4 minute read
The recently renovated Bourse building is now home to “Belgian Beer World”, a multi-sensory universe dedicated to beer. This recent opening reminds us that both the Bourse and VIAGE have more than one thing in common: Boulevard Anspach and a slice of beer history.
Exactly 150 years ago, in 1873, the Brussels Stock Exchange opened its doors for the first time. The neoclassical building that became its home was born at the initiative of the mayor at the time, Jules Anspach. If you've been reading us lately, you've already come across his name in our previous post. He’s the same man who covered up the Zenne River to create wide avenues in Brussels, including Boulevard Anspach. A man of vision, he planned for the new stock exchange building to be erected right in the middle of Boulevard Anspach and to become the financial center of the country.
Then, over the years, the Bourse lost its shine, eventually closing its doors in 2015. The city of Brussels then looked to repurpose the building. For a while, the Bourse served as an exhibition space for temporary exhibitions, until thirty brewers joined forces, along with several other partners, to transform this former financial center into the temple of the beer, Gambrinus.
Gambrinus, king of beer
And the result is stunning. During the day, the ground floor is freely accessible. With its six entrances, the Bourse offers the perfect passageway between the Grand Place, Place de la Bourse, and rue Antoine Dansaert. A roof made of two domes, a mosaic floor made of pink granite, statues, and dark brown columns offer anyone passing through a breathtaking view during their quick walk through the heart of this historic building.
In the basement, you are also invited to visit the archaeological site Bruxella 1238. In addition to the remains of the old Franciscan monastery, it is said to house the crypt of John I of Brabant, also known as Gambrinus, the legendary king of beer.
We can all agree there couldn't have been a better patron for the Belgian Beer World! Belgian beer culture, classified as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, takes center stage here. Through multi-sensory and high-tech workshops, visitors are invited to discover the numerous aromas and flavors of this iconic beverage, symbol of our country. At the end of this interactive tour, a rooftop bar also offers its tasting of blonde beer.
Cristal brewery
Mouthwatering, isn't it? Unless you prefer to have a beer on a street terrace or a rooftop with a much more spectacular view! In that case, you only need to travel a few meters down Boulevard Anspach to reach VIAGE. Let us remind you that we work with Cristal brewery, where we source our beers. And this choice is not coincidental, as it holds another piece of beer history! In fact, the pilsner arrived on the Belgian market in 1928. Although there were already low fermentation beers available in Belgium, none of them could compete with Czech pilsner. And it was ultimately the pilsner named Pilsen that became the first low fermentation beer to see the light of day in Belgium.
How? Brewers Edward Boes and Jozef Indekeu, who had founded the Alken brewery five years earlier, wanted to make a big splash with a brand new beer. To make it happen, they offered a beer bottle in the revolutionary format of a 25cl bottle. That's how their delicious pilsner quickly conquered all of Belgium. Since 1928, the recipe of this Belgian pilsner with a light but distinctive taste has not changed.
By the way, did you know that pilsner is the most popular, best-selling, and most consumed beer in the world? Taste it if you haven't already! And if, on the other hand, you prefer something stronger, our menu also offers Kriek Morte Subite, Duvel, Hapkin, and Grimbergen, all from the same brewery.
We hope all of this has made you thirsty! Seize this opportunity to visit Boulevard Anspach y and enjoy the Bourse, the many shops in the pedestrian zone, small restaurants, and, of course, VIAGE! From breakfast to dinner, we make your taste buds smile, with a touch of gambling and fun as a bonus.
