Amsterdam demolishes iconic pancake house De Carrousel for park, playground renovation
De Carrousel, the well-known family-run pancake house on the Weteringcircuit, was demolished this past weekend to make way for a redesigned park and playground, AT5 reported.
The site will become Weteringpark, featuring a greener layout, 25 new trees, updated playground equipment, a walking path along the Singelgracht, and spaces for art and monuments. The playground building will include solar panels, a green roof, and a heat pump. Full completion is expected by spring 2026.
The Stuij family operated De Carrousel for decades. Aart Stuij’s uncle began selling poffertjes at the square shortly after World War II. In 1975, Aart Sr. opened a poffertjes stand, and in 1988, the family expanded with De Carrousel. De Carrousel was awarded a Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2022 and is well-loved by local families and tourists alike.
“I am not happy with the way things were handled,” said Aart Stuij. “I had sixty employees, who are now out of work. They are not rid of me yet.” He also criticized the municipality for insufficient notice and expressed concern the new park may attract unwanted visitors.
The city said the pancake house no longer fit the new design and cited safety concerns. The demolition followed a court ruling after a legal dispute over the closure.
De Carrousel also played a role in cultural integration. In 1996, Ajax players Mariano Juan and Iván Gabrich visited the restaurant as part of an introduction to Amsterdam and Dutch culture under then-manager Louis van Gaal.
