You ask, we deliver: (girlfriends) weekend in Deventer
Request numbers often come up via Instagram and via the mailbox and every now and then we are somewhere in the country (or in the world) and we think: hey, damn! This is the perfect answer to that question. In this case, an answer to many people's questions: we want to organize a fun outing with a group of friends, but we have already visited most of the cities. Do you have another good tip? So yes: on to Deventer girls! Visit Oost, really. Let's go!
The center of Deventer is surrounded by water: the IJssel on one side, canals on the other, making the city center compact and well-organized; perfect for a weekend away. Moreover, the city is not overpopulated, you can enjoy wine and tastings and wander the historic streets for better browsing, so you never have to be bored and there is something for everyone. But of course we made a hit list, guess what. You can without a doubt go to these addresses when in Overijssel in the east of the country. Either: when lives gives you Deventer…
Then you have no choice but to start the day with Deventer's own world-famous spice cake from the authentic cake baker Jb. Bussink at the Deventer cookie shop. The small, centuries-old business right on De Brink is certainly of the authentic kind, inside and out. A picture of purebred Hollands Glorie (don't miss it!). Start your day with coffee and De Deventerkoek, which comes in three different types. But be sure to order the soft Jacob's Koek: warm from the oven and divine. Best shared with many people: you can taste everything.
On the edge of the city, the Havenkwartier is the place where creative Deventers hang out. This is where the young companies and self-employed people are located. We've already hung out at Fooddock and the fun Picnic (see also below), and you can spend the night at the creative Lucy Cubes (you can read more about that here: Lucy Cubes Deventer – truly a unique overnight stay).
It is therefore not surprising that the best coffee address in the city is also housed there: Coffee maker. The best coffee and the most beautiful coffee shop. A spacious bar was built in a large warehouse where daylight and vintage furniture dominate the space. Not so long ago it was the address of Haven Oost. That business is no longer there, but that's okay since the place is in good hands with the folks at Koffiemakerij. You will of course drink coffee made in-house, and you will eat fresh rolls and sweet cakes. Not the Deventerkoek, as mentioned, you have to go to De Brink for that; home-made cake and other goodies. Last but not least, it is – we think – the best place in the city to get some quiet work done. If anyone still has something to prepare during a friends weekend (it could just be…).
To also add: our previous list Deventer (because yes, we really like the city, can come more often and now know our way well)
If you only have a short time in Deventer, then you can all go straight to Walstraat. Here you can stroll and browse through the centuries-old streets of the medieval Bergkwartier - actually a large open-air monument (highly recommended: book a tour through the city for fun! Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and the history of the city is really very interesting - too much to elaborate on here, but did you know that there are no fewer than 500 monuments in the city and that one of the facades was used for the KLM houses (number 92)? and there is an abundance of beautiful carved windows, ornaments and facade stones.
Among the small shops is the surprisingly nice Roemar Koffie & Thee, recognizable by its homemade 'tea alley'. Roemar is loved in the neighborhood and neighbors who like to bake bake the sweets that are sold in the shop. A stroopwafel with a sweet topping is the latest addition to Roemar's delicious range.
As mentioned, Deventer is surrounded by water and on the banks of the IJssel it was inevitable that a city beach would be built there. Such a city beach has been there for a few years, but the facilities were so-so, as we later learned. Ain't no more! The pop-up concept opened in the spring of 2019 Meadow on the Deventer City Beach, an informal catering business that would not be out of place in the Randstad or on the coast. That sounds condescending, and we don't mean it that way, but all the hip, typical Amsterdam-Rotterdam sauces have been thrown over Meadow and that is nice. As far as the inner person is concerned, there is also good care: there are organic handmade ice creams, small Arabic dishes and - of course - Davo beer, the local brewery of Deventer (also a tip by the way! The Davo Brewery - perfect and tasty but very cozy (single) party material. Please note: the beach is best reached by bike or car; walking from the city center is a bit too enthusiastic.
photo via @danielle_cherrytree/
In beautiful, ancient Deventer everything revolves around De Brink, the center of the city where the equally old Waag stands. The nicest grand cafes in Deventer can be found around the Brink. There are quite a number of them, but for example St. Tropez and the adjacent grand café Samen are recommended. With the latter you book a High Wine because it barely covers it: in three rounds you drink and eat more than you expect. at a high wine tasting: full glasses and more than plump portions are seen together! You can sit perfectly on the terrace (also heated if the weather is not so good) or inside. The perfect place to start the evening during a friends weekend.
And then of course you also have to sleep. Deventer is proud to have a small ferry that crosses the IJssel every day of the week to connect the city center with 'the other side'. It's beautiful on the other side Sandton IJsselHotel Deventer the waterfront. A stately building with a large glass conservatory on the waterfront and the green hinterland on the other side. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast the same and the staff excellent. Guests receive a ticket to use the ferry. No ticket? Then you pay 1,10 per crossing.
De Brink, yes, but the other square in Deventer that is really not to be missed is the Groote Poot. A small triangular square that could actually be called Jackie's Poot, or something like that: on the corner Jackie's restaurant namely one of the most popular businesses in the city. The New York-inspired restaurant is a true everyone's friend where the chef serves everything from sushi to burgers. Oh, and pancakes with Peking duck, our top favorite here. Although the real X-factor of the place lies in the atmosphere and the extremely friendly service. Return material. The business is, quite rightly, so popular that the owners opened another business right next door: No. 11 inspired by Jackies. Same love here but for the daytime. When we talk about 'girlfriends weekend', we shout in unison: Jackies Deventer! But if you are with your loved one, can we opt for the new The Lemontree? We were also there and we are very happy to write home about The Lemontree. You can read that here: The Lemontree Deventer
When we talk about 'girlfriends weekend', we shout in unison: Jackies Deventer! But if you are with your loved one, can we opt for the new The Lemontree? We also joined there and we are very happy to write home about The Lemontree. You can read that here: The Lemontree Deventer
Let's go back to the Bergweide Business Park, or the Port area of Deventer, or the creative part of the city where you can also Coffee maker find (see above). Fooddock is also located there, a food market with various food stands and the perfect place for larger groups. And there is PIKNIK, one of our favorites in the city. The sunny creative free port is an address where you want to hang out, especially on nice days. From the beginning of the afternoon to the end of the evening. Healthy and tasty but uncomplicated items on the menu, good music from the speakers and beer and wine within reach. Go! On to the East, on to PIKNIK!
more tips in the east of the country? check Visit East
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