•• OUT AND ABOUT ••
Styx | 02 512 2102 72 rue de l’Arbre Bénit - 1050 Brussels The tiny Styx is now 35 years old, but its fleapit look and feel belie the quality of its programmes, from themed seasons to modern Belgian films. It also runs impressive retrospective seasons showing classic European films.
Bars Beer and bar life are an ingrained part of Belgian culture. Here is our guide to Belgium’s best and most traditional bars, perfect for discovering a slice of life and impressing your visitors over a pint of Witbier. ANTwERP Den Engel Grote Markt 3 The Angel is as much a part of Antwerp life as Rubens and fashion. Situated in the middle of town, this historic bar has no pretensions, no grand style, but the locals give it a buzzy, gossipy edge. kulminator Vleminckveld 32 A classic bar renowned for its range of beers – more than 500 in bottles, plus a huge choice on draught. Try the ‘Beer of the Month’ and scribble notes about your favourite in the visitors’ book. Tiny and cosy, it isn’t the easiest to find, tucked away in a side street, but it’s a beer destination for locals and visitors alike. De Pelikaan Melmarkt 14 The Pelikaan makes no effort to dress up or flaunt itself; it’s cosy, dark, and attracts artsy types and fulsome philosophers. This is a serious talking shop where you can put the world to rights as the beers slip down almost unnoticed.
De Vagant Reyndersstraat 25 This is where to come for a good glass of Genever (or Jenever), the fiery gin-like spirit. Unsurprisingly the place is famed for it along with topfergiest. There are 200 types on offer, with a restaurant upstairs serving food. Take lessons from the locals – they sip rather than down it in one. BRUGES Brugs Beertje Kemelstraat 5 Beertje is like a Dutch brown cafe – dark, moody and atmospheric. The beer menu is a ray of light with 300 beers on offer. Although there is a vast choice to be had, make sure you sample the beer of the month – the Hairy Bikers did when visiting Bruges’ “Little Bear”. Cafe Vlissinghe Blekersstraat 2 The oldest pub in Bruges, Cafe Vlissinghe has been helping quench thirsts since 1515. Tucked down a side street, the decor and interior retain a sense of history. Try a game of boules in the garden during the summer. BRUSSELS A la Mort Subite 7 rue des Montagnes aux Herbes Potageres The cavernous, loud and slightly louche bar is a slice of Brussels life. Long rows of tables (perfect for head-to-head nattering), yellowing walls and its own Mannekin Pis, it is the perfect place for a Kriek on draught. The food isn’t bad either. Le Bier Circus 89 rue de l’Enseignement As the name implies, this basic emporium of beer stocks around 200 varieties, all bound in
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