Baston

Don't let the narrow residential-looking brick-walled street in the south-east of the Centrum fool you into thinking you've come the wrong way: look for the red neon BASTON sign, and don't let this surprisingly spacious and hugely friendly shop pass you by. It boasts two pool tables - one at the front, one in its own area at the back - a Williams Star Wars Episode One pinball (the last Williams machine ever made!), table football, and a great big leather sofa. Mine host also has his own 'train set' in the shape of DJ decks, mixers, etc. on a podium opposite the main counter. He also has good taste in music, playing everything from hard house to Cuban to reggae. Small selection of hot snacks (toasties or hot dogs) as well. A lovely shop to chill out in, especially when it's a very rainy day in Haarlem and the one thing you really long for a really comfy seat to dry out in!

I used to sit inside the Baston, it's a very pretty shop to sit in! There are 2 pooltables, a tablefootball, gamemachine and a photoplay! You can order great noodle soups here, and don't forget to try the milkshakes!! The menu of cannabis is not the best in Haarlem, it's quite expensive and they have a lot of own named weed. But the seller, Melvin, makes up for all this with a friendly chat!