The City of Brussels will start the process of classifying 'Au Daringman', a café in Brussels city centre, with monument status in recognition of its classic tavern style, typical of Brussels in the years during and after World War Two.
As part of a series of proposals that aim to preserve and celebrate remarkable café interiors, city authorities have announced a plan to add 'Au Daringman' to a list of cult establishments that already enjoy monument status, including l'Espérance in Etterbeek and Brasserie Verschueren in Saint-Gilles.
Located at the intersection of Rue de Flandre and Rue du Chien Marin in the Quartier Dansaert, Au Daringman's Art-Deco interior features simple furniture, plywood panels, geometric patterns and curved forms.
Wood and leather were in short supply during the War and the café's preservation of plywood and faux leather gives the setting a unique, historical appearance and a right to be preserved, says Cabinet Secretary for Heritage Ans Persoons (Vooruit).
Credit: Facebook / Au Daringman
Persoons observed that the late adoption of this Art-Deco-inspired design means that cafés such as this were quickly deemed "old-fashioned" during and after the War. Today, her cabinet believes it is essential to showcase these aesthetics to future generations.
