Record-store Concerto is a meeting place. Lovers of music spend hours browsing through the collection of vinyl, DVDs and CDs. Coffee's just part of it. The concept of the plan was already there before the owner, Dick van Dijk, could really visualise the form and shape of the coffee bar.

"I was looking for a good combination of a platform, presentations of new records and a warm and cosy place. In 2011, I knew exactly what I wanted. Late 2012, he opened Concerto Coffee, "the most musical living-room in the Netherlands."

Living-room Atmosphere

Record-store Concerto has a vintage atmosphere. No wonder, because the record-store has been around for almost sixty years. The interior looks a bit like an old pub. It is a customer-friendly maze; stuffed with music, movies, books and other music-related items.

"This combination of cosiness and living-room atmosphere was something we also wanted for Concerto Coffee."

Pop, jazz and classical music

Every week there are two to four concerts on the programme in the coffee shop. This ranges from pop and jazz to classical music. Last year for example it included Alain Clark, Chef' Special, Tim Knol and Jungle by Night.

On a regular basis Concerto Coffee also shows themed films and classics. Book presentations, lectures and performances for children are part of the regular programme as well.

Pushing and shoving

Concerto Coffee visitors mainly consist of the record-store public (lovers of music between 15 and 75) and people who just want a cup of coffee, lunch and/or enjoy the living-room atmosphere. Dick:

"It strikes me that many of our guests are women. Funny, because in the record-store the greater majority are men.”

Coffee is being poured all day, a good sign of course. Dick: "There were obviously a lot of customers in the store that now automatically go into the coffee bar. Especially during concerts it is pushing and shoving!"

Machine: La Marzocco Linea
Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Twin
Coffee: Single Estate
Tea: Mevrouw Cha, Tea Bar
Chocolate: Tony's Chocolonely, chocolate fudge with apricot and hazelnut
Pie/cake: Appelschnitt, biscuits, cakes and homemade cake
Lunch: Make your own sandwiches, homemade soups and quiches
Milk: Campina
Soy: Lima
Specialty: Hannah Kay's carrot cake