10 reasons to be “In Bruges” this year

On April 18, the new film “In Bruges” hits the UK cinema screens. Filmed on location in the most well preserved medieval city in Belgium, it is a welcoming destination for travellers from all over the world. But for hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendon Gleeson), it could be their final destination.

A difficult job has resulted in the pair being ordered by their London boss Harry ( two time Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) to go and cool their heels in the storybook Flemish city for a couple of weeks just before Christmas.

Ray’s character simply loves the culture and the ambience of Bruges. Ken’s character is totally unsophisticated in terms of art and culture and really doesn’t “dig” life in Bruges. We think Ray had the right idea about our beautiful city on the other hand, Ken’s character probably wouldn’t appreciate the 7 wonders of the world so we don’t think his opinion could count for much.

Here are some of the highlights of this stunning World Heritage city which may like to see for yourself and form your own opinion . . .
1. If its romantic dining that you’re after, you couldn’t have come to a better place. Belgium has more Michelin starred restaurants per head than the whole of France so no wonder people marvel at the wonderful cuisine on offer. Bruges is no exception. With restaurants too numerous to mention why not stop dine in the famous Den Dyver restaurant on Dyver for some seriously delicious food. If its Michelin stars you’re after visit De Karmelit or Hof Van Cleve both with three stars! Bruges puts destination dining in its finest setting!

2. Take a stroll on The Chocolate Walk – A chocolate trail that takes in all the finest chocolate shops! Bruges has countless chocolate shops, but if you fancy a few tasty chocs’ along the way, take this specially designed walk and taste, drink and smell your way via 9 interesting shops selling one of Belgium’s most famous exports!

3. Bruges is also famous for its fabulous beer. Breweries have existed for centuries and in the Middle Ages, beer was brewed in substitution for water as it was safer to drink! Visit Bruges’ very own brewery for a demonstration of a very local speciality. The Half Man Brewery located can be visited and afterwards relax in their very own bar.

4. Of course if you go to Bruges it would be a shame not to try out some of their most famous chocolate products. Stop for a hot chocolate and cake at the famous Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc on Katelijnestraat 5 www.sukerbuyc.com. Or if you want some really cool and original chocolates, why not try the Chocolate Line on Simon Stevenplein 19. This is no ordinary chocolate shop. The owner, Dominique Persoone creates innovative chocolate concoctions with ingredients such as chilli peppers, peas cauliflower and even cheese…It all sounds terrible but wait until you try!

5. Ray and Ken might have stayed in a small unassuming hotel but in fact Bruges have some really cool and seriously stylish hotels and b&b’s. For some extremely luxurious living visit the Hotel Orangerie, Kartuizerinnenstraat 10, hotelorangerie.com. The hotel has beautiful views, designer décor with an enviable canal side terrace. Even if you don’t stay, you can visit for a very civilised Tea. There’s a whole list of places like this one so it’s a shame Harry didn’t splash out a bit more on the boys while they were there for two weeks!

6. It’s a shame that Ray couldn’t appreciate the finer details of some of the world’s most eminent masterpieces! Take a visit to the famous Groeninge Museum on Dijver 12, museabrugge.be. Classical artists such as Jan van Eyck and Rene Magritte are just some of the priceless works of art on display. The perfect place to immerse yourself in some culture and “enrich” your lives with the beauty of fine art!

7. Take a loved one to the Lovers Lake or Minnewater for a romantic rendezvous. It’s the scene of the intended assassination of Ray but in fact visited by thousands of lovers. The pace is relaxed and with Valentines looming, we can guarantee no seedy assassination plots in this beautiful Bruges landmark!

8. Visit Bruges’ oldest bar the Vissinghe. Tetering over a canal in picturesque surroundings, the Vlissinghe on Blekerstraat 2, cafevlissinghe.be, dates back to the 16th Century. Bars in Bruges offer a fabulous selection of beers and some like De Garre offer over 300 brands alone. Live, contemporary music often fills the deceptively ancient surroundings to bring a vibrant and trendy feel to an unassumingly cool destination.

9. Take a visit to the soon to be opened “chip” museum. Another one of Belgium’s most famous exports! This whole museum dedicated to the love of the humble Belgium Chip and in Belgium they take their chips very seriously. Often sold on the road, the “Frituur” is an institution here! And if that’s not quirky enough, Bruges has its very own Chocolate Museum – Choco-story – investigating (yes you’ve guessed it) the world of Chocolate!

10. In the spirit of all things Chocolatey, why not try some of the very unique chocolate spa treatments! Only in Bruges can you find chocolate facials where real chocolate is poured on your face to create a complexion for all the envy! Not only do you get to look 10 years younger (perhaps a bit of an exaggeration) but you get to taste while you are treated!

For more information, log on to Visitflanders.co.uk.