Watch every World Cup match live from 11 June at the living room café on Halvemaanpassage
A cold beer in your hand, screens on, sound throughout the venue and everyone getting just a little too invested in the match. From Thursday 11 June, Villa Kakelbont in Rotterdam will be all about the World Cup. The living room café on Halvemaanpassage will not only be showing the Netherlands matches during the tournament, but every match that falls within its opening hours.
With at least three large screens, match prediction pools, stamp cards and half-time entertainment, Villa Kakelbont aims to become Rotterdam’s World Cup headquarters. Entry is free, there is no need to book, and those who make the right predictions could even win something.
“We’re going big for this World Cup,” says co-owner Thom van Zanten. “This summer, we’re turning Villa Kakelbont into one big football living room, with all the trimmings. Wear something from your favourite country, bring your friends and come watch the matches with us.”
The entire World Cup live on big screens
While many cafés mainly go all out when the Netherlands are playing, Villa Kakelbont is putting the entire tournament centre stage. From the first group match to the final, and from the Netherlands to the underdog that suddenly has the whole venue cheering: as soon as the ball starts rolling, Villa Kakelbont is on.
Every match that falls within opening hours will be shown on several large screens with sound. With this, Villa Kakelbont wants to become a go-to spot for Rotterdammers who want to follow the World Cup together, even on days when the Netherlands are not playing.
“Our living room is for everyone,” says Thom. “For Netherlands fans, supporters of other countries and people who are simply in the mood for a good game of football.”
Fill in a prediction pool, collect stamps and keep going at half-time
During the World Cup, Villa Kakelbont is about more than 90 minutes of football. Before kick-off, visitors can join a match prediction pool and submit their score prediction. Guess correctly, and you could win a prize. Those who come by more often can collect stamps and benefit from extra offers throughout the tournament.
The programme also continues at half-time, with entertainment inside the venue. “We don’t want the energy to drop as soon as the referee blows for half-time,” says Thom.
The team is especially encouraging people to bring friends, colleagues, neighbours and fellow supporters. “Message your group, put on your shirt and come watch the match. We’ll take care of the screens, the sound, cold drinks, bar snacks and great deals. The rest will happen naturally once the match begins.”
About Villa Kakelbont
Villa Kakelbont is the living room café in the centre of Rotterdam, located on Halvemaanpassage. Since opening in early March, the café has offered a place where nostalgia, play and togetherness take centre stage. With a vintage interior, classic dishes and space for activities, Villa Kakelbont appeals to a broad audience, from people stopping by for drinks to families and groups of friends. The café is open six days a week.
