Some meetings need a boardroom. Others benefit from a change of scenery.
When a team has been discussing the same challenge in the same office for weeks, moving the conversation to a different environment can encourage fresh thinking and more natural interaction.
De Werf offers Wi-Fi, plug points, breakfast, lunch, coffee and a convenient location at the intersection of the N7 and R304. For small teams seeking an informal meeting setting, it may offer a welcome alternative to another day around the office table.
Start with a clear purpose
An off-site meeting is most effective when the team knows why it is leaving the office.
De Werf may be particularly suitable for:
- Planning discussions
- Creative brainstorms
- Team check-ins
- Project kick-offs
- Informal client meetings
- One-to-one strategy sessions
- Post-project reviews
- Relationship-building lunches
It is not advertised as a formal conference centre or private boardroom. Teams that require privacy, presentation equipment or a dedicated room should discuss those needs with De Werf before making arrangements.
A suggested half-day agenda
A simple programme can keep the day productive without making it feel overly formal.
08:00 — Arrival and breakfast
Meet over coffee and breakfast at the restaurant. Use the first part of the morning for informal conversation and to agree on the day’s priorities.
09:00 — Focused working session
Move into the main discussion while everyone is fresh. De Werf advertises reliable Wi-Fi and plug points for charging phones or laptops.
Teams relying on video calls, large file transfers or specialised technology should confirm their requirements beforehand and have a backup data option available.
10:30 — Coffee break
Take a short break, stretch and allow team members to reset.
10:45 — Decisions and action planning
Return to the discussion with the aim of converting ideas into decisions. Assign owners, deadlines and next steps.
12:30 — Lunch
End the formal portion of the meeting with lunch. The restaurant operates daily, while the weekend food market provides additional choices on Saturdays and Sundays.
Why an informal venue can work
A more relaxed setting can change the way colleagues communicate.
People may contribute more freely when they are not seated in their usual positions around the office table. Sharing breakfast or lunch also creates space for conversations that would not normally appear on a formal agenda.
The goal is not to avoid structure. It is to create an environment where focused work and genuine connection can happen together.
Consider a weekday meeting
Teams seeking a quieter environment may prefer visiting on a weekday rather than during the busy weekend market.
The restaurant is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00, with pizza available later in the afternoon and on Wednesday evenings.
Contact the venue to discuss expected group size, table arrangements and the best time for your visit.
Prepare before you arrive
Bring a concise agenda, charged devices, notebooks and any documents needed for the discussion.
It is also wise to download important files in advance. Even when Wi-Fi is available, having offline access prevents technology from interrupting the meeting.
Replace another routine meeting with a purposeful outing
Not every meeting needs an expensive conference package. Sometimes a good table, reliable coffee, clear objectives and a different view are enough to move a project forward.
For group reservations or to discuss whether De Werf suits your meeting requirements, contact the team on 064 867 8578.