Café spotlight: Flamingo

As with all his previous bars, Nicolay opted for a neighbourhood that needs a bit of TLC to establish Flamingo. While the first part of the street is home to a few nice restaurants and shops, the other end is infamous for its nightly drug deals and prostitutes. Flamingo is on the corner of the street, opposite cultural institute KVS.

The large building has a stunning listed facade and used to house four shops. Walls were knocked down, but the original Art Nouveau plasterwork on the ceilings was kept. The result is a very large bar – the biggest in Brussels, 400 square metres to be precise – with dark and mint green walls and wooden tables and chairs. To provide the many visitors with drinks and food, there’s a very long counter with myriad bottles and glasses in the background.

Flamingo is popular throughout the day, with peaks around lunchtime and apero time. Lunch comes in the form of salads (€6.50), sandwiches or soup (both €3.50) and is served in glass jars, just like you’ll find at Nicolay’s Bar du Matin in Vorst. To wet your whistle, there are plenty of beers to choose from. Nicolay’s own beer, Volga, for instance, brewed by Saint-Feuillien, and other nice beers from all over the country: Brugse Tripel, De Koninck and Chouffe Houblon. The list of cocktails and aperos includes Pimms and Canada Dry, Flamingo cocktail and half-and-half (white wine and sparkling wine, a Brussels must-try). For a non-alcoholic drink to quench your thirst, go for the fresh juices or many cordials.

Good to know: Flamingo serves daily breakfast and Sunday brunch (€15). Should the sun come out, make the most of their large terrace that has all the sun’s rays reflected by mirrors on top of the building over the road.