THEGAYUK

Tag: Brussels News

Get the latest LGBT+ Brussels news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Brussels in Belgium.

  • 5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

    5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

    Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine.

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

    Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

    Rue du Marche au Charbon 106, 1000 Brussels,
    +32 2 513 56 67
    Open 12:00 – 00:00

    Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

    Rue Van Orley 10, 1000 Brussels
    +32 2 218 08 00
    Open 11:30 – 22:00

    The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

    Rue du Marché au Charbon 114, 1000 Bruxelles
    +32 2 502 58 00
    Open 09:00 – 04:00

    La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

    Kolenmarktstraat 44, 1000 Brussels

    +32 492 03 16 08

    Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

    Rue du Marche au Charbon 27, 1000 Brussels
    +32 2 608 30 41
    Open 17:00 – 04:00

     

    Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

     

  • GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

    GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    There’s no real scientific evidence to suggest that chocolate actually does work as an aphrodisiac. Many foods have been assigned such qualities, but by and large, they tend to have a strong placebo effect instead. In other words, they get you thinking about sex just by association, and this puts sex to the front of your mind. Could this be why ‘Chocolate Row’ in a central part of Brussels positively glows with the frisson of sexiness?

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    Belgium is known for two things, and if you are not here for the beer, then you should head along to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and try the chocolate. Found right in the heart of Brussels, this glass-domed series of galleries was one of the first shopping malls to be built in Europe and still retains the grandeur and architectural spectacle that reflects its century and a half age. It is filled with high-end boutiques, cultural organisation and, of course, a generous helping of chocolate shops.

    Walkerssk / Pixabay

    And if you are looking to explore the heart of Brussels social scene, bars and nightlife then there is no better location to use as your base than the nearby Hotel Hubert. Only a few minutes from the Grand Palace and Brussels Central Station, Hubert is a perfect mix of the luxurious and the easy-going, aims towards self-service but has an attentive staff to help you negotiate its modern concepts.

    Lobby lounge at Hotel Hubert Brussels near Grand Place

    They strive for a home from home feeling, and that is precisely what you get. Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine. It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

    Accommodation at Hotel Hubert Brussels near Grand Place

    As the gay scene in London seems to be slowly fading out, Eurostar promotions are keeping the Londoners afloat with extremely affordable deals. If you want a city destination that is close and reasonably priced.

     

    5 gay establishments to consider in Brussels

    Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

    Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

    The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

    La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

    Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

    Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

  • HOTEL REVIEW | The Hotel, Brussels – perfect for a 24 hours in Gay Brussels

    HOTEL REVIEW | The Hotel, Brussels – perfect for a 24 hours in Gay Brussels

    24 Hours in Gay Brussels

    Obviously, you can’t hope to get to know any city via just a one day stay but, if you know how to organise your time, you can combine a relaxing and luxurious break with enough of a flavour of the place to make it a memorable experience and Brussels is perfect for such a trip. Without much time available to travel too far from your base, choosing the right hotel is essential, it being required to deliver all the necessary wining, dining and pampering needs and easy access to other amenities is also essential.

    Located on the Boulavard de Waterloo in the Louise district of Brussels, the equivalent of Chelsea or Knightsbridge, but without the pretentious feeling that often is associated with those parts of London, The Hotel Brussels, is an ideal base of operations to explore and soak up the city’s vibes. Continuing the theme of concise titles, The Restaurant offers a weekly menu with the focus on local, fresh and seasonal produce that combines both the authenticity of Belgian cuisine and chef Pierre Balthazar’s own unique creativity. It should be noted that vegetarians may find their hot breakfast options to be a little on the limited side.

    The rooms are an oasis of refinement and space, the decor is modern and light, though one drawback is that the bathrooms are not only open plan but the toilet door is hinged to serve also as the shower door. Fine if you are staying with someone who has seen it all before, not so ideal if you are just sharing with a friend.

    The Hotel also offers a spa and fitness suite, located on the 23rd floor of The Hotel meaning that whilst you exercise you can take in the sumptuous views of the city. It’s a little on the small side but the views do make up for this. You can also indulge yourself in a visit to the sauna or steam room and spa treatments are also on offer.

    What to do when in Brussels

    You could use the combination of dining, relaxing and wellbeing as the extent of your visit, but step outside the hotel and a wealth of experiences opens up. If Belgium is known for one thing it is chocolate and Groovy Brussels offers a walking tour to help you appreciate this most exotic of foods. Over two and a half hours you will visit six of the most beautiful chocolate shops found in the heart of the medieval city passing along beautiful galleries, romantic city views and impressive monuments. The tour might not be your cheapest activity around but you will come away from this memorable experience with a much better understanding of the history and culinary art of chocolate.

    If something more social is your goal then there are a cluster of gay bars nearby such as the iconic Le Belgica, with its wealth of drinks, including the world-famous Belgian beers, and top DJ’s pandering to all of your House and Techno needs. There is also a great selection of restaurants nearby especially if you want to find something away from the hustle and hassle of the tourist routes around the Grand Palace.

    And as you want to get the most out of your brief time in the city, it is worth noting that the Eurostar terminal is an easy walk from The Hotel allowing you to maximise your time getting to know the city itself.

    Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

  • Katie Hopkins Doesn’t Want Shakespeare “Queered” Up

    Katie Hopkins Doesn’t Want Shakespeare “Queered” Up

    Outspoken columnist and radio presenter Katie Hopkins has used her column to blast Russell T Davies’ adaptation of Midsummer Night’s Dream for the BBC.

    BBC
    BBC

    Gay icon wannabe Katie Hopkins has used her Daily Mail column to blast Russell T Davies’ adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the BBC. In his new adaptation the Queer As Folk creator has updated the story to include same-sex partners and a lesbian kiss.

    The 90-minute film is due to air on the Bank Holiday weekend.

    Russell T. Davies who also created the BAFTA nominated Cucumber for Channel 4, was commissioned by the BBC to give A Midsummer Night’s Dream a modern twist,

    Speaking about his vision for the production Davies said,

    “…It’s 2016; that’s the world now,

    “Only idiots might have a problem with that.”

    ALSO READ: Katie Hopkins said she’d stick what up her bum?

     

    Outlining what she assumes to be her pro-gay credentials first, Katie Hopkins said that she wanted her 7-year-old son to be gay – and often played Kylie to him “to show him the way”, but didn’t want the BBC to turn “everything into a politically correct lecture”, and warned that there are somethings you never mess with, Shakespeare being one of them.

    She continued,

    “Before the LGBT community start running for a safe space, be reassured I fully support the right of everyone to be whatever they like. Even if that is a man, dressed as a woman, who identifies as gender neutral but still fancies his mum.

    “I have performed at Gay Porn Idol, and loved every sequinned minute. I do drag well.

    “I hope my son will be gay. He can dance and is proud of his six-pack at seven, which I am taking as a positive sign. I play Kylie to him in the kitchen to show him the way. I hope one day when I am older, perhaps he will finally teach me how to dress with style.

    She blasted the BBC saying that the corporation was “pursuing a left-wing liberal agenda”.

    She continued,

    “I don’t want Shakespeare queered-up so you feel more at home. And if you’ve got a problem with that, I couldn’t give a flying Puck.”

  • TRAVEL REVIEW | B-Apart of Brussels

    TRAVEL REVIEW | B-Apart of Brussels

    Brussels is still a modest yet highly spirited neighbouring city with an extremely active gay scene (more so than London).

    Ray_Si-Grand_Place_apartmentliving_room

    Attractive deals with Eurostar can take you from London to the heart of Brussels in 2 hours with fares from as little as £58.00 return (March 2016). With the gay scene in London becoming somewhat embarrassing, take an easy ride to this quaint, convenient and charming city where you can pelt yourself into their friendly and loyal gaybourhood.

    Accommodation options available to travellers used to be limited mainly to hotels and dare I say it hostels however in the last say 8 years we have seen an increase of shared accommodation services that entice LGBT travellers – they are all great and serve a purpose yet if you are in need of modernized surroundings with complete privacy in a generous spaced apartment and not a ‘bedroom sized’ hotel room then the option of B-Aparthotels should be high on your list.

    B-Aparthotels has 5 pristine properties in the Brussels city area and located close to the important fun things to do – especially their property near Grand Place. Instructions to enter this fresh and orderly establishment is very slick and whilst there is no reception desk staff you instantly receive a warm welcome with the cleanliness and sleek instructions on how to obtain your room key in order to navigate to your very own apartment.

    Ray_Si-Grand_Place_apartmentliving_room

    All B-Aparthotels are stocked with quality toiletries, kitchenware, appliances and has daily housekeeping service all-inclusive of the decent room rates that are available for their swank 1, 2, 3 bedroom, penthouse and duplex apartments.

    The thought of hotel rooms for business or leisure travellers, meant working, sleeping and eating in the one, often cramped space. It also made travelling for families and groups expensive, with multiple rooms required to accommodate everyone. Features, unique to apartment hotels, allow you to cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and relax with plenty of space. B-Aparthotels attracts guests who stay for days, weeks or months at a time.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

    Staying at this B-Aparthotel allows you to be in the midst of Brussels restaurant row. Rue des Bouchers is the gateway to a neighbourhood of food where there are more than 70 restaurants, one next to the other, on the street levels of the old step-roofed stone, brick and timber buildings in what is one of the oldest sections of historical central Brussels.

    Ray_Si-_VAU3015

    Rue du Marché au Charbon is a short and pleasant walking distance from the B-Aparthotel (Grand Place) and it’s this cobbled stretch that sits numerous gay bars, restaurants and plays host to the heartbeat of Gay Brussels – a place where you will want to B-Apart of.

    Find out more visit B Aparthotels

    Star rating: ★★★★★

    ALSO READ: East Canyon Hotel + Spa Review (USA)

    ALSO READ: Hotel Review: Hilton Cardiff

  • Paris Attacks Fugitive Who Was Seen In Gay Bars Still At Large

    One of the main suspects in the Paris Attacks Salah Abdeslam, is still at large after Belgian police arrest 16 suspects.

    ◼︎ 16 suspects connected to the Paris terror attacks arrested by Belgian police.

    ◼︎ Salah Abdeslam who was spotted in gay bars in Brussels is still at large.

    ◼︎ Gay bars in Brussels are working with the police to ensure the safety of customers.

    ◼︎ Abdeslam is the subject of Europe’s biggest manhunt with around 2000 officers searching for him.

    Salah Abdeslam is still on the run from authorities after police conducted 22 raids yesterday (Sunday) arresting 16 suspects connected to the terror attacks in Paris on the 13th November leaving 130 dead and 350 injured.

    Brussels remains on high alert, the Government keeping the terror threat level at its highest level. The Belgian capital is in lockdown as the manhunt for Abdeslam continues.

    It was reported that Abdeslam was spotted in gay bars in Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter. A bartender at one of the bars told the Sunday Times (sub) that they had him down as a rent boy. He was always hanging out with that kind of crowd.”

    Brussels has been in lockdown after the Belgian Government raised the Terror threat level to the highest level; “very serious” indicating that a terrorist attack is serious and imminent.

    The entire Brussels metro network was closed on the 21st and 22nd and many events, such as football matches had been cancelled.
    Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.

    Some of Brussels’ gay bars have remained open during the lockdown but have issued statements saying that they are working with the police to ensure the safety of customers.

    One of Brussels’ busiest gay bars, Le Boys Boudoir, issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.

    The Chez Maman issued a statement that on the advice from police “not to run no risk and exceptionally close its doors”.

  • Some Of Brussels’ Gay Bars Remain Open For Business Despite Lockdown

    Some of Brussels’ gay bars are open for business despite a citywide lockdown as the Belgian Government raises the terror threat to “Very Serious”.

    Some gay bars in the Belgian capital of Brussels are open for business as usual but are working with the police to ensure the safety of their customers. The news comes after the Belgian Government put the entire city into lockdown, closing the Metro and raising the terror threat to its maximum level.
    The capital is enduring its second day of security lockdown as police forces continue to look for “several terror suspects” including Salah Abdeslam who was seen in gay bars in Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter, before the attacks in Paris, which left victims 130 dead last week.

    Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.

    One of Brussels’ busiest gay bars, Le Boys Boudoir, a popular bar in Brussels issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.

    The Chez Maman issued a statement that on the advice from police “not to run no risk and exceptionally close its doors”.

     

  • Paris Terror Fugitive Seen In Brussels Gay Bars

    The gay community is on edge after it has emerged that one of the Paris Terror fugitives, Salah Abdeslam was seen in a Brussels’ bar “flirting” with customers.

    • Salah Abdeslam is 26 and was born in Brussel.
    • He is the subject of Europe’s biggest manhunt for his alleged part in the Paris Terror Attacks over a week ago.
    •  130 people were gunned down in the streets of Paris
    • Abdeslam was reportedly seen by bar staff in Brussels’ gay bars, who thought he might be a rent boy.

    According to reports one of the Paris Terror Attacks’ suspects, Salah Abdeslam, 26, was seen by regulars in gay bars in Belgium’s capital city Brussels. He has been on the run ever since the atrocities in Paris that left 130 dead. Sources are claiming that Brussels-born, Abdeslam was part of the terror cell that prowled through the streets of Paris killing innocent people indiscriminately. It is believed that he rented and drove the car containing the attackers to Paris.

    A bartender at one of the bars told the Sunday Times (sub) that they had him down as a rent boy.

    “He was always hanging out with that kind of crowd.”

    It also emerged that regulars had seen him smoking, drinking and flirting with men in the bars of Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter, according to the report. It is not known if he actually had relations with anyone from the bars.
    The bar owner, who wished to remain anonymous after going through hours of security footage from his premises.
    An international manhunt for Abdeslam has so far failed; causing concern for authorities around Europe. Around 2000 police officers are involved with the search.
    Brussels has been in lockdown after the Belgian Government raised the Terror threat level to the highest level; “very serious” indicated that a terrorist attack is serious and imminent. The entire Brussels metro network was closed on the 21st and 22nd and many events, such as football matches have been cancelled.

    Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.

    Meanwhile gay bars in Brussels are remaining open, but are working closely with the police. Le Boys Boudoir, a popular bar in Brussels issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.