Until 2013, this narrow street was known for the red lights that lit up the windows of the prostitutes who worked there. Nowadays, the former brothels are home to a whole range of creative entrepreneurs, who call Hardebollenstraat the ‘best street in Utrecht’. MIRK Mirjam Pater makes very special, sustainable clothing from organic fabrics and remnants. Each and every one is a unique design. She makes them all by hand in her workshop, on her trusty sewing machine. A few sample designs are hanging in her cosy boutique, but if you can’t find your size, Mirjam will happily make it for you. > Hardebollenstraat 11 mirk.shop Little Beershop From imperial stouts and hazy IPAs to tropical sours and extra hopped lagers: Little Beershop is a haven for beer buffs, a place where you’ll want to buy some of the beers simply because of the beautifully designed cans. If you can’t choose (which is perfectly understandable given the vast array of beers), there’s always someone around to give you some personal advice. > Hardebollenstraat 7 littlebeershop.nl Life’s a Peach The focaccia is a classic Italian lunch dish from the Liguria region, which just happens to be where the owner of this establishment comes from. She gives her own focaccia, which she makes fresh every day, a very special twist. She also makes various sweet delicacies, which are all plant-based. But that’s not all: Life’s a Peach might only be a small place, but it still has room to showcase the work of local artists and designers. And everything you see is for sale. > Hardebollenstraat 9 lifesapeach.nl Sus Goudsmeden Working under the name of Sus Goudsmeden, Jolanda and Steiny combine silver, recycled gold, diamonds and pretty gems to create unique jewellery – somewhere between frivolous, feisty and elegant. They have their own collection, but make most of their stuff to order. If you want to look around their workshop, make an appointment in advance. > Hardebollenstraat 8 susgoudsmeden.nl