A new addition to Mondriaankwartier: Café STU! This homey establishment on Scherbierstraat welcomes you for good coffee, art and handpicked vintage. In addition, tasty tunes from a DJ can be heard regularly. What are you waiting for? Hop on over to Café STU!
We sit down with brand-new owner Sophie Pauw. The grand opening in March, with multiple DJs and live performances, is still fresh in the Amersfoort native's memory. "It was so cool! At one point it was completely full of people. That's when it really dawned on me: oh yes, I have my own cafe. This is my life now! I enjoy it immensely," says the proud Pauw.
DREAM COME TRUE
Sophie previously worked in the same building at cat cafe Cat & Coffee. After it closed, she took over the business. But not the concept. No, she has too many ideas of her own for that. The offer to take over came totally unexpected for her. "At first there was a moment of panic, but I was also very excited. Since I was fourteen I have dreamed of having my own café. Then when it actually happens, it feels so bizarre. Especially because I tried several courses, but they were all not for me. Then when an opportunity like this comes your way, you know: this has to be it."
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURSHIP
At 22 years old, Sophie is an early starter in the entrepreneurial world. However, everything shows that the hospitality industry is in her blood and that she is experienced. But what about running your own business? "I didn't have a plan yet, so I had to go full steam ahead. Then you find out in a short time what you all have to arrange and how it works. In the beginning it's uncomfortable. There were many moments when I asked myself: am I competent enough? I found out that I am. That has been the biggest eye-opener for me."
VINTAGE & VEGAN
When you step into Café STU, your eye immediately catches a clothes rack filled with vintage gems. On the walls hang colorful art by an exhibitor. Besides being a place to drink great coffee and eat vega(n) "snackies," you can also shop consciously. "This idea stems from my own love of secondhand stuff and clothing. In addition, I would like to create a space for other artists and creative people." Sophie's attention to sustainability is also reflected on the menu. "I am very much a fan of the 'Aqua Monaco' soft drinks. They are colorful drinks with super cute labels and they are also climate neutral and vegan. My favorite flavor is rhubarb ginger."
BE YOURSELF
Sophie hopes that a year from now, Café STU will be known as a fine meeting place where creativity takes center stage. But nothing has to! "For me, the café is successful when people feel comfortable there. You can just be yourself here. In the future I will organize game afternoons and workshops. I also think it would be fun to have nice tunes from a DJ on Sunday afternoons. Or vinyl on Fridays."