The summer season initially looked promising for rooftop bars and restaurants in Brussels. But the initial warmth has been swiftly replaced by rain and gusty winds, causing a setback for the rooftop establishment owners.
Lack of proper shelter
There are a growing number of rooftop bars popping up around Brussels, which offer splendid panoramic views of the Belgian capital while inviting visitors to indulge in cocktails and fine dining. However, these trendy panoramic bars lack proper protection or shelter from inclement weather.
Rooftop 58, for example, has recently opened on the ninth floor of the city's new administration centre, but has already been forced to close its doors on several occasions due to the poor weather. One of the managers, Laurent Louvion, told RTBF recently that he has recently found it challenging to keep a cheerful demeanour.
"We can anticipate and decide not to open when we see a whole day of non-stop rain forecasted. It is for the comfort of our teams and customers," he said.
"However, when we face intermittent showers with sunny intervals, it becomes more complicated to manage. We find ourselves constantly glued to our phones, trying to predict the weather and inform people beforehand that we lack shelter here in case it rains. It has been about a month and a half since we opened, and for nearly half of that time, we have had to deal with this changeable weather."
Rain at the Grand Place in Brussels' city centre. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Reaching customers with disappointing news
As a Breton, Louvion understands dealing with unpredictable weather is part of life, but it does not make it any less frustrating. On a particularly rainy day, the rooftop can only summon about a third of its usual workforce, leading to limited service and disappointed customers.
They try their best to communicate closures through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as placing signs outside the building. However, for visitors coming from afar to experience the rooftop, it remains a challenge to reach them with news of the closure.
Despite the challenges, Louvion maintains a positive attitude. The rooftop attracts a considerable crowd whenever the sun graces them with its presence. "In just half an hour of good weather, we get fully booked, sometimes with a queue stretching several tens of metres along the pedestrian area," he told RTBF.
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The rooftop bar does have umbrellas on the terrace, but they cannot be opened during windy conditions to avoid accidents. "We only open the umbrellas on calm, sunny days to protect our customers from the sun," Louvion added.
Indeed, it is a constant juggling act for the rooftop bars in Brussels to make the most of the favourable weather, while weathering the stormy days with resilience and a optimistic smile.
