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Brasserie De Roode Leeuw

Brasserie De Roode Leeuw combines a hotel, brasserie, and coffee service on Damrak. The article describes its history, kitchen, suppliers, and sustainability information.

About Brasserie De Roode Leeuw


Brasserie De Roode Leeuw: coffee within a broader brasserie concept

Brasserie De Roode Leeuw is located at Damrak 93-94 in Amsterdam Centrum. In public information, the establishment is primarily identified as part of Hotel Amsterdam Brasserie De Roode Leeuw. As a result, it is not an independent coffee bar in the strict sense, but a brasserie where coffee has a place alongside breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea, and drinks.

For coffee enthusiasts, this context is important. The available information shows that coffee is offered within a broad hospitality establishment. The focus is not exclusively on beans, brewing methods, or barista practice. The establishment fits more into the segment where hotel, restaurant, and café functions converge.

History and position in Amsterdam

The name De Roode Leeuw is associated with a long history in Amsterdam. According to company information, the name dates back to an inn from the fifteenth century. A first deed of ownership from 1454 is mentioned. The current enterprise emerged later, at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Jhr. Ernest de Pesters and Jhr. Pierre H. Bicker, both associated with the Board of Directors of Amstel Breweries, took the initiative for the current De Roode Leeuw. On October 16, 1911, N.V. tot Exploitaite van Hotel Café Restaurant De Roode Leeuw was established. The hotel and brasserie opened their doors in 1911.

In 2019, the hotel and brasserie were renovated. This gave the existing location a refreshed interior while preserving the historical name. Its location on the Damrak places the establishment in a busy urban district, close to tourist routes and business traffic.

Concept and kitchen

The concept of Brasserie De Roode Leeuw is broader than just coffee service. The brasserie offers breakfast, coffee with pastries, high tea, lunch, dinner, and drinks. The menu is described as being based on selected seasonal products and local ingredients. The kitchen is categorized elsewhere as Dutch.

The combination of hotel, brasserie, and group space defines the daily function. De Plaets is described as a space for meetings, business lunches, dinners, drinks, and private events. Additionally, Le Petit Chef is documented as a 3D dinner show with four courses. High tea is a separate offering featuring soup, sandwiches, pastries from Holtkamp, and unlimited tea.

Coffee and Brewing

Coffee is mentioned in the available information as part of the offering. The brasserie is described as a place for a cup of coffee with pastries. External public information also mentions opening hours from the morning and refers to an early cup of coffee. This indicates a regular coffee function within the brasserie.

The available information names Smit & Dorlas as the coffee roaster. However, there is no further public documentation regarding the origin of the beans, blends, or roast profiles. Specific brewing methods are also not documented. There are no recorded details about filter coffee, manual brewing methods, espresso equipment, or grinders.

As a result, there is insufficient concrete data available for a substantive assessment of coffee quality. The known facts are limited to the existence of coffee service, the named roaster, and the use of coffee within a broader brasserie environment. Coffee-specific recognition or industry awards are not documented.

Sustainability and Suppliers

Sustainability is a recurring theme in the company information. The organization mentions energy-saving solutions, circular materials, waste reduction, waste separation, recycling of coffee grounds, and water-saving techniques. It is also indicated that dishes are composed with seasonal and organic ingredients, sourced from local suppliers where possible.

The menu refers to regional and local products where possible. Additionally, Green Key and Vakantieoord certifications are mentioned. Green Key lists Hotel Amsterdam – Brasserie De Roode Leeuw as a participant in Amsterdam. Social engagement is also noted, including support for Stichting SINA for local children in disadvantaged situations.

Several suppliers and partners are specifically named. Holtkamp is mentioned for pastries at high tea. Friethoes is listed for fries. Cas en Kas is named for vegan bitterballen and kroketten. Bunker Blosse is mentioned for cheese. The menu also refers to Instock for a changing soup made with products that did not make it through a visual selection.

Position within the Coffee Sector

Brasserie De Roode Leeuw occupies a defined position within the Amsterdam coffee sector. The establishment does not present itself as a specialized coffee bar with documented origins, brewing methods, or tasting notes. Coffee functions here as part of a hotel and brasserie offering.

For readers following the specialty coffee sector, the relevance lies primarily in how traditional hospitality businesses incorporate coffee into a broader daily program. The available data shows an established brasserie with coffee service, a seasonal kitchen, and several sustainability claims. Further coffee-technical information is not publicly documented.


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