With easy access from London and event spaces galore, the city that’s at the centre of European decisions may also be just the place for your own meetings
Words Lizzie Frainier
MEET
Just in front of Brussels Central Station, you’ll find
SQUARE in the former Palais des Congrès. This exhibition and meeting centre offers 13,000sq m for events. We like that the building mixes contemporary design (picture a huge glass cube entrance) with original features like murals by the Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. The top floor’s Panoramic Hall is our pick for events that require an impressive backdrop, as it offers standout views of the city from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The EGG Brussels has a more industrial vibe with exposed brick walls and is found near to the city’s other main train station (conveniently, where the Eurostar arrives). Inside the halls and rooms can hold up to 990 guests, and as of last month it produces all its own electricity from photovoltaic panels installed on the rooftop.
PLAY
Belgium is known for its diversity of beers and so your guests would be remiss to not sample a few before heading back home across the Channel. Try the casual and lively bar
Delirium where there are more than 3,000 on offer. Alternatively, add in a teambuilding element for up to 100 people at
Brewspot, where groups will create their own recipe, then brew the beer and compete in selling it to fictional investors.
EAT
Splash-out dinners are best had at the two-Michelin-starred
Comme Chez Soi where French cuisine is king. Private rooms offer a grand setting with oak-panelled walls and 19th-century paintings, but we’re particularly fans of the fact that the chef’s table in the kitchen can host up to 30 guests. For something more relaxed,
Le Wine Bar des Marolles has two rooms for private events and serves local, hearty dishes with a good wine list. Modern Spanish restaurant
Hispania Gastronomique opened this summer under the helm of top Asturian chef Marcos Morán. Reserve the stylish private dining room for groups of up to 16; we found on our visit that it’s particularly well suited to long, boozy dinners.
STAY
NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon opened in the historic upper town area late last year. It provides a one-stop shop for business trips abroad with 196 bedrooms and 11 meeting rooms on site (the largest can handle 180 guests). The design throughout is chic and minimalist, with pops of red in the bedroom furnishings. Another bonus is that most of the main attractions are but a gentle stroll away. Across the city centre, the NH Hotel Group has a further five properties. Using all six would bring the bedroom count well past 900. Our pick of the rest is the rooftop terrace at the
NH Collection Brussels Centre for standing receptions.
HELPING HAND
Visit Brussels has all the latest meetings news and a free venue-finding service.