Going Native: Ed Meijaard on Amsterdam

Ed Meijaard, founding partner and MD at creative production studio Ambassadors, explains Amsterdam’s similarity to a Leatherman multi-tool and describes the city as a chilled, villagey place, awash with boozy advertising parties...

What is the best thing about working in advertising in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam offers a nice mix of artists and business-minded people, big agencies and smaller boutique-like ventures. It has an informal atmosphere that makes it easy for corporate people to loosen up a little and dare to be a bit more creative.

And the worst thing?

Too many advertising parties with sponsored booze, it’s hard to say no. “Honey, I’m working late again” is a phrase that has lost all its credibility because of this.

What advice would you give to a visitor?

Only ride a bicycle if you don’t mind being shouted at by everybody else in the traffic. It’s never personal but Amsterdam people on bicycles are extremely rude, even the cutest-looking women.

What’s the best Dutch ad you have seen in the last year?

I really enjoyed Tele2 Because You Can – refreshing and great music. Centraal Beheer Rapper was cool and ASN Bank Gewoontedier makes me smile every time.

If you were booking a hotel in Amsterdam, where would you choose to stay?

The relatively new Waldorf Astoria has a great two-star Michelin restaurant, Librije’s Zusje. For a tighter budget I’d recommend The College Hotel, Hampshire Hotel – The Manor or Lloyd Hotel. They’re further out but that gives you a chance to avoid the tourist traps and see more of the town.

Where’s the best place to eat in Amsterdam?

Sazanka, a teppanyaki restaurant in the Okura Hotel. But also try the Eiburgh snack bar right over the Amsterdam bridge on Zeeburg Island – they have the best Belgian hand-cut fries and killer meatballs in satay sauce. Take tram 26 from Central station. Cafe Bern on the Nieuwmarkt does great cheese fondue and steak.

And the best place to have a drink?

GlouGlou wine bar [above] at Tweede van der Helststraat 3 in De Pijp area, has a really cosy atmosphere and friendly service, and they really know their wine – they only serve organic. In summer you’ll love the sunny terrace. If you’re into local beer, check out Brouwerij ‘t IJ, next to the massive windmill, but go early as they close at 8pm.

Who would you love to work with in the industry?

Michel Gondry. I’m a huge fan of his work. His Smirnoff commercial Smarienberg is still a masterpiece today.

What do you miss when you are out of the city?

Amsterdam doesn’t really feel like a city, more like a village, so when you are away from Amsterdam you are usually in a bigger city. So then I miss my village!

If Amsterdam were a product, what would it be?

A Leatherman multi-tool, which has a lot of features, is small, cute and beautifully designed… though not always practical.