30ml Leiden - Coffee & Food — Restaurant in Leiden

30 ml in Leiden used to be one of my long-standing go-to places. I enjoyed the coffee, it had a good selection of food, and more importantly, a really nice kids corner at the back of the cafe. The kids corner is separated by steps from the main eating area and is never overly busy. This was until last Friday (29th November) when everything changed.

I got a complaint from one of the staff members about breastfeeding in public. I was shocked beyond belief with a mixture of anger and disappointment.

The situation arose when I needed to feed my child. We were sitting at the back next to the play area, with one other women sitting on the (only) sofa. There was a space next to her, and I asked if it was possible to sit down and feed. She said it was okay. I didn’t think twice, did my business, and got up again. On my way out, I was followed by a staff member. She informed me of the complaint. Apparently next time I needed to be more mindful as my breastfeeding apparently made the other lady on the sofa uncomfortable and that I disrespected her space. This was total nonsense. I don’t know what I am more angry about – women not support women, or the insensitively of the staff.

Breastfeeding is a perfectly normal and legal thing to do. No women should ever feel embarrassed or shamed for how they choose to feed their children. Apparently, next time, I should inform the staff of my need to breastfeed. They will find me a more appropriate location to feed my child. What is more appropriate than the only sofa in the children section of a cafe? My oldest child was also quite upset by the snappy nature of the staff. Why have a kids section if, it seems, neither children or their parents are welcome?

I would strongly suggest your staff undergo sensitively training in the future. I no longer feel welcome at your establishment.

Yours...

An amazing location in the city. Unfortunately this cannot make up for not being able to even get what you order. I never got to taste my coffee, had to leave before it arrived. Every customer around me was waiting a long time and had further issues with their orders. Not many chances to even ask about it, just too frustrating. Seems like the kind of business whose owners don't really care about how it's being run, and don't want to hire more experienced people to do it either. The tacky plastic-plant green-wall really says everything, surrounded by a few pots with real plants that you can tell are real because they don't look in very good shape. Hope they can see the...

30 Ml has certainly claimed the spot of my preferred café in Leiden. Their coffee and croissants are good, served by the most friendly and welcoming baristas. Adding to the charm is their delightful seating arrangement right by the canal, offering a serene view. The atmosphere is a wonderful blend of contemporary and comfortable. What's more, they even accommodate patrons looking to do some work, as laptop use...