When 30ml shut their doors on Mariastraat this winter to make their move to Vredenburg, many coffee-lovers found themselves displaced. The dark, cozy yet industrial interior of their original cafe was a local favorite, as well as an easy stop on the way to central station.
Luckily, this move was well worth the wait. Their new spot across from Tivoli is the aesthetic you always imagined 30ml could be if given the space. Because even with all its charm, you have to admit, the original location was cramped.
On Vredenberg, 30ml has lofty ceilings clad with beams and vents. Their wooden school chairs are back, as are some bar stools for the tall tables in the back. Their red Persian rug always used to be a beautiful backdrop to my late art photos, and I was glad to see what back, too.
You can’t miss all the new seating in the front, framed by giant prints of coffee beans and lined with a gorgeous bench that looks like it was made of one giant piece of wood. The front of the shop is light and bright, but much like the original location, it gets dark and cozy the further back you go.
There, you’ll find the coffee bar — only lit by a few yellow bulbs. Sound familiar? But, the bar has gotten an upgrade. The front is flanked with large angular cut pieces of natural stone. On top, the roastery is proudly displaying their machines — an espresso maker, the filter coffees, and the coveted cold drip.
That’s what you’re really here for, right? If you were a fan of the original location, you’ll be happy to know that the one thing they’ve kept completely the same is their meticulous attention to detail when it comes to crafting your coffee. Whether you’re sipping a cappuccino, latte macchiato or something new like their espresso tonic you’re bound to be impressed (and buzzed). But I saved the best for last: 30ML will be offering ‘All day breakfast’! Yes, people now you can order a BLT with the cup of coffee.
The new location for 30ml is also a big indicator of how Utrecht is growing. This strip, even just a few years ago, was less-than-ideal for small shop owners. Difficult to get to from the station, busy, and lined with chain stores — Vredenburg just wasn’t cool. There, I said it.
Now that the station’s finishing up and Hoog Catharijne is well underway, this entire area is being transformed. And with new kids on the block like 30ml, you can expect to see this strip thrive. I know I’ll be dropping by for coffee on the way to the station from now on, and probably working there more too, now that there’s ample seating. See you there?
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