The Dok Brewing Company brewery-bar is my favourite place in the Dok Noord area of Ghent. Housed in the old transformer building of the city docks, its steel-framed bar and red brick walls give it an industrial look. I love the glitzy chandeliers and high glass roof that lets in lots of light. My favourite time to go is a sunny summer’s evening to soak up the last rays at one of the long picnic tables in front of the hall.
Enough of the interior and exterior – you’re probably here for the beer. And if you’ve done the classic ‘drinking a Duvel on the Korenmarkt thing’ then this is definitely a new way to enjoy some of the lesser known Belgian beers. Calling it just a ‘bar’ doesn’t really do it justice. It’s in fact a fully functioning brewery with a 1000-litre brewing tank, 30 taps and a fridge full of bottles too. The two brewers behind the concept have already launched successful Belgian beers, including the Ghent-based pils ‘13’, and Ouwen Duiker (both on the menu). So you can be sure that they know what they’re doing with all that machinery up there!
The hall also has 5 dining options: if you have time to stay for dinner, then I’d go for Officina Raffaelli, where Daniel from Florence serves thin, crispy & really tasty pizzas. If you’re after just a snack then there’s also the smokehouse/barbeque RØK.
