INN & OUT: BRUGGE, BELGIUM
A tough debate between the Lady & I on which places on Earth we love to explore most. This 16th century city in the north of Belgium is VERY high on the list.
HOTEL:
Barabas Bed & Breakfast: This adorable little gem has five suites right on the river that are owned by a young couple. They’re lovely and the accomodations are even better. So much so, we wrote a blog on it here.
Tip: Pay the extra $ for the breakfast on the premises. The town gets started later and you can’t beat the view.
DINING:
Diligence: Honestly, it wasn’t the food that blew us away… but the fact that the kitchen is open until midnight and its in a great location just off the market / main square and steps from the Bed & Breakfast we suggested.
LIBATIONS:
De Garre: You have to find it first! But, this little tucked away gem is home to its own house blonde beer you must try. I mean, come on, you’re in the heart of beer country! The Lady had a glass of white wine, but admitted she would drink the beer after trying mine. Everything is served with cubes of traditional Belgium cheese. The bartender (who spoke 4 languages btw) thought nothing of it as its found in every grocery locally, but to us the cheese was lovely!
Groot Vlaenderen: This place matched the list our inn keepers had as well. When the locals love it, it must be great! I’ve never been in such a nice cocktail bar in its own historic dwelling just off the main square. We both had a signature drinks (I went tiki, the Lady went with their rif on the Last Word) and disco shots, 50/50 Mezcal & Green Chartreuse. This place is a must if you LOVE the art of classic cocktails & mixology.
ACTIVITIES:
Retsin’s Lucifernum: If you’re into some very local, yet obscure evenings drop by and see our friends here. Somewhere between a cocktail bar, museum and the twilight zone, you’re invited into the home of a self-proclaimed vampire. The space feels never-ending with abstract art, collectables and other antics. If you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself in Don “Willy” Retsin’s bar enjoying a collection of mixed cocktails and perhaps the vampire himself performing on piano (he also speaks 3-4 languages and has a unique sense of humor, just go with it).
Tip: Get the Pisco Sour, the Vampire has a knack for Central Latin America, Peruvian in particular.
Cheers, gents!
By, Brian McAleer
CEO & Co-Founder
Gent Life