An indelible part of the facade since 1879, the name “Groot Vlaenderen” has remained in place – much like the massive wooden ceilings and the walls with crown molding inside this noble Bruges building dating from the 18th century. The decor? It’s majestic but not snobby (patterned carpeting, gigantic floral paintings, a stainless-steel bar), making this cocktail bar from Shanna Delfosse and Dieter Moeyaert (she’s a former photographer and graphic designer, he’s an ex-journalist) chic and ever so slightly cutting-edge cool. Much like the nectars sipped there: a buttery Hot On Your Heals (€15) made with Del Maguey Vida mezcal infused with sage butter, plus yellow Chartreuse, chipotle honey, oloroso, lime and orange bitters; or a Pretty Fly (For A Rye Guy) by Dennis Maes and Jasper Degeyter, a milk punch made with rye whiskey infused with pandan from Rittenhouse, coffee saccharum, orgeat syrup, oolong and lapsang souchong teas (€19). Plus, there are a few original mocktails like the Red Rover made with tea, red cabbage, lime and sparkling water (€9), so you can make your way back down the small flight of stairs safely at the end of the night. // Casimir
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