Celebrate Mother’s Day with a surreal toast to love, art, and unforgettable cocktails at Bar Magritte in Brussels.
Mother’s Day is next weekend, and if you’re looking for a truly extraordinary way to celebrate, let me whisk you away to a destination that combines art, luxury, and liquid perfection. For this special occasion, I discovered a cocktail that feels more like a creative painting than a drink—and where can you find it? In one of the most breathtaking bars I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Pack your bags (and don’t forget to bring your mum!) because this unforgettable journey leads to Brussels.
Ever the adventurer, I embarked on a whirlwind day trip from Edinburgh to Brussels with a singular mission: to sip the city’s most exquisite and priciest cocktail. My Google search brought me to Bar Magritte at the lavish Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, just around the corner from the iconic Grand Place square. As the only cocktail bar in the world celebrating the legendary Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte, stepping inside is like being transported into one of his eccentric, quirky paintings. Bright, bold colours of the mural and surreal details, add to the playful yet elegant ambiance that surrounds you, creating a setting that feels delightfully surreal and utterly captivating.
The bar’s menu is an homage to Magritte’s art, with each cocktail inspired by his famous works and imbued with a touch of magic. The twist? The menu doesn’t include pictures of the cocktails. Intrigued, I found myself scrolling through their Instagram feed for a sneak peek. Our gracious and attentive server noticed me on my phone and quickly offered a creative solution. From her top pocket, she pulled out the most unexpected and charming “visual aid” of a silk scarf adorned with artistic sketches of the cocktails, which she displayed with an elegant flourish.
After a thorough reading of their menu which reads like a coffee table book, I opted for This is Black Magic, a cocktail that is as intriguing as its name suggests. This sensational concoction is a luscious blend of vanilla vodka, lemon juice, egg white, pea tea, and passionfruit—a delightful dance of sweet and sour flavours that left my taste buds spellbound. The balance was impeccable, the presentation stunning, and at €23 a glass, it was worth every indulgent sip. One cocktail I will never forget!
I also tried The Blaze, another cocktail priced at €23. This one was tangy and bursting fresh melon flavours. I love that the creativity extends beyond the flavours to the unforgettable glassware, which elevated the entire experience. It’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the art of drinking, and Bar Magritte delivers on every front.
So, if you’re mum loves cocktails, art and luxury, Bar Magritte in Brussels should be at the top of your list. You can be in Brussels by 11am, in time for lunch and daytime drinking, and be home in bed by 11pm. It’s an exciting experience and one hellava easy way to indulge in some extraordinary cocktails! Bar Magritte is more than a destination—it’s a dream come to life. Cheers to making memories and Happy Mothers Day!
Adele Conn “TartanSpoon”