“I did a work placement in Zuidas seven years ago, and even back then I was saying I wanted to live here one day”

Dimitri Brom has been living in Zuidas for three and a half years. He runs his own content company, Now Up Next, that reviews restaurants, bars, and events, and also operates Nowness Agency, his advertising company catering to e-commerce brands. Favourite haunts include Clubsportive, where he regularly works out, and Doppio, for delicious coffee. While Dimitri revels in the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, his home is a haven of calm.

Can you tell us something about yourself?

 “I have my own content company for which I review restaurants, bars and events on TikTok. I’m doing some big places in Amsterdam now, which is pretty awesome, and recently started doing reviews in The Hague, too. There was an Italian restaurant for which we got a half million views in one week, so that was super cool. Business is going very well and more and more food places are coming to me. Outside work, I’m also living it up in Amsterdam. Going to parties, coffees with friends, meeting new people… for me that’s what makes life worth living!”

What brought you to Zuidas?

 “I’ve been in Zuidas for three and a half years now. After spending a year in Barcelona, which was amazing, I felt myself getting a bit lazy there and wanted to come back to Amsterdam. I had done a work placement in Zuidas seven years ago, and even back then I was saying I wanted to live here one day. Eventually I found this flat and was lucky enough to get it. I had just started my company at the time, so it took some smooth talking, but it all worked out.”

What is your favourite spot at home? 

“My favourite spot at home is the sofa. It’s where I completely unwind at the end of a busy working day. Since having my own office on Prinsengracht, home really feels to me like a haven. It’s also nice to sit at my desk in my room here, where I can take some time out to reflect or work away from it all.”

What is your favourite spot in Zuidas? 

“Hands down, Doppio. It’s an ideal spot to grab a quick coffee. I also like working out at Clubsportive, a great gym practically around the corner from me – just across the road. For groceries, I usually go to Gelderlandplein and walk there so I can also get some steps in.”

 What do you hope the future holds for Zuidas? 

“I’d love to see some more low-key restaurants in Zuidas. Small, cosy joints instead of the big, loud places there are now. And there is a lot of concrete here. Adding some more nature would make the environment feel a little less urban and more zen.” Do you want to stay in Zuidas for good? “It would be cool to stay here. But when thinking about the future, and maybe kids, I can’t say for sure. Zuidas is amazing, if you ask me, and I think it will be ideal until I hit 35. After that, I’ll want to live some place quieter. Amsterdam-Zuid or near the Amstel would be terrific.”

Do you want to stay in Zuidas for good?

 “It would be cool to stay here. But when thinking about the future, and maybe kids, I can’t say for sure. Zuidas is amazing, if you ask me, and I think it will be ideal until I hit 35. After that, I’ll want to live some place quieter. Amsterdam-Zuid or near the Amstel would be terrific.”

Are there any downsides to living in Zuidas?

“It can get quite noisy. The trains, especially. I sleep with earplugs in to keep the sounds out and help me relax. I need to get my rest.