Discover Benelux | Highlights | Dam, Nieuwmarkt & Waterlooplein
An oasis of calm in the Red Light District TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: KOFFIESCHENKERIJ
From the Golden Age when the area was the city’s economic hub, through to the Red Light District’s incarnation as a tourist hotspot, the Oude Kerk church has always been a bastion of calm in this exuberant area of Amsterdam. At De Koffieschenkerij in the Oude Kerk, you can experience the serenity that this landmark brings. “This place is truly remarkable,” says Job Oosting, who started De Koffieschenkerij more than three years ago with his wife. The part of the Oude Kerk, where De Koffieschenkerij is situated, was built in the 16th century and served as the sacristy of the church. Later it became a house and was then used for storage. “This is the oldest building in the city and a truly serene place in the most daring part in town. We serve you excellent coffee in an oasis of calm.” De Koffieschenkerij serves coffee and pie. You can enjoy the best coffee and homemade apple pie in the garden or inside. “People order
at the bar, so that they can really get a feel of the building and what is happening when our baristas make their coffees and pie, all made with the freshest ingredients.” Customers can also order a small lunch, with sandwiches or soup on offer. “Whether you enter through the garden or come from the museum in the Oude Kerk, De Koffieschenkerij lets you enjoy exceptionally good coffee and pie in true serenity, right in the middle of the most vivid part of Amsterdam.” www.facebook.com/Koffieschenkerij
Everybody loves Louis With the sounds of jovial banter, the scent of fresh coffee and a picture postcard view over Amsterdam’s canals, Louis reminds you of the good old Dutch days. In this beloved local spot in the heart of the city, time has stood still – in the best way possible. Entering café Louis is like stepping into a piece of heritage, topped off with a cosy laid-back interior and the feeling of a local pub. This hidden favourite at the Singel effortlessly combines casualness with a feeling of exquisiteness. With a beautiful view of Amsterdam’s scenic water-
ways, the terrace is inviting on both warm sunny afternoons and colder autumn nights. Great company at all times is the picturesque sunset and the never-ending line of people walking by. So, what is on the menu? “Specialty beers,” laughs Joes Janse, owner of Louis. “We serve over 50 types of specialty beers, many from small local breweries.” Do not leave without trying the ‘Broodje Sukade’ (sandwich with Blade steak), a Louis classic. Besides Joes, there is another boss running the place: cat Louis. This cute black and white creature casually strolls along tables, stylishly
TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: LOUIS
conquering chairs and making every customer fall in love with him. “Does he steal food? He is pretty well behaved,” Joes smiles. As the night continues, Louis gets fuller, and the music goes down. “The sounds of voices is the best music out there,” enthuses Joes. Because that is Louis: your planned 20-minute trip to this gem might just magically turn into five hours of good conversation alongside specialty beer and a unique Dutch ambiance. You are warned. www.louis-amsterdam.nl
Issue 35 | November 2016 | 23