the armchair traveller

Natural fragrance innovator and Abel founder Frances Shoemack shares her insider secrets of Amsterdam

Where should we stay?
Maison Rika, a small 17th century guesthouse located in the 9 streets district. The loft room on the 3rd floor has amazing views over the historical Herengracht canal  

Where’s the best place to get a cocktail or two?
The Hoxton  

How about the buzziest restaurant table?  
There are a lot in Amsterdam, but Gertrude Amsterdam, Café Caron and Rijsel are all great  

Where to go for best stamppot in Amsterdam?
Rumour has it Moeders is the place to go, although we must admit going out for stamppot isn't really a thing we do. It's the typical Dutch meal we eat at home with family on a cold and rainy winter day  

What’s the one shop you couldn’t be without?
The classic Dutch cheese shops

Where can we find the coolest local artists work?
Follow Nina from Heuv Art, she identifies artists and markets ahead of the curve  

Is a hip label on the streets right now?  
I’m a big fan of Amsterdam based streetwear brand Filling Pieces

Your perfect Amsterdam day?
A coffee and cinnamon brioche from Levain et Le Vin. A walk to the Noordermarkt to shop the tastiest organic produce and quality vintage, before heading to Central Station and taking a ferry across 't IJ to Amsterdam Noord for lunch at Pllek or Noorderlicht Café and to take in the views. Jumping on Metro 52 back into the city centre (the Pijp) for a glass of natural wine at GlouGlou in the afternoon sun before picking up a pizza at the place next door to enjoy in the Sarphati Park

How does Amsterdam influence your work?
The city is just bursting full of thoughtful, creative industry it's hard not to get swept up

Best trip out of town?
Zandvoort. A small beach town surrounded by a beautiful Dutch dune landscape

Don’t leave without seeing?
At least one of Amsterdam’s wonderful Museums

Something we must take home?
stroopwafels! Our #1 Dutch guilty pleasure