De Schommel

Opened for 2 months in 2010 and then closed again.

The council closed it in August, but the judge decided they had no reason to so it's been open again since November 8th.

Relocated to the north of Amersfoort but is closed now because the owner had a criminal record or something (he needed a ¨statement of good behavior¨ to renew his license but was unable to get one.

[about old address: Pothstraat 39, 3811 JK] Closed by the city council. Will be relocated in the city region Amersfoort noord. I will send you the new address when it's available.

At the north east of the centrum, a short stroll from the remaining piece of the old city wall, is this long, narrow 'theme' coffeeshop in a mainly residential setting. Like Doctor Who's Tardis, it's much larger inside than it looks from the outside. We managed not to spot the obvious drawing of a swing on the sign (see photo), nor realise that schommel is Nederlands for swing. Hence we were perplexed by the seven sturdy wooden chairs at the bar, each suspended by pairs of steel hawsers from the roof. Though quite dark, it's not as bad as many coffeeshops, and the decor is principally wooden and 'rustic.' The inevitable Photoplay is here, further back is the pool table, and way at the back is the table football. There are lots of seats here, and among the wares on sale from the friendly, laid-back owner are the famous Royal Dutch and Dutch Gold hash. Quite a steady flow of customers, obviously a popular local shop. [thanks for pic above]