Moeder Lambic Original, Saint-Gilles, Brussels

We reached Moeder Lambic Original, 68 Rue de Savoie, at 5pm on Friday 22 March, 2019.

Although there were some tables free outside we decided to sit inside as the windows were open.

Inside there was less traffic noise and we found a chunky wooden table near an open window.

We browsed the daily draught beer menu on a clipboard which included three cask beers at the top.

My first beer was De Ranke Simplex, a 'hoppy lager' (4.5% ABV, 25cl, 3.5 euro) from the 'regular system'. This was too bitter for my liking but I was more than happy with my second beer - Trippin' #1 by Hoppy Road described as a New England IPA (7.3% ABV, 25 cl, 5 euro) so it was surprising to find that it was not hazy or murky.
In the Fromage section, the menu also lists Gorgonzola Cuillere (7.80 euro) and we could smell that this is what a couple on a nearby table had ordered to go with their beer!

Cantillon Saint Lamvinus (Mourvedre)  [Photo: Simon Grist]

Simon's first beer here was Cantillon Saint Lamvinus (Mourvedre) a 6.5% ABV Lambic with grapes served from one of the handpumps that sounded rather creaky in use.

To finish, Simon chose Brasserie Jandrain-Jendrenouille Moeder Superieure, a 7% ABV dubbel from the 'regular system'.

The bar has blackboards above with details of the beers available and there are traditional enamel signs on either side.

Steps lead downstairs to the toilets and a second bar area with a barrel vaulted ceiling and caged bottle display shelves.

Before leaving at 6.15pm I donated recent copies of West Berkshire CAMRA Ullage magazine on the shelf near the entrance which is tiled to match the floor tiles.

Moeder Lambic, Rue de Savoie 68, Saint-Gilles, Brussels

Opening Hours:

• Monday : 16:00 - 02:00
• Tuesday : 16:00 - 02:00
• Wednesday : 16:00 - 02:00
• Thursday : 16:00 - 02:00
• Friday : 16:00 - 03:00
• Saturday : 10:30 - 03:00
• Sunday : 10:30 - 00:00

Brasserie Verschueren, Saint-Gilles, Brussels

It was 6.30pm on Friday 22 March 2019, when we reached the art deco style Brasserie Verschueren at 11-13 Parvis de Saint-Gilles.

It was a busy time but we were able to find a table inside.

The blackboard above the bar mentions 'Service au bar a partir de 17h' and so it was a case of ordering and paying at the bar. We each chose a 'Biere Maison' listed on the left side of the blackboard above the bar. My Saison Verschueren (Bras. De Ranke, 33cl, 5% ABV, 3.30 euro) was slightly darker than Simon's blonde Tripel Verschueren (Bras. De La Senne, 33cl, 8% ABV, 3.60 euro).

Our table was near the colourful football leagues board at the far end of the bar. Underneath, symmetrically placed mirrors  with lamps were separated by strips for hat and coat hooks.

From this vantage point we had a full view of the bar's interior with its narrow wooden tables and art deco features including decorated rectangular overhead lamps.

On the right hand side of the blackboard over the bar is a drawing of a cat and the text 'Merci, de ne pas nourrir le chat' followed by details of the brasserie cat's instagram account @pepsi_verschueren.

There are some interesting diamond shaped panels on the front of the wooden bar and I was able to get photos of two of these as we prepared to leave at 7.15pm.

Also spotted on the bar's blackboard was the 'A Emporter' offer of a 4 pack of house beers for 8 euro and 'notre verre' for 2 euro so I left with a mixed pack of beers and a glass for 10 euros.
These were safely carried as far as Moeder Lambic Fontainas where I was able to retrieve most of them a day later! They also survived the journey back to Newbury where the distinctive glass is now in regular use!

finally space for Pepsi on the bench seating!