De Troubadour
Strategy, Brand identity, Website, Socials & Photography
Hospitality
For over two centuries, De Troubadour, a traditional old brown café, has been a cornerstone of the village of Beesel—a place deeply woven into the local community, where generations have grown up with. Now, the time has come for a new chapter— one that embraces its past, and remains the familiar and trusted place it has always been, while also evolving to be future-proof and attracting a new audience—one that largely navigates a digital world.
The long-standing name De Troubadour forms the foundation of this transformation. A troubadour is a collector and storyteller, a bridge between generations, and a traveler through time. Our new concept draws inspiration from the idea of a stranded Troubadour—a traveler who, after a long journey, has finally found a home. Just as a troubadour gathers and shares stories, De Troubadour has become the place where those stories come together, both in person and online—a true standard-bearer for the region.
With a fresh, contemporary look, De Troubadour remains the warm and inviting space where everyone feels at home. At the same time, it stands out as a strong visual presence, setting itself apart from the competition and claiming the place it rightfully deserves after all these years of dedicated service.
The long-standing name De Troubadour forms the foundation of this transformation. A troubadour is a collector and storyteller, a bridge between generations, and a traveler through time. Our new concept draws inspiration from the idea of a stranded Troubadour—a traveler who, after a long journey, has finally found a home. Just as a troubadour gathers and shares stories, De Troubadour has become the place where those stories come together, both in person and online—a true standard-bearer for the region.
With a fresh, contemporary look, De Troubadour remains the warm and inviting space where everyone feels at home. At the same time, it stands out as a strong visual presence, setting itself apart from the competition and claiming the place it rightfully deserves after all these years of dedicated service.
We've designed a new logo—a stamp-like emblem that feels as if the Troubadour has left its mark on this place, featuring a portrait of a Troubadour itself in a wood-carved illustrative style. This design includes their claim to a rightful place in the region as one of the first bars, which is why we've implemented the founding date—something their competitors simply can't.
The strong and recognizable wordmark on the front of the building has stood there for years. Why reinvent the wheel when the original design is so visually powerful, familiar to locals, and stands out? We took it, traced it, and gave it a slight tweak. And just like that, history comes back to life.
Of course, serving food and drinks is the most important thing in a bar. But just as important are true connections—which means talking to each other. That’s why we've developed a menu that's as flexible as a travel journal. In addition to filling your stomach, it allows you to discover the region, plan your next steps, and spark conversations with conversation starters. We bring all stories together in one place, offering space to share event flyers or give other locals the chance to promote themselves. It’s a community captured in an eclectic menu.
The identity seamlessly transitions from print to digital. Visual clouds represent how De Troubadour has a wealth of stories to share, serving as a foundation to highlight these stories in various ways. We’ve introduced a visual effect that evokes a sense of history, transforming any footage into a graphic element. The use of color also plays a key role in setting different moods—creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, or drawing attention with bold orange tones to recruit new team members.
The website is a digital translation of the menu, approached as a travel journal. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore not only the endless possibilities within De Troubadour but also the hidden gems of the surrounding region.
Development by Mediative
Development by Mediative
To truly convince people of the warm spot De Troubadour claims to be, we need to show it. That’s why we've planned a photoshoot that captures the mood and coziness of the place itself.
Pictures by Loesje Kleeven
Pictures by Loesje Kleeven