods. Here, coffee, fresh apple pie and a tasty lunch are waiting for you. They also serve their own beer. De Wijze Beer is a fresh weizen brewed in collaboration with Brouwerij Egmond. The terrace is a great place to sit in the sun in summer. While in winter you can get hot chocolate, pea soup or a smoked sausage sandwich with sauerkraut and fried onions. What makes De Berenkuil extra special is its rich history. Since its opening in 1963, the small kiosk has grown into a warm meeting place in the woods. Come along and experience this special place for yourself.