The English-language radio programme, broadcast from the DutchBuzz studio in the Central Library on Spui, welcomed four guests to discuss culture, inclusion and international justice in the city.
Laaktheater: Theatre for the Community
Christine Defontaine welcomed Sigrid de Zwart, who is closely involved with Laaktheater, to talk about a venue that is far more than a place for performances. The conversation explored how Laaktheater brings local communities together, works with guest programmers to shape its programme, and reflects The Hague’s international and multicultural character, including its “Language no problem” initiative.
Guest Programming and Volunteering
Robert John Henderson, who has been a guest programmer at Laaktheater for several years and won the Volunteer of the Year prize in 2025, shared his journey with the theatre and his connection to The Hague. He spoke about his past programme Bubbles and Bonbons, why dedicated opportunities for local queer artists matter, and offered a sneak peek at something big planned for 2027. He also explained how new volunteers can get involved.
The Hague Justice Week
Andrew van Esch spoke with Sham Ahmed of the Municipality of The Hague’s International Affairs department, part of the team organising The Hague Justice Week. They discussed why the week exists, who it is for and what makes it special. The programme runs across multiple venues in The Hague, at partner locations throughout the Netherlands and internationally, and online, so people can take part whether they attend in person or remotely.
Pink Saturday, the Pink Petition and a Festive Queer Programme
Barbara van Gelder, Queer Community Builder and Head of Operations at Laaktheater, joined the programme to discuss the queer community in The Hague, Roze Zaterdag (Pink Saturday) and the Pink Petition. She reflected on how attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community have changed over the years, what progress is still needed, and why visibility and inclusion remain so important. She also previewed Laaktheater’s special Queer Programme on 4 December 2026, which includes local and international acts.
Listen to DutchBuzz
DutchBuzz brings English-language news, interviews and community stories to listeners in The Hague and beyond.
Broadcast: Thursday 12 November 2026 @ 1900 Station: Den Haag FM
To listen to the recording of this show, navigate to Den Haag FM Uitzending Gemist
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
Venue provided complimentary food and drinks during Sherika’s visit for this feature. The Hague Online retained editorial control, and the views expressed are the writer’s own
Ask most people about their favourite part of a meal and the answer comes quickly: dessert. Yet at most restaurants, it’s the last thing on the table and the first thing we skip when we’re full. The Dessert Room turns that around.
The idea behind The Dessert Room belongs to Richard Morris, an American who grew up in Chicago and has spent nearly thirty years living abroad. It began on a quiet late-autumn evening, when his then ten-year-old daughter wanted ice cream from their neighbourhood ice-cream parlour, and couldn’t understand why it was closed until spring.
Her question brought back a childhood ritual. In Chicago, families like Richard’s would head out after weekend dinners to enjoy dessert. Something sweet was reason enough for a night out, and it was a tradition he had missed for decades. It reminded me of my own childhood, when we would go to Milky Lane for ice cream and waffles. My fellow South Africans will know exactly what I mean.
The more he thought about it, the more he noticed a gap. The Netherlands has extraordinary restaurants, pastry chefs, and chocolatiers, but remarkably few places where dessert itself takes centre stage, where the final course becomes the main event.
The Dessert Room is an evening tasting experience devoted entirely to dessert: three courses, each paired with a drink, created by exceptional local chefs and restaurants. The line-up changes with every edition, which makes each one an intimate occasion and a chance to discover pastry talent and new flavours. New for those who want to make a full night of it, guests can now enjoy a light dinner beforehand and drinks afterwards.
My first course was a bright, citrusy orange roulade with orange curd and chocolate cream. It came paired with a tequila sunrise, a playful and clever match that echoed the orange in the dessert and set a fun tone for the night.
The second course was a beautifully constructed dessert cube of trifle, layered with almond chiffon, raspberry compote, and jasmine cream and paired with a raspberry and almond cordial. The jasmine gave it a delicate floral note, and the cordial tied the flavours together without overwhelming them. Both courses created by new Patissier-in-Residence, Murit Sonneveld Mak.
The final course was a rich chestnut mousse with dark chocolate and cognac caramel, by guest chef Justin Koopman of Aan de Zweth. It was served with a brut Selección cava, whose crisp bubbles cut through the richness and made it the perfect way to end the night.
What I loved most is how The Dessert Room gives dessert the attention it rarely gets. There is no pressure to save room and no rushing to the finish line. You can linger over something sweet, talk about it, and discover something new from the chefs behind it. The food was fantastic, and the evening felt warm and celebratory, as though sweetness really is reason enough to go out.
From one simple request for ice cream has grown a different kind of night out, one where the final course becomes the first reason to go.
*I was kindly invited to experience this meal, and as always, my thoughts are honest and entirely my own
The Dessert Room takes place once a month, upstairs at Cafe Paloma ( Anna Paulownaplein 1), with the autumn edition scheduled for 18 November. Find out more here
Photos: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers.
Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
The latest edition of DutchBuzz on Den Haag FM brought together international affairs, local community initiatives and a look ahead to the festive season in The Hague.
The English-language radio programme welcomed four guests to discuss developments affecting the city and its international community.
US Midterm Elections and International Relations
Andrew van Esch welcomed Diederik Brink, lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and expert on North American affairs, to discuss the US midterm election results and their potential implications.
Their conversation explored the changing political landscape in the United States, President Donald Trump’s administration, international relations and what developments in Washington could mean for Europe and The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice.
Hands Off the ICC: A Local Campaign
Marko Fehres, a well-known Hague community organiser and Stadmaker, joined the programme to introduce his Hands Off the ICC sticker campaign.
The initiative responds to US sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court and its personnel, encouraging local support for the court and the principles of international justice.
The conversation also touched on the Stadmakers Festival at Amare and the importance of community involvement in shaping the city.
What’s Coming Up in The Hague?
Myriam Dijck, press officer at The Hague & Partners, joined DutchBuzz to look ahead to the festive season.
With Christmas markets, seasonal activities and cultural events on the horizon, the conversation explored what’s coming up for residents and visitors, including the growing Christmas market in Lange Voorhout and the atmosphere in the city.
Behind the Menu: Festive Dining in The Hague
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers, restaurant writer for The Hague Online, returned to DutchBuzz to talk about the city’s diverse food scene.
From Indonesian culinary influences and Diwali celebrations to festive dining and restaurant discoveries, Sherika shared her perspective on the people and places behind The Hague’s restaurant scene.
Her regular Behind the Menu column on The Hague Online introduces readers to local restaurants, their stories and the people behind them.
Listen to DutchBuzz
DutchBuzz brings English-language news, interviews and community stories to listeners in The Hague and beyond.
Broadcast: Thursday 5 November 2026 @ 1900 Station: Den Haag FM
To listen to the recording of this show, navigate to Den Haag FM Uitzending Gemist
Something new is coming to our city. A dog-friendly event! The Story Cafe brings you the Dog P(ART)Y — a few relaxed hours in the morning with you, your dog, and a small group of like-minded individuals.
Here’s what to expect:
Delicious bites for you and your dog
A doggy artwork activity, where your dog gets to make art (yes, really)
A small, cosy group of other owners and their dogs
When: Saturday 31 October 2026 Where: The Story Cafe, Appelstraat 175 Tickets and extra info can be found here Good to know: Dogs must be friendly and socialised, and kept on a leash. You are ultimately responsible for your dog’s behaviour and safety. There will be 2 sessions – one for smaller dogs and one for larger breeds. Check out the link above for full details.
We wanted to create a space where your dog not only feels welcomed, but gets to engage with you in a fun, safe activity. Grab a ticket, bring your best boy or girl, and try something new!
