I discovered Poncha Bar Madeira on the winter-tail of 2018. We’re still practically new lovers you can say… But the place has a charm, modesty and ‘good times’-vibe that you don’t know you’re looking for. It’s just a song-time away from de Groenplaats, on a street that leads you to the Schelde, Antwerp’s river.

The couple that owns it are the friendliest people and will strike a conversation with you with generous ease. You feel hosted, rather than served. David, has a deep knowledge of every drink he has behind the bar, and prepares the drinks with a kind of mastery that adds to the enjoyment.

The place is not too big, with only a few tables, but if you’re lucky, you’ll hop in on a calm day to be able to enjoy the full Madeira-treatment. David will then suggest you the best (really!) (poncha) cocktails, whether you like rum or whiskey, on the rocks or pure, sweet or sour. He will then prepare the best Portugese tapas which will make you feel like you just hopped on a vacation to Portugal. Next to their tapas, they make their own mouth-watering ice tea.

This poncha bar is a great place to go to after dinner if you want to enjoy these fineries with friends, or to enjoy a nice cold drink on a warm summer day.