It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Lyan! This masterpiece of a cocktail bar and garden will inevitably leave you speechless upon passing through its doors. The neon luminescence sits as the main beacon of fun while the well-dressed staff moves through the scene flawlessly, delivering delightful dishes and drinks alike to eager patrons.
Housed within the Kimpton de Witt, a tastefully renovated 17th century Dutch house turned hotel, Super Lyan blends in seamlessly with the surrounding Central Amsterdam vibes and architecture. After stepping foot inside, the electric atmosphere will light you to the core. Open practically all-day everyday, anyone and everyone is welcome to stop in for coffee and vegan doughnuts to start the morning, smaller bites to survive the afternoon, and a variety of evening beverages to encourage a late night. Or, stay all day if you fancy.
Of course, Super Lyan didn’t just become super on its own. The man behind the curtain is none other than world-renowned cocktail mixologist Ryan Chetitawardana (aka Mr Lyan). While most of Ryan’s endeavors have been limited to the United Kingdom boundaries, Super Lyan is breaking those barriers by becoming Ryan’s first international bid and, to no surprise, is a major success. You may be most familiar with Ryan’s Dandelyan, which received the World’s Best Bar two consecutive years until its abrupt and unexpected closure. Ryan sure knows how to keep his followers, fans, and friends on their toes and coming back for more.
The Mr Lyan empire is extremely happy to place some roots in Amsterdam, though Ryan himself cannot be there everyday. He’s a busy man, naturally, trying to oversee his other London-based bars. As such, Super Lyan has been left in the day-to-day hands and management of Thomas Datema and Alex Lawrence. Thomas is a well-respected face among the Amsterdam cocktail scene, while Alex served as the former head bartender at Dandelyan. Using both the local Dutch culture and their previous experiences, the duo crafted a sophisticated yet quirky cocktail list worth every sip.
Whether guest at the Kimpton de Witt or Palace Quarter district resident, Super Lyan is a whimsical experience to say the least. Your taste buds may flutter. Your palate may sing. But, you’re guaranteed to explore pairing boundaries you’ve never considered. There are meat, vegetarian, and vegan options and everything is prepared fresh to order. The real highlight unsurprisingly is the extensive drink menu. Bubbles, citrus, and sours all make an appearance. Fruits, florals, and other naturally derived ingredients add an undeniably fresh, crisp flavor. Enjoy a sprinkling of sage dust or a dollop of orange blossom honey.
Super Lyan has whipped up an impressive, well-rounded spread. All you have to do is find yourself in Amsterdam and stop in. They’re open 7AM until late. For private reservations, look into booking the Super Lyan Living Room and try your hand at cocktail crafting during a Super Lyan Workshop. Timeless, tasteful, and tactfully brought to life, Ryan has truly outdone himself on this one.