Renard has been my local bakery ever since I moved to Ixelles. Friendly people, long opening hours and yummy bread and cakes: this is the perfect recipe for me to head there over and over again.

In 2016 the bakery underwent a big renovation and I was so afraid it would lose its character and its quality.

I’m happy to say that I was absolutely wrong. The new owners have cleaned up the place keeping the same spirit: friendliness, variety and quality.

I love the huge choice of cakes in any size and flavour. You can find the small one that is perfect as a small dessert for 2 people (or for yourself if you are really greedy) and everything in between, all the way to the big ones for 12 people or more. My favourite is the gianduja one: it’s just the perfect balance of gianduja chocolate and hazelnuts.

As for the bread, every time I go I find a new type on display, but my favourite is the bread with olives. It’s not a cheap bakery, but I think it’s absolutely worth the price. And if you don’t buy the bread sliced, it’s 5 cents cheaper!