Uccle
Charming neighbourhoods where shops and homes go side by side.
On the corner of Avenue Winston Churchlll, opposite the entrance of the Bois de la Cambre, the sculpture "L'Accueil" by artist Olivier Strebelle seems to watch over the destiny of the Brasseries Georges. Its timeless Parisian brasserie decor, and the "banc d'écailler" (seafood counter) that made it famous will delight fans of sea-food and fish, while meat from the famous Luc butcher will cater to the appetite of meat-lovers. All meat is served with traditional fries, for which four different cooking modes are used : including one with olive oil … simply divine !
Take Avenue Winston Churchill. At the roudabout, turn into Rue Leo Errera, and discover the Van Buuren Museum. This Art Deco house was called home by collectors Alice and David van Buuren : do take a stroll in its gardens, filled with such poetry.
Rue Edith Cavell, in an old farm dating back from 1627, is Le Hoef, one of the oldest restaurants of the city : do go there for its décor, but also for its simply delicious chargrilled steaks. Over the road you’ll find Arômes et Sens, a brand new boutique with 100% natural products, devoted to tastes and smells from around the globe. Next door, Alain, the florist of Botanica, whose little florist shop is packed with flowers, is always happy to help you to turn a lawn into a garden or an apartment into a flower-filled home whether it be in summer or winter..
Turn right towards Avenue Brugmann and discover the superb Parc de Wolvendael, the perfect place to clear your mind. Nearby, at number 47 rue Rouge, the Centre Culturel d'Uccle is home to quality theatre, expositions, and large conferences.
Cross Avenue Brugmann, where the Parvis St. Pierre neighbourhood has a wide variety of shops close by. In the shadow of the church, the boutique No concept is a favourite amongst the younger fashion set looking for the latest fashions. Impossible to resist popping into the chocolate boutique Galler, my weakness is the Chiba range. On the corner of rue Xavier De Bue, the Pain Quotidien specialises in natural breads and cakes, to eat in at their much loved shared tables, or to take away. Several houses away, La Moutonnerie is a butcher reknown all over Brussels for its vast choice of quality products and personalised service. Discover the small boutiques typical of this neighbourhood, and at the end of the street be sure to visit la Maison Communale d'Uccle as its open square is always in bloom.
Turn left into Avenue de Fré, and then left again onto Chaussée de Waterloo. At No 864, try Vini Cucina. In its beautiful minimalist décor, the chef re-invents Italian cuisine on a daily basis. From the simplest pizza to the most complex dishes, everything is a hit and the antipasti are superb. In the summer, dining in the shade of trees in a beautiful terrace-garden with a holiday atmosphere adds to your pleasure.
Make a half-turn, in direction of Waterloo. After the roundabout is Oggi, a small caterer and tasting bar, opened by a passionate of local produce. Beside it, discover the universe of Twin, the ultimate funshop ! It is impossible for fans of snowboarding and extreme sports to resist the objects that are put up on display.
At the Vert Chasseur, the oldest hand-made candle maker Gommers carries on a family tradition. At No 950, the Belgian brand Essentiel displays its women, children and accessory collections. Opposite, the boutique Vert Chasseur offers a good range of both Belgian and international fashion names. On 1120 chaussée de Waterloo, the Thaï cuisine of a timeless classic that is still highly popular, houses the first ever opened Blue Elephant. Avenue Latérale, Wenda dresses young elegantwomen who favour timeless style. Spend a moment at Jacques Weemaels, who displays his personalised tableware and latest artistic designs in a workshop/loft. Over on Chaussée de Waterloo, you’ll find Bellerose, with its casual collection and unusual accessories.
At 1384, finally in Uccle, Comme Chez Fleur is the best known Vietnamese restaurant in the student part of the neighbourhood. The beautiful Fleur will show you around the subtle aromas of the dishes from her home country. The decor plays with lighting in a way that will make you leave behind the stress of the day.
At Prince d’Orange, Le Rallye des Autos is a brasserie where the young hip crowds hang out. Two steps further, the very exclusive gym and spa David Lloyd, helps you maintain a toned and healthy body in magnificent surroundings. Exercise and laps in the pool aren't that great for our hair... Luckily, Second Floor has just opened a beauty centre for face and body, and a hair salon for men and women, so you can look even better after your workout...
Hungry ? Indulge yourself at the new Brasserie du Prince d’Orange, its stunning décor is worth the detour.
Further South of Brussels, at 333 rue de Stalle, don't miss Nemo 33, a unique place for diving fanatics. Its 33 meter deep pool (the deepest in the world !), water heated to 30°, and an interior with exceptional colours makes it a truly unique experience. Dine in their delectable Thai restaurant while looking through the glass windows at the divers.
Further south, on Avenue de Kersbeek, don't miss Aquamass : its exclusive collection of bathtubs and spas is making balneotherapy, the treatment of disease by bathing, a new form of art.
