Oost

Dorstlust Drankerij

Tessa Monfrooy and her partners at Dorstlust (a Dutch amalgamation of ‘thirst’ and ‘passion’) continue to ‘add some badassery’ to the drinks market with local spirits and craft sodas. ‘We’re looking for that special thing,’ says Tessa. ‘A distinctive flavour, a great story, the best quality, or a mixture of those things.’

PRETORIUSSTRAAT 1

DORSTLUST.NL

Volkshotel

The Volkshotel is the former newspaper office where the Volkskrant once rolled off the press. For dramatic city views, head up to the rooftop for cocktail bar Canvas and Badplaats – the hot tub and sauna complex. When it gets late, party people can head down to Doka, a subterranean listening bar and intimate club space with an impressive audio set-up.

WIBAUTSTRAAT 150, VOLKSHOTEL.NL

What’s not to love about this Dreamy Hearts skirt by The New Chapter (€17.95) at kids’ boutique Blitskikker?

JAVASTRAAT 117H, BLITSKIKKERAMSTERDAM.NL

Museum Tot Zover

If you’re interested in how different societies around the world approach the inevitability of death, then the Museum Tot Zover (Dutch Funeral Museum) is just the ticket. Tot Zover offers an array of changing contemporary and historical exhibitions featuring art and photography, plus a growing selection of online galleries delving deep into our relationship with death. As befitting a funeral museum, it’s located in a cemetery and housed in the former director's residence.

Box Sociaal

Lekker, mate. Box Sociaal serves one of the most creative brunches in Oost – all with a tonguein-cheek sense of humour and mega helpings of Aussie charm. Classic breakfasts are elevated with East Asian and Latin American flavours with highlights including buttermilk fried chicken tacos with kimchi and the ‘Mortgage on Toast’

Javastraat

Fast-gentrifying Javastraat is a raw blend of old and new, where Moroccan butchers and Surinamese roti shops sit next to trendy concept stores, stylish (coffee) boutiques and edgy streetwear specialists. It’s also a buzzing dining and drinking destination, so there are plenty of places to rest and refuel.

Insider Interview

Philip Rosenberger, founder of Zakaria Rugs

This Hamburg-born rug collector has turned his passion into his calling. After working at architecture firms such as MVRDV (Rotterdam), SCHWITZKE (Düsseldorf) and BRIQ (Copenhagen), he was part of the team that opened Soho House Amsterdam. ‘There I learned about the importance of a community around your projects and goals,’ Philip says. Inspired by Moroccan craft, the history of hanging contextual tapestries and a team of professional artists, he started Zakaria Rugs from the ground up with a clear vision ‘to bridge the gap between artisans and contemporary art while considering the environment at every step.’ Being one of the top three rug collections at the renowned DOMOTEX fair in 2021 is Philip’s proudest business achievement. ‘In the coming year, I plan to spend time in India to research and experiment with raw materials and colours.’

MR. TREUBLAAN 3 ZAKARIARUGS.COM