Finally! Back in March 2024, the local government began the process of classifying Au Laboureur as a protected monument. This Brussels brewery with its original wood paneling and mirrors, a place where you know when you’re entering but not when you’ll leave, has been a meeting spot for old-timers ever since 1927, quand Bruxelles bruxellait, as Jacques Brel once sang. Here, you can sip triples from Westmalle, Duvel, Delta or Zinnebar from the Brasserie de la Senne (all €4 for 330 ml), while licking your fingers clean after devouring the famous shrimp croquettes (the house specialty) or the cheese croquettes, fried calamari or a bowl of fish soup (€10-13). For eternity… // Jean Gourmand