/s3/static.nrc.nl/images/gn4/stripped/data129508303-42638a.jpg "The Jane Antwerpen Closes")
The Jane Antwerpen Closes
- On Saturday, the renowned restaurant The Jane in Antwerp served its final meals, officially closing its doors.
- just three days prior, a reconstruction took place on the restaurant's parking lot as part of a judicial inquiry focusing on the Dutch chef.
- The Antwerp prosecutor's office intends to prosecute Bril for "culpable negligence," alleging that the intoxicated chef delayed informing emergency services.
The Jane Closes its Doors: A Culinary Chapter Ends in Antwerp
Table of Contents
- The Jane Closes its Doors: A Culinary Chapter Ends in Antwerp
- The Jane Antwerp: A Culinary Era Ends – Your Questions Answered
- Why did The Jane in Antwerp close?
- What was the incident involving Nick Bril?
- When did The Jane close?
- What made The Jane restaurant so unique?
- How successful was The Jane during its operation?
- What was Sergio Herman’s role in The Jane?
- What are the key events in The Jane’s history?
- What is next for Nick Bril?
On Saturday, the renowned restaurant The Jane in Antwerp served its final meals, officially closing its doors. The last culinary creations were prepared in the kitchen, which was uniquely situated on the altar of a former military hospital’s chapel. These final services marked the conclusion of a significant period for chef and owner Nick Bril, born in 1984.
just three days prior, a reconstruction took place on the restaurant’s parking lot as part of a judicial inquiry focusing on the Dutch chef. Earlier in 2024, following a New Year’s reception for the staff, Bril struck an English trainee and assistant cook with his Landrover Defender. At the time of the incident, Bril’s blood alcohol level was 1.67 promille, exceeding the legal limit of 0.5 promille. The injured englishman spent over fifty days in a coma and ultimately lost his legs due to the accident.
The Antwerp prosecutor’s office intends to prosecute Bril for “culpable negligence,” alleging that the intoxicated chef delayed informing emergency services. This tragic event cast a shadow over Bril’s culinary endeavors throughout the past year. In October, the announcement came that The Jane, ranked 36th on the World’s Best 50 Restaurants list, would be closing.
A Chef’s Dream
The story began promisingly. In 2014, Bril’s vision took shape when he partnered with chef Sergio Herman, born in 1970, in Antwerp’s ’t Groen Kwartier district. Herman had hired Bril at age 19 at his restaurant Oud Sluis in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, where Bril became his right-hand man and sous-chef. under their leadership, Oud Sluis evolved into a three-star restaurant, eventually closing in 2013 to make way for The Jane.
Antwerp, or ’t Stad as locals call it, was buzzing. Insiders recall it as “een hype.” Culinary expert Willem Asaert commented on this period, stating, “Er kwam een driesterrenchef naar Antwerpen op het toppunt van zijn kunnen. Dat was alsof een gewone voetbalploeg ineens een superster transfereerde” (A three-star chef came to Antwerp at the height of his abilities. It was as if an ordinary football team suddenly transferred a superstar).
The Jane, described by its founders as “sensueel, spannend en smaakvol, met een internationale uitstraling, stijlvol maar ook rock-’n-roll” (sensual, exciting and tasteful, with an international appeal, stylish but also rock ‘n’ roll), inspired by their “ideale vrouw” (ideal woman), quickly gained recognition for its “kleine, complexe gerechten op Scandinavische wijze” (small, complex dishes in the Scandinavian style). The restaurant earned its first Michelin star a year after opening, followed by a second in 2016. A third star, however, remained elusive.
While the food was “uitzonderlijk mooi in balans” (exceptionally well balanced),hospitality was lacking,according to culinary critic Joël Broekaert in 2018.After a 500 euro lunch for two, he famously wrote, “Het is zeker de moeite om eens bij The Jane te gaan eten. Het probleem is: dat vindt The Jane ook” (It is certainly worth eating at The Jane.The problem is: The Jane also thinks so). This blunt review made headlines in belgium.
In 2021, Herman, the “leermeester” (mentor), left The Jane, having already stepped back from the restaurant’s daily operations several years prior. Bril commented at the time, “De tijd is rijp voor mijn eigen verhaal. Ik heb hard getimmerd aan een eigen pad en werd daarbij soms wat door Sergio Herman overschaduwd” (The time is ripe for my own story. I have worked hard on my own path and was sometimes overshadowed by Sergio Herman). A year later, Bril was named “Chef van het jaar” (Chef of the Year) by restaurant guide Gault&Millau.
This accolade followed several challenging years, including a kitchen fire in 2019 that temporarily closed the restaurant, foreshadowing the COVID-19 pandemic. Bril is set to open a new establishment this year in ’t Eilandje, a trendy Antwerp district surrounded by the schelde River. Whether the name The jane will be retained remains unknown. On Instagram, Bril wrote on Saturday, pending the judicial investigation, about his “nieuwe culinaire hoofdstuk” (new culinary chapter): “Dit is nog maar het begin” (This is just the beginning).
Key Events in The Jane’s History:
- 2014: the Jane opens in Antwerp.
- 2015: Receives its first Michelin star.
- 2016: receives its second Michelin star.
- 2019: Temporarily closes due to a kitchen fire.
- 2021: Sergio Herman departs.
- 2024: Incident involving Nick Bril and a staff member.
- 2025: The Jane closes its doors.
The Jane Antwerp: A Culinary Era Ends – Your Questions Answered
Why did The Jane in Antwerp close?
The Jane, a renowned restaurant in Antwerp, officially closed its doors after its final service on saturday. The closure follows a tragic incident in early 2024 involving chef and owner Nick bril, which cast a shadow over the restaurant. the restaurant was also ranked 36th on the World’s Best 50 Restaurants list.
What was the incident involving Nick Bril?
In early 2024, after a New YearS reception, Nick Bril struck an English trainee and assistant cook with his Land Rover Defender. His blood alcohol level at the time was 1.67 promille, exceeding the legal limit. The trainee spent over 50 days in a coma and ultimately lost his legs. Subsequently, the Antwerp prosecutor’s office intends to prosecute Bril for “culpable negligence,” alleging that he delayed informing emergency services.
When did The Jane close?
The Jane officially closed after its final service on a Saturday in Spring 2025.
What made The Jane restaurant so unique?
The Jane was housed in a former military hospital’s chapel, with the kitchen uniquely situated on the altar. This striking setting, combined with its founders’ vision of being “sensual, exciting and tasteful, with an international appeal, stylish but also rock ‘n’ roll,” made it a unique culinary destination.
How successful was The Jane during its operation?
The Jane saw considerable success, earning its first Michelin star in 2015, a year after opening, and a second star in 2016. It was also included in the World’s Best 50 Restaurants list, ranking 36th.
What was Sergio Herman’s role in The Jane?
Sergio Herman, a three-star chef, partnered with Nick Bril to create The Jane in 2014. Herman, who had previously hired Bril at his Oud Sluis restaurant, acted as a mentor (“leermeester”) and helped shape The Jane’s culinary direction. He departed the restaurant in 2021, having already stepped back from day-to-day operations years prior.
What are the key events in The Jane’s history?
| Year | Event |
| :— | :—————————————- |
| 2014 | The Jane opens in Antwerp |
| 2015 | Receives its first Michelin star |
| 2016 | Receives its second Michelin star |
| 2019 | Temporarily closes due to a kitchen fire |
| 2021 | Sergio Herman departs |
| 2024 | Incident involving Nick Bril and staff member |
| 2025 | The Jane closes its doors |
What is next for Nick Bril?
Nick Bril is set to open a new establishment in ’t Eilandje, a trendy district in Antwerp. He has hinted on Instagram about a “new culinary chapter,” suggesting that “This is just the begining.” It is unknown if the new establishment will retain The Jane name.