Kanaal Sofia
The Dutch-inspired mix
I was never a huge beer fan but after five months in Belgium and a year in the Netherlands, I grew very fond of it... Every time someone would visit me in Brussels, I would take them out to try at least 4 different kinds. In Tilburg we were regulars in a bar called Kandinsky.
So, coming back to Bulgaria there was definitely something missing. My friends and I were thinking that it would be great if we could have a bar that offers a wider variety of the famous Bière belge. Et voilà...
Kanaal is a family-run business - this guarantees the hospitality that's a must for such a place. In the future, they plan on opening a hostel, an art gallery and a restaurant so the whole house will be used. By the way, it's not a coincidence that this Dutch-influenced bar is located right at Sofia's gracht.
Their nice garden (there's a covered section as well) is open for a visit so the place is great for an afternoon visit as well. You may combine it with a walk in one of the hidden gems of the city - Military Academy Park.
Moreover, I am definitely looking forward to the promised stroopwafels they plan to include in the menu. Perfect dessert after a hearty meal at the nearby Skara bar in the park. There are also regular special events, focused on various types of beers, often new additions to the menu, for example 'days of Bulgarian craft beer'.
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