Not for the fainthearted (or perhaps the recently bereaved), this quirky bar is dimly lit, full of skulls and slightly creepy stuff, its entry is down a fabulously dingy alleyway and it would probably be confronting if not for the warm welcome from the bar staff upon entering.
Bar Le Cercueil in Brussels is a hidden away gem surprisingly right in the middle of the major tourist area, adjacent Grand Place. It could easily be missed, but luckily I received a recommendation from a friend so was looking out for it.
Boasting an extensive beer list, the friendly bar tenders are well informed and keen to offer recommendations. I am new to discovering the delights of beer and have started collating information in an app. (I’m up to a grand total of 6 beers now). I wasn’t familiar with anything on the menu, so after showing the bartender a photo of something I like from my app and trying to describe my taste with limited beer vocabulary, he asked a few key questions and offered me a recommendation. Spot on or Voila! as the Belgians would say. (I think). Delicious.
My partner in crime and I sat at a table which was actually a coffin with a skeleton in it. There were other booths available sans coffin, but you know, “When in Rome”, so we went for the full experience.
The ambience was quiet but not dead (so to speak) and was augmented by interesting and atmospheric music. If you’re expecting Marilyn Manson or a full on goth experience, then you’d be disappointed. This bar caters for all sorts of people and groupings. A family was near us with 4 children. Everyone is made to feel welcome.
I have to admit I went to the toilet hoping for a crazy experience, but it was actually just a toilet. So unless you need to go don’t bother climbing the stairs for no reason.
It was slightly scary in there. But in a good way. A fun way. And any anxiety one might feel upon walking down a dark alleyway and entering a den of death is totally offset by the wonderful staff and the convivial atmosphere.
Bar Le Cercueil is located at Rue des Harengs 10, 1000 Brussels and can also be found on Facebook.
