MECHELEN - The historic city of Mechelen, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, is truly a hidden gem. The presence of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled here in the late middle ages, still permeates the ancient city centre. City palaces, beguinages, churches and a cathedral testify to the wealth that spread around the city in those days. Here, musicians train to be a carillonneur and not far away, ancient tapestries from around the world are awaiting restoration by Royal Manufacturers De Wit. Beer lovers know the way to historic city brewery Het Anker, located just on the edge of the beguinage. And this year, 80 experts are flocking towards the Lamot building, a former pils brewery on the banks of the river Dijle, to take part in the 7th edition of the international beer contest known as the Brussels Beer Challenge...

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BRUSSELS/ZAVENTEM - This year Brussels Airport is 60 years young! The airport is planning to mark this milestone by showcasing the very best of Belgian produce, which would not be complete without chocolate and of course, beer. This is a great opportunity to show off the very best of our products, the Palm, De Hoorn and Rodenbach breweries quickly realised. Between 17 September and 7 December their ‘World Beer Award winners’ Cornet, Rodenbach Grand Cru and Brugge Tripel are stealing the show at the Best of Belgium Beer & Bites pop-up zone located in the duty-free area of the airport. The beers are served in small, 18cl tasting glasses. The snacks served on the side show the signature of Viki Geunes, chef at Antwerp restaurant ‘t Zilte, winner of two Michelin stars. Viki has been collaborating with these breweries for over ten years and knows their beers inside out...

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