On the road in Leidsche Rijn

WHAT DO THE ROMANS, LOCALLY BREWED BEER, A FLOWER GARDEN AND ITALIAN ICE-CREAM HAVE IN COMMON? ANSWER: YOU’LL FIND THEM ALL IN LEIDSCHE RIJN, AN EXPANSIVE HOUSING ESTATE TO THE WEST OF UTRECHT CITY CENTRE.

In collaboration with ontdek-leidscherijn.nl

PULL UP A CHAIR IN VENSTER, A NO-FRILLS LOCAL RESTAURANT

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METROPOLITAN LEIDSCHE RIJN CENTRE The place to go whether you want a portion of fried fish, a pair of exclusive Tom Ford glasses, Louboutin boots for € 900 or flip-flops for € 5. The shopping centre has 130 shops, in streets built to look authentically European. Think Barcelona without the tourists, or Paris without the traffic. And the parking is cheap too. If you fancy a breather after all that shopping, go to see a film in the Pathé rooftop cinema (Berlijnplein 100) or pull up a chair in Venster (Berlijnplein 520), a no-frills local restaurant. > Brusselplein leidscherijncentrum.nl

Find it on the map See page 64

[LEKKER LANGE QUOTE QUOTE]

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BEAUTY TO BEHOLD VLINDERHOF Lurie Park in Chicago, the Highline in New York and the Vlinderhof in Leidsche Rijn. A highly respectable list! All these gardens were designed by the Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, who is also referred to as the Rembrandt of gardens. Oudolf’s gardens are spectacular all year round. His designs ensure that even in the autumn, the fifty shades of grey and brown of the flowers and plants that have finished flowering are still a beauty to behold. Another unique fact: volunteers take care of the upkeep of this free garden in the huge Máximapark. > Alendorperweg 44 vlinderhof.com

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ENJOYMENT THROUGH THE AGES DENGH Leidsche Rijn may be a brand-new housing estate, but the history of Dengh restaurant goes back to 1259 as it’s based in an old farm. The food in the restaurant adapts with the seasons. The menu was recently changed, and now features dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and delicious cocktails (with or without alcohol). The cosy ambience and friendly staff make this the perfect place to relax. > Enghlaan 17 dengh.nl 4

BRAIN FREEZE ZOMERS Come rain or sunshine, it’s always summer if you have an ice-cream from Zomers. The ice-cream parlour started life in Leidsche Rijn, but also has a branch in the multicultural Lombok district. All the ice-cream is freshly made according to Italian recipes. And you can burn off the calories by cycling to Lombok and back to Leidsche Rijn over the yellow bridge. Once you’re there, meet the locals at the fountain on Berlijnplein or take the kids to the covered playground in The Wall a bit further along. > Meerndijk 6 & Makassarstraat 32 zomersijs.nl

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ROMAN LEGACY CASTELLUM HOGE WOERD At Castellum Hoge Woerd, you’ll find an authentic Roman ship that was excavated nearby. Many Italians are still trying to ship it back to Rome. Castellum is a modern interpretation of a Roman fort on the Limes border, where archaeology, hospitality, theatre and nature are simply crying out to be discovered. The neighbouring restaurant Rare Jongens (Het Zand 52) serves a home-brewed stout known as Triple Trappel, as well as delicious food. > Hoge Woerdplein 1 castellumhogewoerd.nl