In the heart of the Nieuwmarktbuurt lies one of the most characteristic cafés of Amsterdam: De Sluyswacht. A place with a rich history, an unparalleled view and a warm bond with the local residents. We spoke with employee Bibi (right in the photo) and manager Mea (left in the photo) about what makes this place so special. For Bibi it was a special conversation: it was her very last day at De Sluyswacht.
The magic of De Sluyswacht
The iconic building on the Oudeschans naturally draws attention. “I often feel that I am part of such a special place,” says Bibi. She regularly comes across old photos of The Sluyswacht and is always impressed by the unique view. “It is a 'view' that you will not find anywhere else in Amsterdam,” Mea adds.
But it’s not just the looks that make this place special. During the day you’ll find tourists enjoying a nice draught beer, but as soon as night falls the locals take over. “We’re really good friends with the neighbours here,” says Mea. “It’s nice that you’re still so close to the real Amsterdammer.”
Regulars and special rituals
That bond with the neighborhood has its own charm. Regulars have their fixed rituals, Bibi says with a smile on her face. “They all have a fixed table and drink beer, but in a glass that doesn't really belong there. Then someone says: 'Can I have a Pietje Puk?' and then I know he wants a vase, but poured in a different glass.”
A place where love blooms
The Sluyswacht is not only a local pub, but also a place where romance blossoms. Bibi remembers a couple who met here on a first date. “He was a bit nervous and sat at the bar. When she came in, I kept the conversation going with her while he was away. They ended up sitting here for four hours and had a great date.”
Sometimes such an encounter even leads to something bigger. Mea tells about a regular guest who found his great love here. “They came together more and more often, because they loved the view so much. Five years later he asked her to marry him, and they even got married here on the back terrace. So special to experience that up close.”
The neighborhood as home
For Mea, De Sluyswacht is more than a workplace; it has become her home. After working in the café for three years, she decided to move into the neighbourhood. “When I moved here, I really thought: ‘wow’. What a view, what a nice neighbourhood, what nice people. Of course, I already knew it through my work, but living here is truly a luxury.”
The last round
Before Bibi taps her last beer, she has one more message: “I just hope that Amsterdammers will continue to come here, continue to live, continue to work and continue to go out. That way we can keep this part of Amsterdam truly Amsterdam.”
Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, one thing is for sure: the Sluyswacht feels like home.
