The little, white, brick farmhouse with classic terracotta roof tiling is engulfed by trees. Scattered about the garden are several tables and chairs, occupied by a diverse range of clientele, from boisterous 20-something boys – whose entrance in old-timer Fords did not go unnoticed – to an older crew of friends, calmly enjoying a few rounds of drinks. My friend and I quickly scan the menu for something out of the ordinary. Cocktails, jenever, wine, a really nice selection of Trappists and ... Artisan Reuzebier? We’ve never heard of this one before, but our friendly server explains that it’s a local brew and comes in a 75cl bottle, perfect to share with two.

No sooner had we ordered, than a live jazz outfit starts plucking away on two guitars and an upright bass, filling the place with an even more mystical vibe. The sun slowly descends behind far-off thunder clouds as our server pops the cork on our gorgeous bottle, which she has thoughtfully placed in an ice bucket to ensure the right temperature on this warm September evening. The label is adorably simple, with a picture of a giant next to the words “big, strong and malty” and the beer’s origin: southeast Flanders. A little research reveals that it’s from Crombé Brewery in Zottegem. As the name suggests, it’s a strong ale (8.3%). It pours hazy blonde with a nice frothy head and tastes of caramelised malt and overripe peaches. We order a couple of dry sausages, too, and they come with the spicy, artisanal Tierenteyn mustard from Ghent – a nice touch.

I head inside for a quick peek and am bowled over by the interior: low-beamed ceilings, tile floors and cosy candlelight. Once my eyes have adjusted to the dark, I see that the space is divided into a few smaller nooks, each one just as snug and inviting as the next. When I see the stack of wood next to the double-sided fireplace, I know that this is where I will be spending many long, cosy hours during the winter months.

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