Freddie's Bar

Words by Simon Difford

Address: Hotel De l'Europe, 2-14 Nieuwe Doelenstraat, Amsterdam, 1012 CP, Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 531 1707
Email: hotel@leurope.nl
Website: view Freddie's Bar’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Hotel bar
Food: Bar Snacks
Established: 2011

Review

This historic hotel bar only reopened in August 2011 after a refurbishment and when we visited it still had that new leather luxury car smell. It is a high-end bar on the side of a high-end hotel that anyone can, and does walk into.

Named in honour of Alfred Heineken of the beer fame and 'Freddie' to his friends, who he apparently entertained here. This is a classic luxurious hotel bar with panelled walls, a mat black décor, leather banquettes and concentric circles of pink-orange glowing above. Copper chain curtains obscure the canal outside which laps at this bar's footings. International hotel guests relax while business types talk deals sat at the comfy bar stools.

Freddie's boast an extensive cocktail list which includes just about every classic and London influenced modern day classics (the Bramble, Flirtini and Carol Channing are all here) plus esoteric numbers such as the Green Bastard (Heineken beer, blue curaƧao and cider). The very hospitable Gert is easily recognisable behind the bar and is something of a legend in these parts, as is his Bloody Mary. G&Ts are served with a natty stainless-steel spoon presented on a glass platter.