18 August 2025
Petite Passport turns 15 this year, and to celebrate, I’m inviting people who have truly made a difference over the years. Those who introduced innovative hospitality or retail concepts, played a key role in design travel, or opened places we all fell in love with.
This time, I’m checking in with Yann Pierre-Jean, the founder of Saint-Jean and Saint-Jean Deli. With a background in fashion and a love for plant-based bakeries he started making cruffins nobody could resist. At that time he lived in Den Bosch, where he made the pastries from his own home and sold them online. Not that much later he found that cute little corner store in Amsterdam, and everyone in Amsterdam now knows what he does – if only for the lines in the morning. Two years later he opened a deli on the other side of the road, where he sells savoury pastries worth trying. Apart from his gastronomic taste he also loves to travel and visit other great restaurants, so make sure to have a notebook ready to create a new wish list of places to go!
What were you doing 15 years ago?
‘Fifteen years ago, I had just relocated from Paris to London and was experiencing my first taste of life abroad on my own. I was living in Shoreditch, in East London – a neighborhood full of energy and creativity, especially loved by the young artistic crowd at the time. Professionally, I was working as Head of Operations for a menswear brand on Savile Row, right in the heart of London’s luxury fashion scene. It was my entry into the world of high-end fashion, which later led me to explore more premium lifestyle brands. A very different chapter from my current life as an entrepreneur, but one that laid important foundations.’
Saint-Jean Deli in Amsterdam
What are you most proud of in the design of Saint Jean en Saint Jean Deli?
‘What I’m most proud of in the design of Saint-Jean and Saint-Jean Deli is the timeless feel of the interior. I set out to create a space that doesn’t follow fleeting trends but instead blends design elements that can stand the test of time. It’s a careful mix – warm, inviting, and enduring. I’m also proud of the versatility of the space. One of the main challenges was to reflect the identity of a bakery/deli, coffee shop, and café all in one, without it feeling fragmented. If you look closely, you’ll notice subtle nods to Amsterdam’s architectural heritage, like the stained-glass details and the original terrazzo floor, grounding the space in its local context while still feeling fresh and contemporary.’
How is the design climate evolving in Amsterdam, or even bigger in Europe? Is there anything we should keep an eye on?
‘In Amsterdam, there’s a clear shift toward a more “heritage”-driven design approach – with an emphasis on authenticity, preserving existing spaces, and blending them with a contemporary sensibility. While the city sees new openings every month, what has truly caught my attention is actually happening in Paris: the return of the café-tabac-bistrot with charm and purpose. Le Cornichon, opened by Bertrand Chauveau and Paul Henri, is a great example – a nostalgic yet modern corner bistro with velvet banquettes, chrome chairs, a retro zinc counter, and a warm, lived-in feel that embraces the neighborhood spirit. It’s this kind of thoughtful, emotionally grounded design that I believe will inspire the next wave, in Amsterdam and beyond.’
What’s something you bought on a trip and still have good memories of?
‘On a recent trip to Mexico City, I visited the incredible ceramist Perla Valtierra and instantly fell in love with her handmade ceramics. Each piece feels timeless and evokes a sense of warmth and home. I brought back a beautiful vase in green and terracotta – colors that perfectly capture the spirit of the city and its vibrant, welcoming culture. Every time I see it, it brings me right back to that special moment.’
Inside Le Cornichon Bar in Paris
What’s your favorite chef?
‘One of my favorite chefs right now is Wes Ten Kleij, along with his talented team at Café Beurre and Petit Péché founded by Kim Jongbloed in Amsterdam. I’ve been following their work for a while, and every visit feels like a little escape to Paris – an atmosphere that’s very dear to me. The food strikes the perfect balance: simple, seasonal, and beautifully creative. Every dish feels thoughtful and hits just the right note, without ever trying too hard.’
If people only had one day in Amsterdam, what would you recommend them to do as an ideal day?
‘I’d recommend a walk-through experience that blends architecture, food, shopping, and culture: my ideal city trip. Start your day early, when the city is still quiet, and stroll through the center to enjoy Amsterdam’s beautiful architecture and canals in the soft light of sunrise. Then head to Saint-Jean in the Jordaan for a coffee and a freshly baked croissant before the morning rush.
From there, take a peaceful walk around Prinseneiland and relax by the water. Make a cultural stop at Galerie Ron Mandos, known for its expertly curated exhibitions, followed by a visit to The Frozen Fountain to discover unique interior design pieces.
Next, head to Carmen for a bit of shopping and a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Hortus Botanicus garden – it’s the perfect place to unwind with a coffee.
As the day winds down, enjoy a glass of wine at Bar Parry, then cross over to Noord for a cozy dinner at Hotel De Goudfazant – an industrial-look restaurant with great food and atmosphere. No particular order is required: just follow the rhythm of the day and let Amsterdam charm you.’
Hotel de Goudfazant in Amsterdam
What was the most inspiring trip you’ve ever made?
‘One of the most inspiring trips I’ve ever taken was to the Coron Islands in the Philippines. It was a truly grounding experience, I came back with a deep sense of calm and clarity. The lush, untouched nature was breathtaking, and what stayed with me most was the genuine kindness of the people. But the real luxury? Exploring one of the tiny surrounding islands completely alone: just me, the sea, and silence. Also, as someone born on an island myself, in Guadeloupe, it felt like a return to familiar ground, just in a different ocean and on the other side of the world. There was something deeply comforting and instinctive about being surrounded by that island rhythm again.’
What’s one of the most special boutique design hotels you’ve stayed at?
‘Coqui Coqui Hotel in Coba, Mexico. One of the most authentic boutique hotel I visited. Staying at Coqui Coqui Cobá was an unforgettable experience – an oasis of rustic luxury tucked deep in the Yucatan jungle. Surrounded by Mayan ruins and the sounds of nature, the architecture, scents, and design seamlessly blended history with serenity. Every detail, from the perfumed air to the handmade furniture and spa rituals, created a unique sensory journey that was both grounding and inspiring. A true sanctuary for the soul.’
If you were celebrating your 15th anniversary (or another big milestone), where would you go and what would you do?
‘For a big milestone like a 15th anniversary, I would most likely take my entire team to Guadeloupe. The inspiration behind Saint-Jean came from my grandmother, and there’s no better place to celebrate such a special moment than the island that has shaped so much of who I am. One of the most beautiful places to stay in Guadeloupe is La Toubana, one of the most beautiful spots in Guadeloupe. Set in Sainte-Anne, it has amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. The rooms and villas feel like a mix of comfort and island charm, and the infinity pool overlooking the water is perfect for relaxing. The atmosphere is laid-back but still luxurious, and the food is a delicious mix of French and Creole flavors. It’s the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.’
If you could travel to one place featured on Petite Passport, where would you go?
‘If I could travel to one place featured on Petite Passport, I’d definitely go back to Tuba in Marseille. I absolutely love this place, especially the room with its private terrace overlooking the sea – it’s the only one of its kind at the hotel. The relaxed vibe of the restaurant adds to its charm. But Masseria Moroseta is at the top of my list for my next stay. I can’t wait to experience the charm of this farmhouse, set in the heart of beautiful, picturesque villages. As a big fan of Italian cuisine and the art of relaxation, I know staying there will be the perfect escape.’
The pool at Masseria Moroseta in Puglia
Check out: www.saintjean.nl
(All pictures by Petite Passport, except the portrait picture by Konstantin Khludnev)
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