Empire

Franc, one of the staff, was extremely welcoming and fun. Turned us on to some of his own stash which was potent yet not paralyzing. Fun place to shoot pull and get to know some of the locals - everyone was cool! Franc even shared his lunch with us - I was too "knettered" to move. Silver Pearl was quite good (pre-rolled). More comfortable chairs would be a bonus!

Very friendly but the Misty bud we bought was dried out and smoked so-so!

I was there only a minute because it was very crowded and hot inside. They mostly sell at-least-2gram-bags. But I only bought a gram of their Misty, it has a very fruity taste and a very strong high! Very good shop btw!

Located between Sativa and the Theehuis, a block or so from the Grote Markt, Quiet, pool table, nice fast internet computer (more expensive than Sativa, but quieter making this my choice should I want to use computer). No comfy booths, but some nice sidewalk tables. Smallish size. Nice shop with nice décor.

The Bally Revenge From Mars pinball machine is now retired, but take heart! Its worthy successor is a Williams Star Wars Episode One (though its green 'light sabre' - as is usual, given the custom green neon tube costs over £150 to replace - is not working).

OK, we confess: this became our 'home from hotel' during our trip, partly because the Hotel Amadeus in the nearby Grote Markt is non-cannabis-smoking, as discovered only upon our arrival; and partly because this is the nearest coffeeshop to Grote Markt...but that's another story. We spent so much time here that we met and congratulated the 'pinball guy' who owns their splendid Bally Revenge From Mars machine (the last Bally ever!) on its excellent condition; turns out he also maintains the Williams Medieval Madness at Willie Wortel's Sinsemilla (q.v.), plus a few others including one in Amsterdam. The Empire is bigger than it looks, with a games area at the back containing the pinball, a pool table, and a Photoplay. Near the entrance is an Internet terminal, and the dealing end of the counter is nearest the door, with a display cabinet and pre-bagged deals. Freshly squeezed orange juice is available and the coffee is OK as well. Nice place to chill out, very friendly and helpful staff, with a good mix of locals and visitors. The paint job in the games area contains a subtle glitter effect which is enhanced by the neon strips on the ceiling; but overall, it's still fairly dimly lit. In daytime though, the tables at the window let you watch the world go by the Hema store almost opposite. A firm favourite with us, and they were surprised and delighted to know their picture was already in the ACD before we wrote this review.