Last Day in Brussels

After a very busy jam packed previous day in Bruges, we were excited to enjoy a sleepy Sunday before exploring as much as we possibly could in Brussels.

At close to midday (hey, it was our mini break away, sleeping in is always allowed!) we left the hotel to do a bit of shopping. I’d heard great things about popular streets for vintage and antiques, so we set out in search of the Rue Blaes and the Rue Hautes.

Unfortunately, I really hadn’t done that great of a job at properly researching. It was Sunday. Most of the shops were closed.

But it was still beautiful.

After weaving around the Rues, we wandered over to have another proper look at The Grand Place.

So stunning, isn’t it? I was exceptionally proud of this panorama shot.

Enough about the sights though, it was time for a drink. I promise, this isn’t usually how my holidays go, but it was so cold, that going to get drinks was the perfect warm up remedy. I can see why Belgium is known for their beer!

We stopped into Au Brasseur.

I’m glad we went in and decided to grab a table, this was a great spot.

After a weekend of blonde ales, we decided to vary it up on our last day. A beer tasting was in order!

Beer samples from all across the spectrum. We tried the Waterloo, Tripel Karmeliet and the Kwak.

Normally I don’t mix up my beer palette. I am SO glad that we did. The Waterloo dark beer was my absolute favorite. I would never have picked it out, and trying a sample of a few meant that I was able to try it in a very noncommittal way. If you go to Belgium, you need to get a tasting sampler.

Plus this way you get to act like beer connoisseurs.

Inside, the decor reflects a well loved bar filled with tourists taking shelter from the cold and locals relaxing with a Sunday afternoon pint.

We had a lovely afternoon at Au Brasseur. But then the time came for us to check out of the hotel, so we regrettably left to go pack up.

Catching some more of Brussels’ fine sights along the way.

We packed up our things, checked out of the hotel and went out in the city for one last time… Bags in hand (okay, I truly packed well for the weekend. We shared a small rolling luggage bag, J took a backpack and I had a handbag. Not bad for me!) we headed to an area we hadn’t fully explored, the Place du Grand Sablon.

A beautiful evening in a beautiful square.

Of course, like most areas, the square is filled with restaurants, chocolatiers and other little shops. We just wanted to sit down with our bags, relax and reflect on our weekend before going to catch our train home.

We stopped into a bar/restaurant called L’Entrée des Artistes. A couple had just left a table at the front, so we were delighted to scoop it up! Unfortunately, that was the only success story about L’Entrée des Artistes.

Even if our bags gave us away as tourists, they were pretty small and tucked out of the way. The waiter came over to give us menus and clear off the table, I said a friendly hello in English and a thank you but was greeted with nothing. Literally nothing. He looked at me and walked away. Not impressed, but nonplussed, We went up to the bar to order our drinks.

This is where it got worse. The waiter had been saying derogatory things about us ‘English’ to fellow patrons at the bar. He was speaking in French, oblivious to the fact that I can speak and understand it. Big mistake. So we grabbed our bags and left. Not before the waiter threw a menu down and said a few more choice words as we walked out.

I didn’t take any photos, but I’m definitely going to say, don’t go in there and expect to be greeted warmly. I hate to really lay into a restaurant or bar like this. But we were extremely disappointed. However, our spirits weren’t broken, we walked around the square and found an amazing place! So much better that I think it was fate that we had a poor experience at the other.

Stepping into La Malcour we instantly felt at home.

The couple behind the bar greeted us warmly and gestured to a table that we could take near the staircase, while also saying there was more seating upstairs too.

They didn’t sneer at our bags and genuinely appeared to love their pub and their guests. La Malcour had a wonderful atmosphere. J went up to the counter to order a round of drinks and a fellow patron and the owner helped him pick out a beer to try. He settled on this one, the Trappistes Rochefort. What a beauty!

After a weekend filled with beer, I needed something else. A glass of red wine by the far was well in order.

I was so glad that we went into this wonderful spot. It made all the difference. Sometimes you want to be treated nicely when you go into a bar or restaurant… is that too much to ask? La Malcour get it. They were so lovely and I’m grateful that this was where we had our last proper drink in Belgium.

When the clock struck, we took a last gulp of our drinks and gathered our belongings. After all, the Eurostar waits for no one!

I’d recommend a trip to Brussels to anyone and everyone. The ease leaving London.. well it was shockingly simple. Two hours on a train and you’re at your destination. I’m eager to try it again sometime with a trip to Paris, or if we’re feeling up for a lengthier journey, Amsterdam.

So what do you think, will you be visiting Brussels anytime soon??

Kelly xox