Place Brugmann
Charming neighbourhoods where shops and homes go side by side.
Walk across the Chaussée de Waterloo and go back up from Rue Fernand Neuray, at number 33. Discover on Saturdays, T.W.U. a unique concept of storage furniture created by Alain Chennaux. Opposite, the restaurant La Canne en Ville shall seduce you by its warm welcome as well as its talented chef !
On Rue Franz Merjay, the boutique Cachemire, Coton & Soie displays Sophie Helmoortel’s sophisticated selection of exclusive clothes and accessories. A little further, on N° 131, a colourful corner : LuciaEstevez. and its personal universe, where its favorite ready-to-wear clothing pieces and decorative objects can be discovered by all. Opposite, N°. 104, Scandinavian design is the main focus, with a selection of decorative house objects. On some days, one can even take part in the occasional wine tasting, with wines from all over the world. .
Rue Joseph Stallaert the fashion designer Pierre Gauthier presents his collection of unique designs that really show off his incredible talent. Opposite, Le Mâcon, a pub set in a trendy wormwood and black décor, offers an excellent cuisine composed of belgian specialties : I would recommend its “américain” (Tartare), served with its home-made fries.
On Rue Berkendael, Graphie Sud offers original treasures from various destinations of the world, by Violaine Damien: clothes, objects and decorations.
On number 52, Rue Darwin, a boutique that enchants you as well as invites you to travel, is Anne Marie Witmeur’s own universe, where she displays objects coming from all over the world. Next to it, 20th century Art enthusiasts will be more than pleased to discover the objects, antique dealer and decorator Jean Claude Jacquemart has bargain-hunted over time.
Have a look around Place Brugmann, a charming square full of boutiques, antique dealers, restaurants and pleasant terraces. Feeling hungry? Try the Balmoral, an authentic American Milk bar where you can feast on its renowned hamburgers, muffins and cheese cakes. Just nearby is Les Précieuses, a boutique with sophisticated accessories displaying Pili Collado’s collection. Next door, the Winery has a wide range of wines from around the world and organises very popular tasting events on its terrace. Two steps further, let yourself be seduced by the AXL boutique, which proposes accessories and clothes, all chosen with the same passion, by Axelle Delaye. On the same stretch is Claude Hontoir’s adorable children’s collection. On the other side of the square, make a gourmet halt at Why not treat yourself at Dandoy, the most traditional Brussels biscuit maker, who just opened a shop in the area.
Further away, a very modern place in which Gaudron just re-opened its doors, adding to its bakery counter, a luxurious gourmet store as well as catering isle. Close by, Candide, a rather tiny bookshop that is almost a bit of a treasure room, even opens on Sunday mornings. On the corner, the windows of florist Catleya display its stunning and original flower arrangements. As for, Baroq’s Café it’s the sunniest terrace of the square, were many usually swarm to in summer !
On Rue Louis Lepoutre, the restaurant l’Intemporelle serves up deliciously sophisticated dishes. Just next door, antique shop Faisons un rêve expert in 20th Century Art, exposes and displays design furniture, vintage objects and scandinavian jewellery from the 1950’s and 60’s. At the end of the road, you can stop off at one of the branches of Le Pain Quotidien, a "table d'hotes" and traditional bakery. At number 6, in a beautiful manor, head over to Tchop-Tchop for a quick lunch, but of quality : all of its home-made preparations can even be taken away as goodie bags.Over the road Le Toucan, a hip restaurant-bistro with a pleasant terrace.
At No 544 on Chaussée de Waterloo, men will love Sea Me, the first spa dedicated exclusively to their well-being. Succomb to Rouge Pivoine, this florist has a great gift for discovering rare flowers and unusual decors. At No 579, Parachute Jump presents a clothes collection that oozes classical elegance and refined luxury. Further on at No 587, you will find Fabrice Collignon, a gourmet cake shop who manages to blend unusual flavours harmoniously. His beautiful cakes are to take away or to enjoy on the spot in the modern tea room.
Walk down Rue Washington, you shall arrive on a gorgeous little square, surrounded by a park. On Place Charles Graux, make a halt at Parachute Parc, for a succession of delicious tastings, all served as tapas. In the summer its terrace is heaven. Opposite is the Maison Felix : this caterer and restaurant is a fine example of the French cuisine tradition, and a place of delight : it is the only one in Brussels that carries the highly coveted ice-creams and sorbets from Parisian ice-maker Berthillon.
