The local’s favourites Q&A with Roel Maalderink

Louis Hartlooper Complex

Q&A

WITH ROEL MAALDERINK

By Merel van ‘t Hooft

Amelisweerd

Oud Amelisweerd He was proclaimed Media Talent of 2021 by de Volkskrant, and is famous for his disarming interview style in his Voxpop videos; street interviews in which everyday people voice their (seemingly expert) opinion on an array of topics, often resulting in subtle or not-so-subtle satire. He also hosts a podcast with satirical news site De Speld and presents the AD Liveshow. Roel Maalderink is going places, and not just metaphorically. His media work resulted in him trading his hometown of Utrecht for Amsterdam, though he returns to our city gladly and often. ‘I’m pretty sure I’ll eventually end up in Utrecht again, because the city just has a special vibe’, he confesses. Until then, however, he is happy to share some of his favourite hidden and lesser hidden gems in the city he grew up in.

All in one pool

‘De Kwakel is a great swimming pool in Overvecht. I used to go there twice a week. One of my favourite things about this pool is the variety of people that frequent it. I remember seeing a group of frat guys, a class for pregnant women and a bunch of school kids in one pool once. I think that’s pretty unique.’

Comics

‘As a kid, I used to go to comic book store Piet Snot all the time, but sadly its glory days are over now. However, Blunder (Oudegracht 203) is a good second. Although I stopped collecting comics ten years ago, I still like to pop by and have a browse whenever I’m around. I just love the atmosphere and know the owner quite well by now.’

Personal touch

‘This might be an obvious choice for watching movies, but I think the Louis Hartlooper Complex (Tolsteegbrug 1) is one of the few cinemas in the country that still has an ‘explicateur’: someone who introduces and explains the film beforehand. It’s a remnant from the old days that adds a personal touch, and I always feel like it creates a sort of bond between the people in the audience.’

Utrecht Science Park

Millions of cyclists

‘The cycling path that runs from the central station via the inner city to the Utrecht Science Park, passing the University College campus where I studied, always makes me feel like I’m home. I used to bike those streets ten years ago, and probably will again ten years from now. I also believe it’s one of the busiest cycling routes in the Netherlands.’

Gorgeous

‘Amelisweerd is another well-known spot, but to me it’s one of the most beautiful areas in the country. I used to go running here quite often. The forest, the water, the pancake house... I sincerely hope the plans to expand the A27 highway will not be executed, and this gorgeous area will stay intact for everyone to enjoy.’

Photography Juri Hiensch, Stephani Versteeg, Hetty van Oijen, Ramon Mosterd