The Het Anker brewery in Mechelen has been brewing strong dark Gouden Carolus ales since the 15th century. You can tour the brewery which is located in the warren of ancient lanes that once formed the walled community of the Groot Begijnhof.
The country’s first brewery hotel opened recently next to Het Anker. The hotel looks out on the courtyard where beer trucks pull up. Guests can watch the brewing process from the breakfast room and drink a beer in the brewery’s nostalgic tavern.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
