Since 1938
From Gerrit Schaap to the fourth generation
Gerrit Schaap opened his fish shop in Leiden in 1938. Today Aldert is behind the counter, and the family is getting ready for the fourth generation.
- Generations
- Four
- Shop
- Herenstraat 48
- Owner
- Aldert Haasnoot
For almost ninety years, a small, cosy fish shop on Herenstraat in Leiden has fed, delighted and connected generations of Leiden residents. Schaap's Vishandel is not just a shop — it is a piece of Leiden history.
Four generations
Our timeline
1938
The beginning
Gerrit Schaap opened his fish shop at Herenstraat 48 in Leiden in 1938. Back when the fish came straight off the boat and everyone in Leiden knew their fishmonger, Gerrit laid the foundations for a familiar name in the city.
1957
A new generation takes the helm
Cor Haasnoot started working for Gerrit Schaap at thirteen and took over the shop in 1957. Nel and Cor, Aldert’s parents, owned the fish shop together. The name Schaap stayed above the door.
Aldert Haasnoot is on the left and his mother, Nel, is on the right. The photo was taken when his parents ran the shop. 2009
The third generation: Aldert Haasnoot
Aldert Haasnoot — known simply as 'Schaap' in the neighbourhood — has stood behind the counter his entire life. In 2009 he officially takes over from his father, bringing the shop into the 21st century while preserving the atmosphere Leiden residents cherish: personal, warm, honest.
People come here for the fish, but also for a chat. Sometimes it feels like a meeting place for the neighbourhood. — Aldert Haasnoot
Aldert behind the counter when he took over the shop in 2009. 2018
80 years!
On 1 January 2018, Schaap's Vis turns 80. The whole city celebrates. Customers send in photos and memories for an anniversary book. One of the most charming: Ria Verburg, who collected kibbeling monthly for the nursery and always came back for Mr Schaap's joke.
When picking up he always said: 'a box of kibbeling for the orphanage!' It always made me laugh. — Ria Verburg
Today
Today – a family business with a future
Schaap’s Vis is getting ready for the fourth generation. Alongside our familiar Herenstraat shop, you’ll find the team at Leiden market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and outside Hoogvliet in Voorschoten on Fridays.
Our range has grown over the years. The personal attention, the friendly conversations and the quality people count on have stayed the same.
We’re a traditional fish shop where we welcome our customers with a love for our craft, delicious fish and a personal touch.— Aldert Haasnoot