Blackboard Canteen

Wine and cocktail bar Blackboard Canteen has sadly gone. The good news is that the premises will be occupied by Stumptown Coffee Roasters until July 31, 2010.

Here's the original review: The interior is sleek and modern, as one would expect from a creative agency. The ceiling, chairs, tables and even the napkins are black, while a narrow ‘runway’ of unvarnished wooden boards runs down the centre of the room, from the Albert Cuypstraat entrance to the adjoining showroom that exits onto Gerard Doustraat.

The name of the bar comes from the walls. These are also black and act as a canvas for the chalky inspiration of up-and-coming artists. The walls are wiped clean for a new artist every three weeks. It's a great idea that gives young talent the opportunity to gain exposure in an accessible, non-gallery environment. It also creates ever-changing surroundings for customers, who get the chance to let their own imaginations run wild on the walls of the toilets - pray you're not busting when the next Da Vinci has just gone into the cubicle.

A small number of salads, sandwiches and borrelhapjes (snacks to accompany a drink) is available, but Blackboard Canteen is best as a place for liquid nourishment. The coffee is good and the small cocktail list includes the Clunito, a house special made from Cuban rum, lime, mint and tonic and served in a lidded jar so that you can shake your drink yourself. The wine list includes nine wines, four of which are available by the glass.