There is nothing better than a perfect morning coffee on the perfect hotspot on a cold and grey autumn day in the city. That is exactly what I did last week when I had a morning off before work. Although I am a summer person and I terribly miss the South African sun and heat, I can enjoy autumn and winter in Europe, too. I love to stroll around the canals and discover new and old areas of Amsterdam. Last week I found this great hotspot: De Koffieschenkerij (lousy translated as ‘The Coffee Pourery’) in The Old Church of Amsterdam, located in the middle of the famous Red Light District neighbourhood. In between prostituees, red lights, places where you can buy legal marihuana (soft drugs) and terrible restaurants where you don’t even send your dog to for supper, there are some very nice, cool and interesting places too. For example fancy restaurant “Anna” (an upmarket, stylish restaurant), a Belgium chocolate Deli, or this beautiful ‘Koffieschenkerij’ where I enjoyed my morning coffee last week.
Situated in a side wing of the Old Church of Amsterdam, ‘De Koffieschenkerij’ is a special place. The Old Church of Amsterdam is the oldest, still standing & existing building of Amsterdam, and was probably built around 1306, as a small wooden chapel. The ships could sail from the IJ lake, above Amsterdam, all the way through the canal to the front door of the church. Soon this place was called ’the living room of Amsterdam’, as it was always so busy. The church itself was probably sort of gift to the holy Nicolas, bishop of Myra, by Guy van Avesnes, the bishop of Utrecht. It is a great church, with a rich history, situated at a special location in Amsterdam: The Wallen, in English ‘The Red Light District’ zone.
How pretty are the red blinds on the outside? In summer time the terrace is packed with people who come for the delicious coffee and cakes.
Entrance.
Great cappuccino.
Interior. A bit dark and gloomy, but it suits an old church building, I think.
Croissants for breakfast.
Take away is also possible.
The facades of Amsterdam city center showing off.
Autumn trees alongside the canals.
The old Church with ‘De Koffieschenkerij’ on the right bottom.
If one doesn’t like coffee…. there is tea too.
The Facts
De Koffieschenderij is situated in the Old Church of Amsterdam, on the Oudekerksplein 27, Amsterdam city center. Click here for directions. Open daily from 10.00 – 18.00
Coffee, tea, cakes and simple lunch, for example a sandwich or soup.
Note: I have not been asked, invited or paid to write about “De Koffieschenkerij” in Amsterdam. It was my own idea. All images are mine, made with a Canon EOS M3 camera.
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