Our story

Three friends, an empty building, opposite the Vooruit

It started in 2014 with a key, an empty building and far too much enthusiasm. There was no more of a plan than that.

The facade of De Omgekeerde Wereld with a balloon arch, the golden sun above the door and three people in the doorway.

  • 2014

    when we got the keys

  • 69+

    beers on the list

  • € 2,70

    for a pils

  • 7/7

    open from 2pm until late

How it started

A place like the old days

Three enterprising friends rented an empty building opposite the Vooruit on Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat in Ghent. The name came straight out of what we were after: a place where young and old both feel at home. A place like the old days, where customer and barman are one and the same. A place with prices anyone can afford. A place with fantastic music, often from the good old days. A place that forgets the outside world for a while.

The Vooruit is called VIERNULVIER these days. We are still here, every day from two in the afternoon.

Two friends laughing with drinks in their hands at the bar.
The bar, somewhere between the first round and the second.

The name

Why ‘De Omgekeerde Wereld’?

Things the rest of the world keeps apart end up at the same table here.

  • Youngold
  • Daynight
  • Old schoolright now
  • Customerbarman
  • Studentneighbour

Found a button somewhere on this site that turns the whole world upside down? That is not a mistake. Go on, press it — it turns back too.

A long table full of people laughing and toasting, glasses and bottles in front of them.
The same room, eight hours later in the day.

The family

You are not a customer here

From football teams to quiz teams, from student clubs to the staff and the familiar faces: den Omgekeerde runs on its people.

So we turn a few of the usual hospitality rules around. Pool is free. You may bring a sandwich in from outside. The coffee comes from the pot. Concerts and parties have no door charge.

And when someone turns up with an idea, we back it. From early until late.

A group of friends with their arms around each other, raising a toast at a barrel table in De Omgekeerde Wereld.
Four people eating food they brought with them at a table in the cafe, under the racks of glasses.
Food from outside? No problem. It has always been that way here.

Things to do

What is there to do here?

Besides drinking beer and listening, we mean. You do not have to order anything to join in, and you do not have to be any good at it either.

  • A game of pool

    Free

    Always free, no coins needed. You only have to wait until the table comes free.

  • Table football

    € 0,50

    Fifty cents a match. Bring some change, or ask at the bar.

  • A game of chess

    Free

    The board lives behind the bar. Just ask for it, even if you are sitting on your own.

  • Concerts and parties

    Free entry

    Gigs and parties, always free. What is on and when goes up on Instagram.

Students with the Guido Gids get 1+1 here. And whatever is on this week, Tristan puts onInstagram @de.omgekeerde.wereld.

Someone breaking on the red-felt pool table while a second player looks on.
The pool table is free. Do rack the balls back up yourself.

When are we open?

Every day. Really every day.

Every day from 2pm until late. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday we stay open a good bit longer.

Open now

Monday to Wednesday
14:00 – 02:00
Thursday
14:00 – 03:00
Friday to Saturday
14:00 – 04:00
Sunday
14:00 – 02:00

Hours can differ on public holidays and during events. Follow Instagram for the latest.

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