Brussels - The spirit of the place according to Alain Gilles

"I live in a former fur coat factory in the Schaerbeek district, with plenty of space, light and even a bit of greenery. But when I need nature, I go to Josaphat Park. It's one of the city's smallest parks, and looks a bit like the Buttes-Chaumont. While there, I like to go for a drink or lunch at the Laiterie du Parc. A must-try: the drunken sailor waffles! In my neighbourhood, I also like the organic market and the Bar des écuries, with its guinguette on Friday evenings. It's a a great way to start the weekend in a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.

But I also like Ixelles, where you can find lively, slightly student bars, like Café Belga, located in the former premises of RTBF, the Belgian national broadcaster, just opposite the ponds, whose surroundings are so popular with French expats. It was in this area that the Jam hotel opened in 2016, with a wonderful rooftop bar, all in wood, offering an impressive view of the city. It is a quirky, multicultural venueThe hotel is located in the heart of the city, with an outdoor swimming pool that nobody sets foot in, but which adds an elegant touch to the setting. I recommend this place for a relaxed business meeting.

In the adjoining Saint-Gilles district, I recommend the restaurant Peck 20, for brunches, lunches or hearty breakfasts. It offers a different take on Mexican and North American-inspired cuisine, including savoury waffles. I also enjoy the creative atmosphere the Dansaert and Canal districts, with the new Centre Pompidou, a former Citroën factory that is currently being transformed into the Brussels Museum of Modern Art. I like to shop in the pretty concept stores nearby, such as Ernest, which sells designer jewellery, accessories and clutches for men and women. Not far away, near the canal, you can go to Kumiko, in the West End Izakya restaurant. This is a great chef who revisits Asian street food and the burger. A really good address.

When it comes to culture, Brussels has a number of great classics. Although it only opened in 2015, the ADAM (Art and Design Atomium Museum) already has over 2,000 objects in its permanent Plasticarium collection. Some of my creations can be seen there. Then, of course, there's Bozar, this incredible space dedicated to photography, film, theatre, dance, literature, design, music and contemporary art. The building was designed in 1928 by Victor Horta, the master of Brussels Art Nouveau, who made a brilliant transition to Art Deco! The auditorium is magnificent, and so is the programme.

To round off a stay in Brussels, you must take home a little chocolate from Neuhaus. The most beautiful shop is in the Galerie de la Reine, one of the oldest in Europe".

www.alaingilles.com