Amsterdam's Golden Age

It truly is a Golden Age of beer in Amsterdam. De Spuyt is the latest in a series of new openings in 2009. What have we done to seserve al this bounty?

And it couldn't be in a less promising spot, right in the centre of tourist hell around the Leidseplein. In an area full of Argentinian Steak Bars, coffee shops and fake Irish pubs. An actual proper beer bar.

Inside, it's a classic Amsterdam café. Small, cosy with a handful of tables and a few stools at the bar. Don't try bringing a fifty-strong stag party here. There isn't room.

Did I mention the beer choice? It's more than decent. All the Trappists (even Westvleteren occasionally) and most of the cream of Belgian brewing (no Slag Pils, though). Holland is represented by a quartet of Ij and a pair of De Prael beers.

Mokum's getting scarily good for beer. There are now too many specialist beer spots fo a single pub crawl. Allow two days minimum.


Cafe de Spuyt
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 86,
1017 RD Amsterdam.
Tel: 020-6248901
info@cafedespuyt.nl
http://www.cafedespuyt.nl