Restaurant Judith opens its doors in Engelenburg Castle

A culinary experience full of elegance and sophistication

A new chapter in gastronomy: timeless charm, tasteful perfection and a touch of history.
Restaurant Judith opens its doors at Engelenburg Castle on 19 March, introducing a sophisticated culinary experience with a modern interpretation of classic flavours. Inspired by a former resident of the castle, Judith combines history with contemporary gastronomy. With a seasonal menu, carefully selected ingredients and an intimate setting, the restaurant offers a stylish and tasteful experience. Led by chef Thomas Kooijman, each dish is prepared with precision. His minimalist cooking style ensures that the pure flavours and quality of the ingredients are fully appreciated. Judith stands for elegance, purity and a warm, welcoming ambience where taste and history come together.

A historic name with a modern vision

The name Judith was deliberately chosen as an ode to a woman who once called the castle her home. Her charm, style and sophistication are reflected in the atmosphere and look of the restaurant. Judith stands for enchanting elegance, subtle luxury and an intense passion for taste. Guests are immersed in an ambience where everything, from interiors to menu, has been carefully curated to create a lasting memory.

Restaurant Judith combines a charming, warm atmosphere with a contemporary culinary approach. The dishes are prepared with carefully selected top-quality seasonal products, preferably from local suppliers and artisan producers. Every detail, from the flavour combinations to the service, contributes to living an exclusive experience.

A top-level culinary destination

At Restaurant Judith, everything is about quality, simplicity and the perfect balance between classic and modern. The carefully crafted menu offers an exclusive selection of à la carte dishes and seasonal menus. The matching wine list is composed with precision, with wines taking the dishes to the next level. Guests can expect a gastronomic experience in which the motto 'less is more' is clearly reflected. The focus is on the main ingredient, without unnecessary fuss. An approach that exudes elegance and craftsmanship.

The signature of chef Thomas Kooijman

Led by chef Thomas Kooijman, Restaurant Judith presents a menu where craft and innovation reinforce each other. The new chef brings with him over 15 years of experience in the culinary world. He previously worked at renowned restaurants, including Michelin-starred Moss, and learned a lot while working with top chef Margot Janse. Kooijman has since developed his own style: minimalist perfection with a focus on pure ingredients.

His culinary philosophy revolves around simplicity and quality. The chef deliberately opts for product-oriented cuisine, where the main ingredient, such as turbot or venison, is the absolute star of the dish. Instead of complex side dishes, he lets the purity and essence of the flavours speak for themselves. His style is inspired by Le Pré-Catalan in Paris, a three-star restaurant known for its thoughtful simplicity and perfection.

History on the board

In addition, Kooijman embraces the rich history of Engelenburg Castle. In each menu, he introduces a historical dish inspired by centuries-old culinary traditions. One example is a dessert from the 15th century, which used to be served in Lutein Castle. This unique connection between past and present will recur more often in dishes. It gives Restaurant Judith an extra dimension as a destination where gastronomy and history go hand in hand.

Kooijman takes a farm-to-table approach, working with local farmers and suppliers to source the best ingredients. Although the kitchen garden at Engelenburg Castle is still under development, there is already full commitment to the provenance and freshness of the produce. This ensures that every dish is of the highest quality and sustainable.

From 19 March 2025 Restaurant Judith has officially opened. Guests can make reservations for both lunch and dinner to be surprised by the revamped menu and elegant ambience. At Judith, it's not just about food, but about creating memories that continue to enrich you.

Ofar Engelenburg Castle
Engelenburg Castle has a rich history, dating back to 1570. At the site where the Castle now stands, 'de Engelenburg' stood at the time. The current building dates back to 1828 and has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. Since 1988, it has been open to everyone. Besides a restaurant, Engelenburg Castle houses an exclusive hotel, has a golf and conference centre, its own wellness and is a popular venue for events and weddings. The surrounding area is full of natural beauty, with the Hoge Veluwe National Park just a short distance away.

About Q Hospitality Group
Q Hospitality Group is the new name of the company founded in 2018 by hoteliers Bas Tolmeijer, Willem-Jan van den Dijssel and Francesco Monaco. The company focuses on acquiring large-scale hospitality projects, real estate and developing and expanding unique hospitality concepts. Q Operations' portfolio includes Kasteel De Essenburgh (Hierden), wellness resort Thermae 2000 (Valkenburg), the Arnhem-based Hotel Haarhuis and Koepelgevangenis, Veluwe Hotel De Beyaerd (Hulshorst) and Kasteel Engelenburg (Brummen) and, from 2024, The Diamond Amsterdam.

Exclusive hotel platform Quality Lodgings, with a collection of more than 120 independent quality hotels in 11 European countries, investment company Hera HRI and private equity firm Q Participations are independently operating subsidiaries within Q Hospitality Group. More information via: www.qhospitality.group