1. Favourite ice cream parlour

Het IJskabinet

Diafouka: “Het IJskabinet ticks all my boxes when it comes to exquisite ice creams in The Hague: their range of flavours, very friendly and quick service, plus convenient opening hours. You can’t go wrong if you pick dark chocolate, walnut, pistachio or rum raisins!”

📍Plaats 31
www.instagram.com/ijskabinet

2. Favourite cake shop

Jarreau

Photography: Noskos

Diafouka: “Being married to an excellent (former) pastry chef, the chances of finding me buying cakes from a shop are very slim. However, for some last-minute invitations when I could not turn up empty-handed, I have relied on the macarons and pastries expertly baked by my local patisserie Jarreau.“

📍Van Hoytemastraat 42
www.jarreau.nl

3. Favourite cocktail bar

Franky's Bar @ Villa Coucou

Diafouka: “When it comes to cocktail bars, Franky’s Bar offers an exquisite old triple or lavender pisco sour. However, I’m usually in the mood for a glass of whisky. Then Sixpence definitely has one of the best drinks menus in town, plus you can’t beat the charming ambiance of this pub.”

📍Laan van Meerdervoort 6
www.villacoucou.com

4. Favourite beauty salon

Blue Diamonds Health & Beauty Club

Diafouka: "I fairly recently discovered Blue Diamonds Health & Beauty Club when I was given a gift card. I was impressed by the feeling of entering a peaceful retreat where you step out of time, despite the location being so central. It’s very professional and friendly.”

📍Noordeinde 35
www.bluediamonds.club

5. Guilty pleasures

Diafouka: "In no specific order: appreciating and buying art works (check out Chiefs and Spirits art gallery), ordering and binge-watching DVDs (horror movies are my favourite – yes, DVDs!), getting honey from the local producer in Clingendael, and devouring herrings at Paviljoen de Witte while facing the sunset and meditating with a Marcelino cigar.”