Antwerp__Loft is located in "Het Groen Kwartier": a re-vamped architectural site that used to house an old military hospital. This 'green lung' is located near the heart of the city, in the 'Zurenborg' - district, slightly towards the neighboring 'Berchem'.
The "Groen Kwartier"-site is a joy in itself: it has some of the most remarkable businesses and hangouts in the whole city. So yes, you're in good company!
Let's have a look as we introduce some must-visits just around the corner, or a few streets away.
Food
The Jane **
Not much to introduce here : Nick Bril's (and formerly Sergio Herman's) 2 Michelin-star awarded fine-dining restaurant is literally just around the corner.
You'll obviously need a reservation here, and just for future reference: "having a quick bite to eat" is not an option here. ;-)
De Broodnatie
In case you dó need a quick bite: go check 'De Broodnatie'. They have the best sandwiches and offer in-house lunches as well (salads, bread, whatnot, ...). Our favourite is the "Caesar". Yum!
They are located on the Groen Kwartier-site as well.
Proxy Delhaize "Groen Kwartier"
This mini-supermarket is located in the same building as Antwerp__Loft. They have just about everything so it's really handy and convenient in case you need anything or forgot something. Coffee? Bread? Fruits? Drinks? yes sir.
Standard Pizza
Standard makes use of organic unsprayed vegetables and herbs as much as possible, in cooperation with local farmers. They use sourdough, which 'is healthier and easier to digest'. The menu follows the seasons as much as possible, dishes can be omitted or adjusted. Standard works according to traditional craft methods: know what you eat. Eat in, takeout, delivery... everything is possible.
Located on the PAKT-site, just a 2'-walk.
Drinks
Bar Vert
Bar Vert is an adorable eatery just a street away. They serve super fresh & healthy food and have the best terrace. Breakfast, lunch, wine 'o clock? Go check them out!
PS: they close in the evening!
Special Belge Taproom
Good beer! Good people!
Special Belge Taproom has more than 100 beers on tap or in a bottle. Their selection changes constantly, but they always choose the best of mainly Belgian breweries. Be surprised, inspired or carried away on a stretcher with a delirium.
Located on the PAKT-site, just a 2'-walk.
Caffenation - Specialty Coffee Roasters
Caffenation is a coffee institution : they are the #1 place to go if you want to have good coffee. They have several places in Antwerp, but we're lucky enough to have one very close to Antwerp__Loft.
Located on the PAKT-site, just a 2'-walk.
Lodging
Hotel August
A former Augustinian convent becomes a modern-day sanctuary that embodies its sacred soul while charming one and all with modernist touches in every intricate detail. Designed by our favourite architect, Vincent Van Duysen.
Hotel, restaurant, bar, wellness, shop and gardens located just across the street!
Must-see area's
1. Pakt
PAKT is an initiative of two brothers, Ismail and Yusuf Yaman. In 2006, they fell in love with the old warehouses, somewhere between the heart of Antwerp and the old military hospital (today the 'Groen Kwartier'). Before the start of the renovation works, they decided to make the location available to different artists and musicians, resulting in a lively, colorful atmosphere.
Inspired by similar places in Berlin or New York, they created a unique ecosystem where work is combined with sports, leisure and ... urban agriculture. In 2017, a mix of 25 businesses settled on the new PAKT site. Chefs, brewers, baristas, coffee roasters, models, sports enthusiasts, digital millennials and sustainable initiatives found their way to the site. A new biotope emerged in the heart of Antwerp.
What businesses and initiatives you'll find at PAKT? Check it out here.
2. De Koninck City Brewery
For years, De Koninck beers, including the famous "Bolleke", have been brewed on Mechelsesteenweg. City brewery De Koninck opened an experience center in 2015, opening its doors to the general public. In the center you follow a trail where you hear, see and taste the story of the brewery. Also on the site of De Koninck you will find a culinary mini-city, where you can taste chocolate, cheese, meats and bread and where you can even go to a restaurant.
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The time when only beer was brewed at De Koninck is over. In the meantime, a number of culinary businesses have opened their studios on the site of Stadsbrouwerij De Koninck. Here you can buy, taste, follow a workshop and even dine to make your visit to the brewery complete.
Chocolatier JITSK has established a chocolate workshop and store here. He makes sweet creations that are tasted all over the world. Cheese refiners Van Tricht have been maturing their cheeses in the brewery for several years, but have now also opened their Only Cheese store and bar, where you can taste and buy cheeses.
Top store owners De Laet & Van Haver found a home for The Butcher's Store on the site. As you choose meat from the refrigerated counter, you can see the pieces hanging in the glass refrigerated room. Chef Bert-Jan Michielsen and sommelier Luc Dickens serve the most delicious dishes in their restaurant The Butcher's Son. And at Minestrone Cookbooks, culinary photographer and publisher Tony Le Duc gives cooking sessions and workshops in the former brewery lab.
If you are still hungry or thirsty after this, you can also visit Brasserie De Pelgrim on the site, for a freshly tapped Bolleke or delicious Flemish food in an original and cozy setting. And if you need some exercise after all this food, then you can go straight to Velodome, the city's leading bicycle store.
Last but not least, baker Kenney Van Hoorick started here with The Bakery, where he scores with fresh sourdough bread. Every week he conjures up a new type of bread.
Chocolatier JITSK has established a chocolate workshop and store here. He makes sweet creations that are tasted all over the world. Cheese refiners Van Tricht have been maturing their cheeses in the brewery for several years, but have now also opened their Only Cheese store and bar, where you can taste and buy cheeses.
Top store owners De Laet & Van Haver found a home for The Butcher's Store on the site. As you choose meat from the refrigerated counter, you can see the pieces hanging in the glass refrigerated room. Chef Bert-Jan Michielsen and sommelier Luc Dickens serve the most delicious dishes in their restaurant The Butcher's Son. And at Minestrone Cookbooks, culinary photographer and publisher Tony Le Duc gives cooking sessions and workshops in the former brewery lab.
If you are still hungry or thirsty after this, you can also visit Brasserie De Pelgrim on the site, for a freshly tapped Bolleke or delicious Flemish food in an original and cozy setting. And if you need some exercise after all this food, then you can go straight to Velodome, the city's leading bicycle store.
Last but not least, baker Kenney Van Hoorick started here with The Bakery, where he scores with fresh sourdough bread. Every week he conjures up a new type of bread.
