Address: 13 Nieuwebrugsteeg, Amsterdam, 1012 AG , Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 531 1707
Website: view Proeflokaal in de Olofspoort’s website
Door: Open door/walk-ins
Style: Tasting room/house
This homely 'brown café' stands on the site of one of the earliest of Amsterdam's stone city gates, the Sint Olofspoort which was constructed in 1341. In 1440 the Olof's Chapel was built close to the gate and both gate and chapel (which still stands) are named after Saint Olof, the Norwegian saint of a number of cities including Oslo. They were named as a tribute to the Norwegian seafarers who transported the trees from Norway used as foundation supports for the city of Amsterdam.
The gate fell into disuse and in 1618 it was demolished and the current housing this bar constructed, originally as a sugarbread bakery - evidenced by the original gable stone above the bar's door, inscribed In de Lompen, 'lomp' being what sugarbread was called at the time.
In later years the ground floor of the building was connected to the house behind, itself constructed in 1602. In 1988, Riny Bouwman-Reiken transformed the two rooms into this very traditional bar and tasting house. She is still behind the bar most nights, offering 70 genevers and 100 different liqueurs, including the very special Olofs poort. (Ask her to sing.)