In Bruges

I love Bruges. Here's some reasons why:

De Verbeelding, Oude Burg 26
My local and first port of call when in town. First stumbled into this mother and son run restaurant/pub after a long journey to Bruges with a friend. We were desperate for just one beer, but stayed for hours. Good beer, better company and great food (a warning about eating out in Belgium - portions are very generous!). I recommend everything! Say hi to Tom and Lieve for me.

De Halve Maan Brewery, Walplein 26
The Half Moon brewery is the only active brewery left in city. Luckily it's damn good. It used to just brew Straffe Hendrick (Strong Henry), but when this got too popular the recipe was bought by a bigger brewery. This brought about the introduction of a new beer - Bruges Zot (the Fool of Bruges). Bruges Zot comes in blonde and brown versions, the blonde being one of my favourite beers of all time. The new brewers of Straffe Hendrick then went out of business, leading to the recipe returning home. De Halve Maan now brews the 2 Zots and Straffe Hendrick Tripel and Quadruple. The brewery tour includes a great view of the city from the rooftop and of course a glass of the brew of your choice to enjoy in their spacious beer garden.

Take one down, pass it around, make a xmas tree of the empties.

Begijntje 'T, Wijngaardstraat 16
The best place for marzipan in town. Buy a slice of rum raisin marzipan and your life will never be the same again.

Moeder Babelutte, Rozenhoedkaai 1 and Wollestraat 24
Being Belgium, there are of course plenty of chocolate shops to choose from, but this has become my choice. The truffles are divine.

Brugs Beertje, Kemelstraat 5
Well known among beer lovers for having the largest and best selection of the stuff around. Get there early, it fills up, and start making your way through the beer list that's so big it's more a book than a list. The staff know their beer and help you whittle down the choices to a suitable thirst quencher.

De Hobbit, Kemelstraat 8
After staggering out of Brugs Beertje, you may think that you see the glowing abode of one of Tolkien's little friends. You probably have drunk too much, but the sign really does say The Hobbit. A restaurant filled with everything you need to feel like you are in a Shire tavern. Although the greeting from the staff after stepping inside can be less than warm, once you're seated the service is good and so's the food. The ham on the bone is a highlight.

The Crash, Langestraat 78
If you like rock and/or roll, if you like it loud and you like dive bars, then The Crash is for you. The choice of beer is simple (bottled or draught), the ceiling is covered with crushed beer cans and closing time is when the head of the last drunk has come to rest on whatever will serve as a pillow for the day.

De Garre, De Garre 1
The is only one place in the world that you can get a glass of Garre, at De Garre on Garre street. Enjoy with a selection cubed cheese and meat.

Here's a handy map to help you find your way around:


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