The 6 nicest new spots in Haarlem and surroundings

Due to corona, we have started to rediscover our own country. Why go to Ibiza when you have Vlieland? And isn't Maastricht at least as fun as Brussels? I have been living in Haarlem for ten years and while I can intensely enjoy the buzz in Amsterdam (by the way, here you will find the 11 coolest wine bars in Amsterdam), you find here the perfect mix between a small city life and the sea that you can almost smell. I would say: go to Haarlem this weekend. The sale has started and a hundred fun little spots are waiting for you.

1 PIP Deli, Lorenzplein 2a, Haarlem
There is a really fun venue right around the corner from me. My friend K can already picture herself there, she thinks it's so great. And she knows her stuff. The menu is amazing, there is a small terrace, it looks lovely and they also have takeaway. Zarzuela de pescado, anyone?

2. Mogador Café, Botermarkt, Haarlem
Definitely the coolest place to have or grab a coffee, but Mogador expands into a sort of Dille & Kamille deluxe. Tableware, Moroccan bowls, amazing wicker bags; everything is really nice. And if you order a coffee with oat milk and Julius is behind the bar, could you say hi to him?

3. Côte Café & Interior, Joe & Brown, Elf Elf, Zandvoortselaan, Heemstede
Perfectly located (right before the traffic light on the way to the beach) a lovely little shopping strip is developing. Joe & Brown (Filippa K, Denham, Seven, Bella Dahl etc.) has been there for a while, but now the daughter of one of the Joe & Brown founders has started a gift shop next to her mother's store. You can just buy anything blindly because everything is nice and definitely ask about the photo art from the boyfriend of the new owner. Amazing.

Côte Café was founded by Karin, the woman who started Republiek in Bloemendaal aan Zee years ago. Côte is a day café with incredibly delicious food, Mariage Frères tea (where do you find that?) and a small clothing collection that Karin customizes herself. When you're there, definitely take a look at the back, because Karin also sells pearls for your home. Tables, lamps, vases… All my girlfriends have her spun candlesticks.

4. Kayuca, Zandvoort
For when you want something different than Tijn Akersloot, Ubuntu or Hippie Fish (all fun too, by the way). Kayuca is just a bit less known, but at least as fun. Handy: you can order with an app or at the beach bar; it all goes just a bit faster.

Have a nice summer!