New hotspots are popping up in the streets of Antwerp, like the freckles on our faces on these early spring days. Combining a coffee with a great book in the city centre or having a walk in a park in an upcoming neighbourhood at the outskirts of Antwerp? These are the places where you want to be.
The new place to be in Antwerp in the upcoming neighbourhood of Borgerhout. This used to be an area where people could find an affordable place to live and things are just not that cleaned, swiped and polished as in the city centre. Since a few weeks this multi-culti neighbourhood has a new park: Spoor Oost. This wide open space used to be an abandoned train terminal, now some of the old rusty railway carriages are transformed into an edgy bar serving drinks and food. With a children’s playground next to the terrace and tons of events organized in the park, this is the perfect summer hangout.
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This new bar and bookshop combines the passions of the lovely Alex and Celine, the owners. If you’re looking for a unique selection of literature, art books and share their interest in illustration and graphic design, this is where you want to be. Enjoy some of the delicious homemade finger-food whilst flipping through their collection. They’ll organise lectures, performances and are open Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 o’clock till late.Food for thought and tummy!
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With the look and the feel of a trendy African restaurant in the midst of Cape Town or Johannesburg, they serve and represent the melting pot of South African food culture. Situated at the border between the Chinese district and the Portuguese, Brazilian and African neighbourhood I suggest you just sit down, enjoy your brunch and savour the liveliness of this bustling area.
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The owners of ‘De Markies’ bookshop have opened a new store with a combination of books, quirky posters, puzzles and other gadgets with an original design. A beautiful place to rummage around!
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The Antwerp based street ware fashion brand Arternative has opened its first store in our midst. Think bomber jackets, shirts and hoodies. The menswear is created by a graphic designer who finds his inspiration in urban culture and the multitude of metropolitan ethnicity. A big shout out to Arternative and their collections, go check it!
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Text by Julie De Weerdt
Pics by Sanne De Block, Bahnhof, Katleen Gils, The Other Shop & Arte