Belly of the Beast

Hidden beneath the historic Odeon building on Amsterdam’s Singel canal, Belly of the Beast is a cocktail bar born from escapism and maritime myth. The brainchild of Tess Posthumus (of Flying Dutchmen Cocktails) and Joeri Salet (of Supper, Bar Rouge), it merges theatrical narrative with mixology, taking guests on a descent from a breezy “beach house” entry into a deeper, darker world beneath the waves. Inside, the décor leans heavily on nautical fantasy and immersive storytelling. You’ll pass through warmer tones and lighter motifs at first, then transition into deep greens, moody lighting, textured walls reminiscent of ship hulls or reef structure, and subtle aquatic references. The layout is generous: seating for up to 120 people, with multiple zones, including a Bartender’s Table (an interactive station at which the bartenders showcase their craft as part of the guest experience) and The Pearl, a hidden private space with its own bar intended for small groups. The drink program is ambitious and playful. Cocktails are often named after sea creatures or oceanic mythos — think Siren’s Call, Sea Horse Smash, Nessie’s Pearl, or Wildebeest (non-alcoholic). They also serve snacks and small plates (bites to pair with cocktails). The bar embraces late hours: open from 17:00 until 4:00 am daily. The backstory is part of the charm: the name Belly of the Beast refers to multiple layers — the “belly” as the interior under the waves, the idea of late-night dining and drinking, and the subterranean location beneath its sibling establishments. The founders have positioned it as the only bar in the area with a late night serving permit until 4:00 am, offering both drinks and food late into the night. It’s not just a bar; it’s designed as an experience of descent, narrative, and sensory layering. Whether you come for a cocktail, a workshop, or private hire in The Pearl, the space encourages you to let your expectations drift deeper.