Here we go lads. I suppose one out of three running isn't bad and it's not like Leeds or Sheffield are big cities. No need for the extra capacity / pathways HS2 brings though. Let's do potholes instead....

Goodness me. England might be geographically small but it's not hard to see why I gave up day tripping London. Our second train will be terminated at Rugby due to signalling issues. It's like a major expedition🤣 Nothing works🚂

Arrived! Finally, after another torrid experience on the WCML - the engineering miracle of Antwerp Central

Straight into the quality. A Drie Fonteinen 2019 Oude Lambiek to get things underway at Billies, Antwerp. Just a couple of seats at the bar available. Nicely busy mid week

Total class. Avec les Bons Voeux at Antwerps de Ware Jacob. Owner congratulated me on revering the beer & taking it slowly but I am feeling very jet lagged. Not by the journey from London to Brussels (obviously) but by the amount of time it took the train from Stoke to London....

Final beer of the evening a classic: Rochefort 10 at the reliably late opening Paters Vaetje - within a stones throw of The cathedral

So that's Kulminator off the list then. 🤦

A beer synonymous with Antwerp. A glass of De koninck in brown cafe Den Engel on the Grote Markt. Outstanding views towards the Cathedral. The bar that was the inspiration for the original Den Engel, St Edward Street, Leek.

Peak bar service is when you sit at the bar on the bar stools the OWNER has PLACED there and he asks you to relocate because you're sitting in front of his MOBILE card reader and obstructing customers who want to pay🤣🤣

Located in Antwerps historic port area. Despite its austere exterior Antwerps Brouw Compagnie taproom is well worth a visit. Overall the tasting tray is good (fruit beer excessively saccharide) but additionally ordered the Eilandje NEIPA which was excellent

"One drug, one nation, one Caffè Nation" Best place for coffee in Antwerp and definitely correct about s*g*r in coffee. All stocked up on their espresso blends too

A friendly welcome from the gate guardian at Brugs Beertje and to enhance the experience they have superb Cantillon Kriek on the bar. Perfect refreshment.

Day 1 of Brugs bierfestival. Good weather, an airy, central venue at The Beurshal and an opportunity to try classics like Vicaris Tripel and new beers like Parrain Oude Geuze

The Hazy DIPA at Bruges beerfest was pretty good, but more importantly, never doubt the dexterity of Belgians in their use of the English language. Not just their competence in profanity but their use of the contraction apostrophe

"We are coffee makers" (formerly Cafune) in Bruges roast their on beans. That's about the best espresso I've had of all the cafes in Bruges

The Sun has broken through in Gent meaning the terrace being utilised and a seat available at the bar at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. Rodenbach on draft and also Hommelbier

Aba-jour Gent. A fairly non descript exterior belies an Art Deco interior. Moinette bio blonde on draft is an opportunity too good to pass.

Plenty of Kwak being drunk in the novelty coachmans glasses judging by the amount of shoes deposited in Dulle Griets basket (Vridgdagmarkt). A St Bernardus triple on draft for me. The Groot Kanon in the background looks familiar

Trollekelder Gent. Multi level bar with ambiance nr Sint Jacobskerk. Troubadour Magma IPA on draft and excellent.

Always a highlight of the trip. De Garre, Brugge for a house tripel served with a side portion of cheese. Lovely and cool with the windows open. Outside for opening to guarantee a seat. Love the old style town bike.