THE JOURNAL
The Rooftop at Soho House Amsterdam. Photograph courtesy of Soho House
Once you’ve peeled away the layers of space cake cafes, tulips and the red-light district guides, Amsterdam is a city brimming with contemporary gastronomy, secret watering holes and some of the finest art on the continent. This week in our Style Council Weekend Guide series, we’ve asked Mr Chris Glass, a membership director of Soho House and general Euro-jetsetter, for some recommendations on the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Amsterdam. Time for a quick break before Christmas?
Where to eat
Izakaya
Photograph courtesy of IZAKAYA
“Amsterdam could be all about croquettes and cheese, or this. A fresh take on Japanese fusion with excellent sushi and lots of dishes that are perfect for sharing. Great for a group – the more the merrier. They also have a host of exotic cocktails; try something you’d ordinarily skip on a menu (it’s a rule of the house).”
The Duchess
“For a date night or something a bit more formal, The Duchess is an elegant and tasty option. Housed in the grand hall of a former bank, the interior alone is worth checking it out, but the food doesn’t fail to please. Save space for one (or more) of their extravagant desserts. A speciality is the chocolate explosion – a chocolate sphere which literally explodes on your plate to reveal a collection of chocolatey treats.”
Where to drink
The Butcher
Photograph by Archello
“A true speakeasy, you enter this closely guarded secret through an unassuming butcher’s shop. A snarky receptionist asks for the code and then you disappear into a sultry dark bar serving excellent cocktails. There’s music at weekends and if you ask nicely, you can even score a greasy burger to soak up some of the booze.”
Where to stay
Soho House Amsterdam
Photograph courtesy of Soho House
“Just a few steps from Dam Square and alongside one of the city’s nicest canals, the Amsterdam outpost of Soho House is a recent opening and full of all the requisite luxe and charm that you know and love, with an extra dollop of comfort. The building harks back to the 1930s and the hotel feels like the perfect mash-up of then and now.”
What to do
Rijksmuseum
The Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum. Photograph by Mr Erik Smits, courtesy of Rijksmuseum
“The city is full of stunning museums. And none is more classic than the Rijksmuseum which was wonderfully restored and reopened in 2013. Get your Rembrandt on and enjoy hundreds of other stunning works – including the building itself.”
Boat Tour
“With more than 150 canals and about 500 bridges, Amsterdam (dubbed the Venice of the North) begs to be discovered by boat. There’s so many ways to do it, but it must be done. Preferably with a local beer in hand.”
What to wear
“Amsterdam is casual, so spice it up with colourful socks and a comfy pair of kicks to get around town by foot or bike. A leather jacket is always a smart touch if you need to layer up.”