We simply call the (crazy) Hembrug site in Zaandam Amsterdam North. Not right, but hey, we care. You can go there by ferry from Amsterdam West, so... Amsterdam North it is. It gets even better: during the summer months there is a ferry service from the CS (you can read the timetable here).

The Hembrug site opens on June 3 City beach Kanaal Noord, but since mid-April of this year you have been able to visit the beautiful place Lab 44. In a striking, rugged building, once the laboratory of a former weapons and ammunition factory, the steel doors were painted in the most beautiful shade of green ever, a dark green mega-bar was added, a seat was installed and the gray 'peeling' walls want to us at home too. Which also applies even more to the elevated central section of almost 9 meters high with a so-called hipped roof with a row of windows at a height that allows daylight to enter beautifully. We want that too.

The Zaanse Lab, as Stadsherstel called the building after they bought it in 2025 to renovate, has a restaurant in the middle - Lab 44 Zaandam. The outer ring was reserved for small (food) companies such as the beer brewers De Hoop Brewery, a liqueur distillery and Zaanse Sambal.

The food at Lab 44? Unfortunately, no huge fans on this side of the laptop (yet)... The normal burger was a bit too bland and the rib burger (ribs on a bun)... We don't think that can be a success. The pizzas, on the other hand, are more than tasty and the sandwiches are also something to write home about! Conclusion: to be honest, the menu still needs some tweaking. Oh, and while we are concerned with constructive criticism: can the stylist who has been working inside also take care of the terrace? Although we also heard that as we speak, we are working hard on an unparalleled terrace on the water. Even better. Oh well, everything will be just fine. See you soon, Lab 44