Pride cocktail supports LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers

Pride cocktail supports LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers

ROTTERDAM, 15 July 2025 – A new cocktail served at The Usual supports LGBTQIA+ rights while celebrating Pride in Rotterdam. Half the proceeds are donated to a buddy programme for queer asylum seekers.

 

Cocktail served at The Usual supports COC Nederland project

A new limited-edition cocktail is being served at The Usual Rotterdam to mark Pride Rotterdam and support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. The drink, named Sip With Pride, was introduced as part of an internal initiative led by the DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility) team and Culture Club of The Usual Hotels group.

The pink-coloured cocktail is made with Ketel 1 jenever, pink grapefruit soda, and a hint of strawberry syrup. It is finished with edible flowers and is now available at The Usual on Westblaak 10–14, priced at €12.50. According to the organisers, the cocktail will remain on the menu for at least one year.

Half of the profit from each cocktail will go towards Cocktail, a social support project by COC Nederland. The initiative aims to connect LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in the Netherlands with Dutch members of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering companionship and helping to counter social isolation.

 

COC Nederland and the Cocktail project explained

COC Nederland is the oldest LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation in the Netherlands, founded in 1946. The organisation promotes equal rights and acceptance for queer people through political lobbying, education, and support services.

One of its key initiatives is Cocktail (also known as Cocktailmaatjes), a volunteer-led buddy project that connects LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers with local LGBTQIA+ individuals. By organising informal social activities, the programme helps newcomers build supportive networks and navigate their new surroundings with greater ease.

 

The pink-coloured cocktail is made with Ketel 1 jenever, pink grapefruit soda, and a hint of strawberry syrup. It is finished with edible flowers and is now available at The Usual on Westblaak 10–14, priced at €12.50. According to the organisers, the cocktail will remain on the menu for at least one year.The pink-coloured cocktail is made with Ketel 1 jenever, pink grapefruit soda, and a hint of strawberry syrup. It is finished with edible flowers and is now available at The Usual on Westblaak 10–14, priced at €12.50. According to the organisers, the cocktail will remain on the menu for at least one year.

 

 

The Usual joins Pride Rotterdam celebrations

The launch of Sip With Pride coincides with Pride Rotterdam, which takes place this year from 19 to 28 September. The theme for 2025 is Queertopia, with the Pride March and Pride Festival scheduled for Saturday 27 September.

The Usual will participate in the celebration by hosting various events throughout Pride Week. Details of these events are expected to be shared via The Usual’s Instagram account in the lead-up to the festivities.

 

How to get there

The Usual is located at Westblaak 10–14, right next to Cinerama in the heart of Rotterdam’s city centre. The area is well connected by public transport and is a short walk from Beurs metro station. Street parking and nearby bicycle racks are also available for those travelling locally.

Mix cocktails at Nolet Copper Club in Schiedam

Mix cocktails at Nolet Copper Club in Schiedam

ROTTERDAM, 2 June 2025 – A new interactive cocktail workshop is launching in Schiedam this month. Nolet Copper Club invites visitors to explore the city’s distilling heritage through guided mixology sessions.

 

Nolet Copper Club to open cocktail workshop in Schiedam

A new cocktail experience will be introduced to Schiedam on 12 June, as Nolet Distillery opens the Nolet Copper Club. Housed in the historic Witte Huis building, the venue has been designed to immerse guests in the heritage of one of the Netherlands’ oldest distilling families.

The experience begins with a guided exploration of Nolet’s family history and production methods. Visitors will move through a series of curated rooms, showcasing copper stills and archival material. The session transitions into a hands-on cocktail workshop, where participants are instructed in making three cocktails, step by step, under the guidance of Nolet's in-house cocktail specialists.

“The Nolet Copper Club is a way for us to open up our world,” said Bob Nolet, the eleventh generation of the distilling family. “We’re proud of our history and how alive it still is. With the Copper Club, we aim to make that tangible – not just by telling stories, but by involving people directly.”

 

A guided cocktail workshop with historic flair

Visitors will be welcomed in small groups to ensure a personal atmosphere. Sessions begin with a historical overview and a look behind the scenes of the Nolet operations. Afterwards, guests are encouraged to take part in preparing three signature cocktails, crafted from scratch in a space designed with copper, glass and vintage detail.

The workshop concludes at the bar, where the results of each participant’s efforts are tasted in a relaxed setting. According to Bob Nolet, it is the combination of setting, storytelling, and collaboration that defines the experience.

 

Contribution to Schiedam’s Dutch Distillers District

The initiative is also part of a broader effort to strengthen Schiedam’s position within the Dutch Distillers District – a title that refers to the area’s long-standing connection to the jenever industry. With the addition of this new attraction, the city gains another cultural destination that bridges its industrial past with contemporary tourism.

“Schiedam may not be a stop on every tourist route, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting,” added Nolet. “It’s a city full of stories waiting to be discovered. With the Nolet Copper Club, we’re adding another chapter.”

 

Practical information

The Nolet Copper Club officially opens on 12 June 2025 and will be open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The sessions last approximately two hours and must be booked in advance through the official website.

Opening hours:

 

How to get there

The Nolet Copper Club is located at Hoofdstraat 44 in Schiedam, inside the historic Witte Huis. The area is a short walk from Schiedam Centrum station and easily accessible by tram or bicycle. The surrounding neighbourhood features canals, windmills and warehouses that reflect the city’s distilling heritage.

 

Dutch Dukes in Rotterdam hosts early Christmas gathering

Dutch Dukes in Rotterdam hosts early Christmas gathering

ROTTERDAM, 16 October 2023 – An unconventional Christmas celebration is set to take place in Rotterdam's Dutch Dukes gastropub on 18 October, challenging traditional holiday timelines.

A Christmas gathering in October

In a move that has been described as “better early than late,” Dutch Dukes, a gastropub located in Rotterdam, has been adorned from top to bottom for an upcoming Christmas celebration. Despite temperatures still hovering around a comfortable 15 degrees Celsius, the event will feature festive attire and warm glühwein.

Frank Roolaart, the owner of Dutch Dukes, shared his enthusiasm for the holiday season. “Every year, it's a highlight to bring the Christmas spirit into the establishment. As for timing, why not celebrate even earlier next year?”

The event details

Scheduled for 18 October, the gathering will cater to die-hard Christmas enthusiasts with classic holiday tunes from Mariah Carey, Christmas decorations, and glühwein. Those who may not be Christmas aficionados but enjoy social gatherings are also welcome to partake in the festivities. The event encourages the wearing of “ugly” Christmas sweaters and offers a range of festive drinks and British snacks.

About the venue

Dutch Dukes is Rotterdam's first English gastropub, situated on the bustling Witte de Withstraat. The venue offers a blend of a casual British atmosphere with Rotterdam's raw energy. Guests can enjoy various seating options, including intimate corners and an outdoor terrace.

How to get there

Directions to Dutch Dukes

Dutch Dukes is located in the heart of Rotterdam on Witte de Withstraat, a vibrant street known for its cultural attractions and nightlife. Easily accessible by public transport, the area offers a unique blend of Rotterdam's modern and historic elements.

Duke of Tokyo opens in Rotterdam - karaoke, dining

Duke of Tokyo opens in Rotterdam - karaoke, dining

ROTTERDAM, 22 November 2023 – Duke of Tokyo, a popular karaoke bar, is set to open its doors in Rotterdam on 16 December, bringing a unique blend of entertainment and dining to the city.

Duke of Tokyo arrives in Rotterdam

On 16 December, the third establishment of Duke of Tokyo will open at Hofplein in Rotterdam, following its success in Amsterdam and Utrecht. This new venue promises to deliver a distinctive experience with its Japanese-themed ambience. It features eight private karaoke rooms, a bar, and an attached restaurant named 'Izakaya DUKI', designed to offer a complete evening of entertainment.

Has Peters Sengers, a co-owner, highlighted the venue's design, emphasizing its custom-made décor created by Art Director Goof Vermeulen. Every aspect of the interior has been carefully crafted to immerse guests in a vibrant, Tokyo-inspired world, complete with neon lights, murals, light boards, and 3D art.

A blend of karaoke, bar-dancing, and dining

The karaoke experience at Duke of Tokyo differs from traditional bars, focusing on private booths for groups ranging from four to 25 people. These booths offer a personalized party experience, with a selection of over 20,000 songs spanning various genres and artists. Customers can enjoy the convenience of ordering snacks and drinks via a tablet, enhancing their singing and social experience.

Apart from karaoke, the venue at Hofplein also incorporates a hidden restaurant section, 'Izakaya DUKI', accessible through a replica 7-Eleven door. This section, a collaboration with the Rotterdams-Japanese enterprise Osozai, serves traditional Japanese dishes and a variety of cocktails made with Japanese ingredients. The bar area features DJ performances from Thursday to Saturday, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Rotterdam welcomes Duke of Tokyo karaoke barRotterdam welcomes Duke of Tokyo karaoke bar

The significance of the Rotterdam location

Wessel Kruyt, another co-owner, expressed his excitement about the Rotterdam location, emphasizing its central position at Hofplein and its large size, which includes a basement, kitchen, and high ceilings. This is the first Duke of Tokyo venue to include a restaurant, making it a unique addition to the brand.

Opening times and reservations

Duke of Tokyo in Rotterdam will be open from Wednesday to Saturday, with varying hours. Reservations for karaoke booths can be made on their website, dukeoftokyo.com.

Directions to Duke of Tokyo Rotterdam

Duke of Tokyo is centrally located at Hofplein, a bustling area in the heart of Rotterdam. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus stops nearby. For those driving, there are parking facilities in the vicinity. The surrounding area offers a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions, adding to the overall experience.

Walsjérôt - this Rotterdam wine bar has over 70 wines on tap

Walsjérôt - this Rotterdam wine bar has over 70 wines on tap

Wine lovers rejoice! A new hotspot is coming to Blijdorp. In September, Walsjérôt will open its doors on the Bentinckplein in Rotterdam. The wine bar offers more than 70 wines on tap.
 
Walsjérôt operates according to a unique concept where you can tap your own wine. With the choice for a sip, a whole glass or half a glass of more than 70 wines, both connoisseurs and connoisseurs can indulge themselves at their own leisure. According to Walsjérôt, once they open, the atmosphere will always be very accessible, meaning you can enjoy the wines at your own pace and in your own way.
 
The principle is simple: when you enter, you receive a (prepaid) card which you charge with how much you are willing to spend. With your charged card you can proceed to the real eye-catcher of Walsjérôt: the tap wall. White, red or rosé: you can tap more than 70 wines from all over the world, by the glass. Just hold your pass out in front of one of the wine taps and choose how much wine you want. Taste a sip first, order half a glass, or just fill it up all the way. The choice is yours.
 

Taste and learn

Knowledge of wine isn't something people are born with. If only you had access to a wide range of quality wines and the opportunity to try them all. The good news is that here, each wine is accompanied by a label describing the type of grape, its origin and taste. Patrons can taste as much as they like and discover what they like. You can taste a glass of the most special wines, which can usually only be ordered for a high price in other catering establishments. If you think you could use some help, the sommelier will be happy to give you advice.
 
Walsjérôt 📷 Lars VerkroostWalsjérôt 📷 Lars Verkroost
 

All that wine might make you hungry!

At Walsjérôt, you will soon be able to compose your own cheese platter or make your drink complete with flammküchen or a charcuterie platter. Other bites include oysters, which go pretty well with the sparkling wines or vegetarian dishes like beetroot couscous.
 

Location: Walsjérôt

 

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

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