As the manager of De Biertuin, I decided to turn our annual staff outing into something unforgettable — a custom-designed escape-style adventure game that mixed puzzles, teamwork, and a few beers along the way.
The concept was simple:
Two teams, one city, and a race to the finish.
Each team had to solve puzzles, complete hilarious challenges, and earn points by sending photo proof of their completed tasks.
The team with the most points at the end — and who managed to uncover the hidden VIP (5 Pokemon cards depicting typical Biertuin Guests) — would win the game (and an amazing prize!).
Before we started, both teams chose a team captain. I then handed each captain a locked box filled with mysterious envelopes and props.
The first puzzle began the moment they wanted to open the box —
“The first thing you do when opening… also starts this game.”
With the code for the key box that opens the biertuin , they’d find all the props and instructions.
Puzzle 1 – The Cocktail Recipe
Inside the first envelope was a checklist of opening tasks — everything checked off except “making premixes.”
Also included were:
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A cocktail card
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Mini bottles labeled with mysterious letters
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A Newspaper with articles only about Espresso Martini's
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A QR code linking to a password-protected website
By placing the correct bottles for an Espresso Martini in order, the letters spelled out the password: SHOT.
That password unlocked the website, leading to the next clue — and their first VIP hint.
Puzzle 2 – The Bottle Cap Cipher
In this envelope, they found:
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A UV light-up burger box
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A menu with a secret coded message (“Sunday, Wednesday, Monday”)
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A decoder ring
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A pile of bottle caps labeled with days of the week
When they arranged the bottle caps correctly, they found a 3-digit code that opened a small locked chest.
Inside: a QR code that told them to contact the other team and meet at Vondelpark to play Flunkyball.
That moment triggered a fun side quest for team building. 
Puzzle 3 – The Color Code Quiz
This challenge began with a quiz — every correct answer revealed part of a hidden phrase:
“Color the numbers two, three, four.”
Teams also received a Biertuin gift card with a half-colored QR code.
When they followed the hint and filled in the right areas, the QR code became scannable, revealing:
“You may now start the final puzzle.”
Puzzle 4 – The Final Pour
The final envelope contained a box of beer tap photos from the Biertuin.
Each photo had a letter on the back — and when placed in the right order, they spelled out the final message:
“Keer nu terug naar de Biertuin.”
(Go back to the Biertuin.)
That message led them straight back to where it all began — and to the final reveal of the VIP & Winners!
Overall we had a great time playing this game! In the end both teams found out who the VIP was and one team won closely after finishing the most assignments!
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