I started a new project. I will visit all the independent craft beer shops in Brussels and put them in the spotlight. Here is the next one: Le Comptoir Belge in Sint-Gillis
About Le Comptoir Belge
Le Comptoir Belge is a cozy shop that sells only Belgian products, like local craft beer, but also things like coffee, tea, speculoos, vinegar, mayonnaise and even cuberdon sauce. It’s run by Gilles, a true multilingual Brusseleir, who took over the business in 2021. He wanted a different direction to his life and chose to combine two of his favourite things: daily contact with people and sharing and enjoying good food and drinks. Hoppiness spoke with Gilles about his beautiful shop in Sint-Gilles, close to metro Porte de Hal.
What is your specialisation?
When I took over the shop I changed the concept from Belgian products to as locally sourced as possible. So for all products I stock, I try to find a producer from the Brussels region first and then look to the rest of Belgium. I have a big selection of Brussels beers, but also many other produce. Our prices are very democratic, you can always find a good beer for 2 euro in my shop. Most of our wines come from the region between Namur and Liege but we also stock two Brussels winemakers.
How do you choose the beers and other products that you will stock?
Everything is done through personal connections. I keep up to date with all the things that happen in the artisanal beer -, wine – and food world in Belgium through the news, trade fairs and festivals. My clients also often tell me about their new discoveries. I try to meet at least once a year with all my suppliers, but many of them I see more often. With a lot of them I’ve become friends and for me the main thing is that it needs to feel good.
What else can be expected at Le Comptoir Belge? Do you often have events?
We host about five tastings per year and when the weather is nice we’ll have some tables outside. We announce these events on our website and on Facebook. We offer a wide variety of apero gift baskets, with or without alcohol, and with a nice selection of local delicacies.
And now a personal question: what is your favourite beer?
I like gueze beers a lot, especially from 3 Fonteinen. If I have to choose one beer I’ll go with Wilde Terf, a collaboration between Brasserie de la Senne and Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen, a delicious blend of a locally sourced wheat beer and lambic.
Le comptoir Belge
Av. Jean Volders 72
1060 Saint-Gilles
Website: www.lecomptoirbelge.be
More photos on our Instagram