This weekend, Roest (rust), one of the most interesting semi-spontaneous local open-air bars in Amsterdam, closed its doors after one last big party. In theory it will re-open in 2020; in practice, the shuttering of Roest is an interesting indicator of the shrinking of informal gathering spots in most major European capitals.
Roest opened in 2011 on an abandoned industrial terrain at the docklands in Amsterdam East. Its location has now been targeted for a mixed-used large development neighbourhood - with the works slated to conclude in late 2019.
The owners have manage to buy the terrain on which the actual bar is located, which means that Roest as a café will still be a thing after the surrounding buildings are completed. But the loss of the terrace/docks as well as the artificial beach that was installed on top of it, as well as the rapidly shifting landscape around it and the fact that there'll be families, kids and presumably rich finance workers ready to sue if it gets too loud at night was the main reason for this weekend's farewell.
Is mixed development and the expansion of European capitals to keep housing affordable (unlike, say, in California or New York)? It most definitely is. But it always stings when we lose a bit of the beauty and randomness in the process.
Goodbye Roest - you will be missed.
Where to go if you want to visit: Not anymore - Roest has closed! But it used to be at Jacob Bontiusplaats 1 at Oostenburg, just above the Eastern Docklands.
How you got there: metro 51 from Central to Weesperplein, then tram 7
Q (from Facebook): Why do people dance in Roest in such a small space like sardines in a can?
A: (from the owner): Because that's cozy 💁
