The Story Behind Our Illustrations

At Bij Koen en Marijke, we believe in creating a warm, joyful atmosphere that celebrates not only food but the people and community that surround us. The journey to our unique illustrations started with a map of Bruges, lovingly drawn by the talented Fien Cools, also known as Fientekent. This map captured the charm and spirit of Bruges, our beloved city, in a way that spoke to our hearts. We knew immediately that we wanted to bring a piece of this artwork into our restaurant, to share the essence of Bruges with our guests.

What began as an idea to incorporate Fien’s artwork evolved into something more. As we discussed how to adapt the map into a series of coloring pages for children, we dreamed up a whole cast of characters and scenes that would bring the Bij Koen en Marijke experience to life. From our picking garden and festive celebrations to playful scenes of us on a tandem bike or a humorous Christmas snow globe, each illustration was crafted to reflect the spirit of our restaurant, our love for Bruges, and our passion for creating memorable experiences.

Each of these illustrations has its own story, capturing a piece of our identity. They are not just pictures—they are an expression of the joy, warmth, and personal connection that we strive to bring to every guest who walks through our doors. We have carefully transformed these illustrations into unique merchandise items, allowing you to take home a little piece of Bij Koen en Marijke. We hope these creations bring a smile to your face, just as they have to ours.