Harbour Club Amsterdam-Oost files for bankruptcy three years after explosion

The Harbour Club Amsterdam-Oost went bankrupt three years after an explosion damaged its venue in Amsterdam-Oost in 2022. The bankruptcy follows a temporary suspension of payments on May 24 this year, which ultimately led to insolvency. The company has issued its first public response, addressing complaints about silence, canceled reservations, and disrupted events.

The Harbour Club, which also operates locations in Amsterdam-Zuid, Vinkeveen, and Rotterdam, confirmed that it could not prevent bankruptcy after the earlier payment suspension. According to Het Parool, the Amsterdam-Oost branch had been unreachable for comment in the period leading up to the announcement.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the company said, "We understand that the past period has caused a great deal of uncertainty, disappointment, and frustration.” It added, "Many guests had reservations, had purchased tickets, or had planned events.”

The company also addressed its lack of communication in the weeks before the bankruptcy. It said “uncertainty behind the scenes” was the reason for the long silence and added, "Until the last moment, efforts were made to explore options and find solutions.”

A statement attributed to the curator said the company recognizes “that the consequences of this situation are significant for many people.” It added, “Therefore, we sincerely hope that for all involved parties, where possible, an appropriate solution can be realized.”

The Harbour Club Amsterdam-Oost was located on Cruquiusweg in Amsterdam-Oost in a former 2,200-square-meter wine terminal. The venue operated as a luxury restaurant and event space and included a theater.

The venue was previously targeted in an explosive attack on Aug. 10, 2022, which damaged the front door and windows. No one was inside at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Following the 2022 explosion, the municipality of Amsterdam ordered a six-month closure of the Harbour Club Amsterdam-Oost. The city linked the decision to a series of explosions affecting hospitality venues in Amsterdam. Those included the Cafe In The City, which was also damaged in a separate incident.

The Harbour Club challenged the closure order in court. Owner Richard van Leeuwen told Het Parool that the decision would “put 276 people out of work” and bankrupt the company.

He said, "The municipality lumps this explosion together with very different incidents from years ago, plus some hearsay, unfounded assumptions, and gossip. The lightness and carelessness with which one makes these kinds of decisions is frightening.”

A municipal lawyer defended the closure order, stating that the force of the explosion was so strong that “if someone had walked their dog there, they wouldn't have been there.”