There is plenty going on for groups in Brussels from this spring onwards, particularly for beer lovers.
A newly created brewery in the city centre of Bruges will be open for groups to visit from 27th April to see the brewing of Bourgogne de Flanders.
During a visit groups will be able to learn about the history and ingredients of the west Flemish red-brown beer, as well as about hops and the brewing process. This can be followed by seeing a live brew in the attic – where panoramic vistas of Bruges can also be enjoyed – with the brewer himself.
Groups can then enjoy samples of the product in the tavern, which seats up to 70 people, or the tasting room, whilst there is also a beer shop onsite.
For groups of 20 or more, a 20-minute hands-on beer blending session is also included.
Beer tourism in east Flanders
For those visiting Scheldeland and the Flemish Ardennes in east Flanders a new website dedicated solely to beer tourism in the region has been developed making it a handy guide and reference for groups wanting to explore the area – with beer in mind.
The area is home to a number of small craft breweries as well as a selection of walking and cycling routes, which the website combines to provide groups tour suggestions of the region.
Take for example the Muziekbos walking route which includes the chance to sample local beers at Taverne Louise and Bistro Boekzitting whilst on an approximate eight kilometre walk.
For those who prefer cycling to walking the 36 kilometre Zottegem cycle route takes in two artisanal beer brewers as well as pubs selling the locally brewed beer.
Both walking and cycle routes are available to download from the website.
For more information visit www.tov.be/en/planbeer.
Photo credit: Jessica Riley.
