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Our pick of restaurants, hotels and the best events from cities across Belgium. Text Nina Lamparski
BED DOWN
Sleep in style with our pick of hotels Le Méridien Brussels 3 Carrefour de l’Europe, Brussels, tel. (0)2 548 4211, www.starwoodhotels.com The recently launched LM100 initiative will see a vast collective of artists, architects and chefs turn this five-star hotel into a creative hub. Look out for wine tastings and exhibitions among other events taking place in the coming months. Rooms from €80. Huis Ergo 16 Venusstraat, Antwerp, tel. (0)3 292 6600, www.huis-ergo.be Once condemned to ruin, the current owner has painstakingly restored this patrician residence to its former glory – think glitzy chandeliers, high ceilings, a pool hidden in the 16th-century cellars and rooms with names such as Chantilly. Rooms from €190. B&B Oase by Kriancy 17 Zwaantje, Londerzeel-Malderen, tel. (0)475 488259, www.kriancy.be This green Flanders retreat has solar-powered heating, rainwater tanks and environmentally friendly interior design. Detox in the steam showers or take a walk in the countryside dotted with windmills and farmhouses. Rooms from €85.EATING OUT
Here’s where to sample fusion cuisine, seasonal produce and surprising décor Kaki 552 Chaussée de Waterloo, Brussels, tel. (0)2 346 6460 Tennis star Justine Henin frequently pops into this cool little eatery in the capital, which serves healthy fusion cuisine such as salmon tartar with coriander and sesame oil, and date and carrot salad with cumin and cinnamon. O Restaurant 90 Rue du Bailli, Brussels, tel. (0)2 325 9594 Since opening in June, this place has won a cult following thanks to its Asian-inspired menu and seasonal produce. Chef Olivier Meulenyzer has worked at some of the city’s finest restaurants and booking is recommended on weekends. De Peerdestal 8-10 Wijngaardstraat, Antwerp, tel. (0)3 231 9503 Not the cheapest restaurant in town, but De Peerdestal’s other-worldly atmosphere, sublime décor (a golden horse seems to jump through the wall) and opulent menu mean you won’t regret splurging a bit of your hard-earned cash here.DRINK UP
Kick back with a cocktail or two in these popular nightspots De Markten 5 Place du Vieux Marché, Brussels A hit with local authors and musicians, the vibe in this bar is laid-back and understated, so don’t expect any fancy-schmancy attitude. It does a range of tasty snacks too – a good option if you need some substance after too many pintjes of beer. L’Alchimiste 62b Rue de Bruxelles, Namur With more than 100 cocktails on the menu to sample and huge, comfortable couches to relax on, this place has become bit of a hot spot in Namur. Not the place for a romantic night out, perhaps, but perfect if you’re with mates. Smoods 250 Rue Royale, Brussels A restaurant-cum-cocktail lounge in Hotel Bloom, Smoods pulls in an eclectic crowd and manages to avoid snobbery. Tip: pop next door to Café Bota for live DJs and dancing.DON’T MISS
Street celebration 5 September Laundry Day Antwerp, www.laundryday.be A reference to the days when women hung laundry out on the street while gossiping, this recreates that congeniality with up to 50,000 people dancing on the streets of Antwerp’s Ledeganckkaai. Design 10 September – 2 October Design September Brussels, www.designseptember.be This creative smorgasbord sees local and international designers exhibit and discuss their work in various locations across Brussels. Classical & world music 12 September – 5 October Festival Van Vlaanderen Ghent, www.festivalgent.be One of the most prominent cultural events in Europe, the Flanders Festival showcases the world’s best musicians and singers. This year, look out for Anne Sofie von Otter and Kaffee Zimmermann. Multimedia arts 2-4 October Brxl Bravo Brussels, www.brxlbravo.be Brussels becomes a hive of artistic activity over three days, as cultural institutions, theatres, museums, artists, writers and choreographers join forces to create turmoil in the capital.Pages: 1 2