Antwerp's former De Snor café is transformed into a bistro with a wood-burning stove
The entrepreneurs behind Hiro have transformed Antwerp's former mustachioed club into a bistro with a Thornhill stove fueled solely by wood.
Formerly home to Antwerp's mustachioed club, the old De Konincklijke Snor café has been transformed into a bistro under the direction of Bart Huybrechts and Thomas Van de Weyer, hospitality entrepreneurs also responsible for Hiro.
Both have given the place a new look with bistro items rescued from Duvel Moortgat's archives. But its centerpiece comes from across the English Channel: an imposing Thornhill stove, fueled exclusively by wood, in which butter melts and mashed potatoes are stirred to the sound of the Foo Fighters.
The menu features cubes of Gouda, braised calf's liver, a tartine that's been well-seasoned throughout the day, and a Stella Artois on tap. The result is a modern take on the 't Eilandje of yesteryear.
During the visit, guests sampled bitterballen with pork cheek and Antwerp triple, a double portion of fennel sausages smothered in purée with the meat jus served separately, or a piece of opalescent cod with spinach purée and a poached egg. For children, the same fish is served in the shape of a pistol.
Starters cost from €3 to €12, the open sandwich €8 and main courses from €20 to €24.
