Bean there...
A very clever Barista made this just for us awww!
Send us your coffee photos, have you been anywhere unusual and had a 'different' coffee?
We want to see your piccies Pleeeaaase.
We want to see your piccies Pleeeaaase.
Coffee in Amsterdam...be careful not to trip man
Under Dutch drug law, coffeeshops are allowed to sell a maximum of five grams of cannabis per person to their customers, providing said customers can present identification to show that they are over 18 years old. This can be quite strict in many coffeeshops, so be prepared to prove your age, even if you haven't been carded for years back home.
Other restrictions apply under Amsterdam's drug laws, such as the fact that it is not allowed to sell alcohol and cannabis products on the same premises. Since 2008 the introduction of the tobacco ban has made it illegal to smoke this dangerous substance in anyone's workplace. Pure cannabis joints may still be smoked as normal, as may bongs, pipes and joints made with the special 'herbal smoking mixtures' provided by some coffeeshops. Many coffeeshops also have a sealed 'smoking area' in order to allow customers to smoke joints containing tobacco.
No coffeeshops permit the use of hard drugs and you will find yourself ejected quite quickly should you try to test this.
The Custom
As coffeeshops are not allowed to advertise, some travellers find it confusing and are unsure what to do upon entering one for the first time. Most coffeeshops will have a weed menu, often in the form of a book on the bar, from which customers can make a selection. You will then be presented with a plastic bag with your marijuana or hash inside and are free to leave with it or smoke it on the premises. Customers are welcome to smoke their own weed in coffeeshops too, though in this case you will be expected to purchase a drink or something as a courtesy.
Keep Your Head
One very important thing to remember is that hash and marijuana available in Amsterdam's coffeeshops is likely to be much stronger than most visitors to the city are used to. It's advisable not to choose the strongest thing on the menu, as what is good for inveterate smokers could prove too much for those new to the city, and may even ruin your night.
For the same reason, it is a good idea to stay clear of pre-rolled joints and 'space cakes' if you are unsure as to your tolerance. The amount of cannabis they contain varies and can often be quite a lot. A good rule of thumb is: if you're unsure, ask the staff - they will usually be happy to offer advice and recommend something that will suit.
Other restrictions apply under Amsterdam's drug laws, such as the fact that it is not allowed to sell alcohol and cannabis products on the same premises. Since 2008 the introduction of the tobacco ban has made it illegal to smoke this dangerous substance in anyone's workplace. Pure cannabis joints may still be smoked as normal, as may bongs, pipes and joints made with the special 'herbal smoking mixtures' provided by some coffeeshops. Many coffeeshops also have a sealed 'smoking area' in order to allow customers to smoke joints containing tobacco.
No coffeeshops permit the use of hard drugs and you will find yourself ejected quite quickly should you try to test this.
The Custom
As coffeeshops are not allowed to advertise, some travellers find it confusing and are unsure what to do upon entering one for the first time. Most coffeeshops will have a weed menu, often in the form of a book on the bar, from which customers can make a selection. You will then be presented with a plastic bag with your marijuana or hash inside and are free to leave with it or smoke it on the premises. Customers are welcome to smoke their own weed in coffeeshops too, though in this case you will be expected to purchase a drink or something as a courtesy.
Keep Your Head
One very important thing to remember is that hash and marijuana available in Amsterdam's coffeeshops is likely to be much stronger than most visitors to the city are used to. It's advisable not to choose the strongest thing on the menu, as what is good for inveterate smokers could prove too much for those new to the city, and may even ruin your night.
For the same reason, it is a good idea to stay clear of pre-rolled joints and 'space cakes' if you are unsure as to your tolerance. The amount of cannabis they contain varies and can often be quite a lot. A good rule of thumb is: if you're unsure, ask the staff - they will usually be happy to offer advice and recommend something that will suit.
Starbucks in Japan
This unique Starbucks outlet in Japan has broken the mould in a big way, with a wooden interior that resembles tree branches in a forest.
The style is intended to complement the surrounding old neighbourhood and the nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu temple.
This unique Starbucks outlet in Japan has broken the mould in a big way, with a wooden interior that resembles tree branches in a forest.
The style is intended to complement the surrounding old neighbourhood and the nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu temple.
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Dazaifu Tenmagu is a Shinto shrine complex of several wooden structures set within a park-like environment of trees, ponds, and courtyards.
The interior wooden frame, which stretches the full-length of the shop, is meant to reference both the ceremonial lumber structures nearby and branches in a forest.
The interior wooden frame, which stretches the full-length of the shop, is meant to reference both the ceremonial lumber structures nearby and branches in a forest.
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But some could argue that the frame also resembles scaffolding, making the shop look like an unfinished construction site.
In fact, the 6cm interlocking square blocks actually do have a functional role, forming part of the ceiling support.
The architect has also suggested the wooden blocks were recyclable.
In fact, the 6cm interlocking square blocks actually do have a functional role, forming part of the ceiling support.
The architect has also suggested the wooden blocks were recyclable.
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'You can dismantle the building and reassemble it somewhere else,' Mr Kuma said.
The store also apparently includes features an inner garden planted with plum trees.
Coffee drinkers will be invited to sit among the wooden 'branches'
The store also apparently includes features an inner garden planted with plum trees.
Coffee drinkers will be invited to sit among the wooden 'branches'
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Café Eutopia is a work of art both inside and out. Produce is sourced locally and Allpress organic blend coffee and home baking are served. Second hand books are for sale as well as jewellery. It's an interesting place to break your journey for morning or afternoon tea. Open 7 days from 9am.
Guangzhou, China
This photo was taken on a recent trip to Guangzhou, in China. We didn't really expect the Chinese to be particularly into coffee, but they were, and we had some very good coffee at a McCafe and a Starbucks.
They have these underground cities there and also "underground" coffee shops, that have the starbucks log but they have changed the letters to say "Starstucks"...only in China!
A funny thing at Maccas in China, want fries with your coffee....well how about deep fried chickens feet....no joke. Cockadoodledoo!
They have these underground cities there and also "underground" coffee shops, that have the starbucks log but they have changed the letters to say "Starstucks"...only in China!
A funny thing at Maccas in China, want fries with your coffee....well how about deep fried chickens feet....no joke. Cockadoodledoo!
The border between Belgium and the Netherlands in a coffee shop
Venezuelan designer Enrique Luis Sard
Venezuelan designer Enrique Luis Sardi designed this edible Cookie Cup for Italian coffee brand Lavazza. The cup has an insulated interior made of sugar icing which makes it more delicious, and waterproof
