SIJL Specialty Coffee, Chocolates & More

SIJL Specialty Coffee, Chocolates & More is located at Gedempte Singel 15 in the center of Assen. In public listings, the business is also referred to as SIJL Coffee or Sijl Coffee Specialties. The establishment combines an espresso bar, a chocolate shop, and a retail store. This positions the location to focus on coffee, chocolate, and the sale of products for home use.

The development of SIJL is linked to Jibbe Sijl. In public business information, he is listed as the contact person for Sijl Coffee Specialties. His entrepreneurial journey began with an espresso bar on Weiersloop in 2021. This was followed by a period at Warenhuis Vanderveen. In 2024, the coffee bar moved to its current location on Gedempte Singel.

The move to Gedempte Singel 15 was described in May 2024 as a relocation to a larger coffee shop. The new space allowed for a concept where coffee, chocolate, and retail sales come together. SIJL describes its own concept as roasting, serving, and selling specialty coffee, alongside SIJL bonbons.

A key feature of the establishment is the link between the bar and the roastery. SIJL states that the coffee is roasted in-house. A Bellwether Shop Roaster is mentioned, which is used in the bar. Thus, the roastery is not only a production function but also a visible part of the business.

Various preparation methods are mentioned in public descriptions. The bar serves espresso, filter coffee, and decaffeinated coffee. Plant-based milk is also included in the listed service. Additionally, SIJL published information about espresso, cappuccino, Matcha Latte, traditional matcha, and Espresso Romano with lemon.

The coffees listed on the website show a variety in origin and processing. Examples include Ethiopië Nekempte, Kenya Kiamutuira, Indonesië Rende Nao, and Ethiopië Mensur. Product details are provided regarding country, processing, and producers. Ethiopië Nekempte is listed as a natural-processed coffee from Ethiopia. Kenya Kiamutuira is a washed coffee from Kenya. Indonesië Rende Nao is a washed coffee from Indonesia. Ethiopië Mensur is also described as a washed coffee from Ethiopia.

SIJL uses the terms “Direct trade” and “Always a fair price for the coffee farmer” on its product pages. Several coffees are also noted as being “100% emission-free” roasted on the Bellwether Shop Roaster. These claims are part of the company’s own product information. No further, independently documented supplier relationships were included in the provided materials.

For some coffees, more details about the supply chain are provided. Kenya Kiamutuira is linked to the Mutira Cooperative Society and a group of 600 farmers. Indonesië Rende Nao is connected to Ontosorsoh in Rende Nao. It is noted that the coffee is produced organically, without formal certification. Ethiopië Mensur is linked to Mensur Abahika and the Tokuma Farmer Group in Kota Kebele, Goma District, Jimma.

In addition to coffee, chocolate plays a visible role in the concept. The name of the establishment refers to chocolates and more. Local information also describes the location as a combination of an espresso bar, a chocolatier, and a shop. As a result, SIJL serves multiple functions within a single space. Visitors can enjoy coffee, browse products, and purchase items for use outside the bar.

The retail component fits the broader approach of specialty coffee in the Dutch market. Coffee shops often focus not only on on-site consumption but also on beans, education, and home brewing. The available materials primarily document which coffees SIJL offers and how the establishment describes its own roasting process.

SIJL has also mentioned plans and activities beyond its regular bar function. Jibbe Sijl publicly announced an event on March 19 in collaboration with CLUBNU. In the same context, it was mentioned that the bar would be used outside of normal opening hours as a venue for 80 to 120 guests. Possible formats included jazz evenings, cabaret, comedy, live music, art, exhibitions, dance, talks, and creative sessions.

Recurring workshops or regular tastings are not documented in the provided public sources. However, SIJL did publish an update regarding modifications to the facade on Gedempte Singel. The company referenced broader developments on the street, including De Kaaswaag, Brownies&downieS, and Eetcafé de Branderij.

SIJL appears in various public listings. European Coffee Trip lists the establishment at Gedempte Singel 15 and mentions, among other things, the served categories and services. Dit is Assen includes SIJL as a location in the city. Stagemarkt lists Sijl Coffee Specialties as a recognized training company, with a recognition date of April 21, 2022.

Regional media have also covered the development of the business. In May 2024, news covered Jibbe Sijl’s move to Gedempte Singel. In July 2025, news appeared regarding the roasting of coffee beans at SIJL Coffee in Assen. These mentions place the business within the local coffee sector and the broader development of the hospitality industry in the center of Assen.