Bars
by Martin Banks
The question of whether to drink beer or not is now answered by a new, innovative “attraction” that has arrived in Belgium.
Combine the best-known beer export of the country with the current trend for well-being and wellness.
What is the result? It is a beer-spa, which is common in Eastern Europe, but not in Belgium.
Louis Raes, Bart De Brabanter and other Belgian friends have attempted to correct this by bringing beer spas to the United States.
The two met at KU Leuven, and as beer lovers, discovered beer spas on a trip through Eastern Europe. The concept was immediately appealing to them, but they were also surprised that Belgium, the beer-loving country of excellence, did not have anything similar.
“Why not take a bath with the same natural ingredients that are used to make beer?” asks Louis. “Why not?” says Louis.
Bath & Barley opened its first Brussels branch at 34 Rue de l’Ecuyer in spring 2021, near the Grand Place.
Two years later, Bath & Barley opened a new branch in the historic center of Bruges.
The 10 tubs in the ‘city spa,’ which are spread over four private areas, are mainly filled with water, hops and barley. The 100% natural ingredients that we associate with beer have their own unique benefits. They realized in the Middle Ages that beer was not just for drinking but also bathing with the ingredients had a positive impact on the body and the mind.
This is a tradition which has been lost to Belgium until now.
The spa is located within the historic cellars of the Grote Markt.
Louis says that these materials also create a feeling of peace, intimacy and relaxation.
The bath is heated to 39degC. Louis says, “At Bath & Barley, guests not only relax but also learn more about Belgian beer, the barley, yeast and hops that are used in the bath. They can even choose which hops they want to use to scrub themselves.”
Bath & Barley has partnered with Forrest Farm in Belgium, a third generation hop farmer.
Forrest Farm provides all hops as dried hop flowers. The dried hop flowers are ground into a scrub. Louis explains that this releases their unique scents and benefits.
Louis says: “Typically, a visit lasts about an hour.” If you arrive 15 minutes early, you might think of 1 hour and 15 minutes. “Some people choose two hours.”
It is important to shower up to 4 hours after your session to get the most out of it.
The beer is 100% Belgian, too. You can enjoy an Estaminet beer from the tap right next to the bath. Water is available free of charge. You can order a Bruges ‘Taste’, a themed flight of beers carefully paired Belgian chocolate.
All of this is great fun, and it’s a perfect way to relieve the stress that many of us are under.
Here’s how it works
* You book an appointment. Guests can choose from four private rooms for couples or groups up to eight people (Bruges).
You fill your bath with warm (fresh) water, and add barley and yeast.
Choose the Belgian hops that you want to use for your body scrub;
* You can have a beer on tap right next to your bath, or even a ‘beer flights’ with food.
After the bath, you can relax in a straw-filled bed. The entire experience lasts about an hour to an hour-and-a-half.
* You should not shower for four hours after a bath. This will allow your body to get the maximum benefits.
Every additional hour is discounted by 25%. Each additional hour is discounted by 25%. Estaminet lager, water and towels included.
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to a bathing session reserved for an explanation of what the session will taste and look like. You can also choose to use a private spa room for 60 minutes (each equipped with a straw bed or couch and heated at 70C).
Belgian law prohibits children under 16 from drinking beer. The person making the reservation must be 18 years of age and responsible for any minors.
More info:
02 662 0889
