New Kids in Town: June 2026

Anyone who thinks bread is just bread has not yet been to Brwad. This Maastricht natural bakery is all about taste, attention and the natural process. Founder Kevin was already in the kitchen every day as a 12-year-old and spent at least as much time in his parents' vegetable garden. Years later, sourdough bread got his attention and that love never left him. All of Brwad's breads are made using sourdough and are given a long rise time. You can taste this immediately in the firm crust, airy interior and full flavour. What makes Brwad special? Three quarters of the grains simply come from Maastricht and you can even see this local connection in the natural bakery's logo. Besides sourdough breads, you can also buy sweets such as cardamom bullar, lemon oatcakes and štrukli buns. Choice stress? Then go for 't Brwad, a wholemeal taste bomb, or Maestrichter Spelt, made with grains from Maastricht. Order online (until Wednesday), pick up on Friday or Saturday between 09:00 and 13:00.

Pale green walls, cosy reading nooks and piles of books you want to disappear into straight away. In February, Sofia opened Paréa Books in the middle of the Jeker Quarter. An English-language bookshop where it is not only about buying books, but especially about reading together and spontaneous encounters. The Greek native had been dreaming of her own bookshop for years, because she missed a place in Maastricht where she could buy good international books. So she decided to just open that place herself. Between cupboards full of romance, fantasy, thrillers and historical fiction, Sofia loves to help you find a new book. She is also happy to chat about what you like to read. If you like to browse among second-hand gems, this is also the place to be. All books in the second-hand corner cost five euros and you can donate English-language books yourself in exchange for another copy. The name Paréa means togetherness in Greek, which is exactly what Sofia wants to create with this place.

The Graanmarkt recently became home to Claes, a concept store that automatically makes you take a peek inside. Maybe it is because of the disco ball on the ceiling. Maybe because of the black armchair that seems to come straight out of a seventies interior. Behind the concept store are Marit and Fleur. Two familiar faces in Maastricht with a passion for fashion. Marit previously had her own shop and Fleur worked at Le Marais for years. Between the clothes racks hang beautiful basics alongside eye-catching prints and accessories that immediately give your outfit something extra. You can browse through magazines, shop interior design items or browse the rack full of vintage clothes. With the latter, Fleur and Marit want to show that vintage pieces go perfectly with new items from their shop. Can't wait to shop? You can find part of the collection in the webshop.

On the Groene Loper, Mama's Restobar has given way to Thuis aan de Loper. The concept still revolves around coming home, but owner Tim has thrown his own sauce over it. Think burgundy walls, warm wood tones and big paintings on the wall. You can come here seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. From Thursday to Saturday you can also go for dinner. The lunch menu offers dishes like shakshuka or a stuffed pastrami sandwich. For dinner, choose, for example, peek chicken with herb gravy or ribeye with green pepper sauce. This is one of those places where you get together with friends, children or family. While you enjoy your drink on the terrace, children romp on the playground equipment in the grass. Tip: before or after your visit, venture out onto the Groene Loper for a stroll.