Billie, the new name of the old Monk pub in the Sint Katelijnestraat, has reopened. As much as possible, the new owners are eager to keep the Monk's original concept. The revamped café does come with its own Billie beer, which, according to the new owners, "complements the famous spaghetti" that is once again served there.
After a test day last Thursday, it was time for the real thing: Billie was officially open. Erhan Demirci, a Brussels stand-up comedian from Limburg, was on hand as Master of Ceremonies. Press and several politicians too were invited to the official opening.
The pub known to many of us as the Monk has a new name, a fresh logo, different lighting and has been thoroughly freshened up. All the equipment in the basement, café and kitchen has been modernised . A green roof has also added over the dining area and acoustic panels have been installed to reduce the noise.
Beer and Bolo
Beer lovers seem to be spoilt for choice. The café is launching its own Billie beer, in collaboration with local brewery Belgoo. "It's a real Belgian beer, a Belgian IPA that complements the spaghetti we serve," Dries Heyman, one of the new managers says.
The pub is also introducing an innovative draught system for 'tank beer'. It is supposed to improve the quality and no longer contains carbon dioxide, as is the case with draught beer. The pressure in the tank is controlled by an internal pump. A new system to make drinks delivery more efficient has also been introduced.
The new team does not want to make many changes to the existing concept, Heyman said earlier. "We are back with a brown café, a wide range of beers - including local ones - and cocktails. You will still be able to have a coffee and read the newspaper, there’s dancing on Fridays and spaghetti will be served in the room at the back, just like before, made with the same ingredients and reasonably priced. Fortunately the entire kitchen team is staying with us."
The previous Monk team, closed the pub last May after no agreement could be reached with drinks supplier and the owner of the premises, Horeca Logistic Services (HLS).
HLS is pleased with the arrival of the new operators. "We are extremely happy with this thoroughly Brussels-based team. As a drinks supplier, our job is to ensure the survival of Brussels pubs," says HLS.
"Making sure Brussels stays Brussels"
The new owners are three Flemish forty-somethings, who are no strangers to Brussels. Dries Heyman, who earned his spurs in the marketing and communications world, took the initiative.
Leentje Bruyninckx, owner of the Roskam, a café in the neighbourhood, is also taking part. "The Roskam remains my baby and I will never let go of it, but I once tended the bar at the very first Monk. Now I can be mum for the new bar crew," says Bruyninckx. Her wish: to make sure 'Brussels stays Brussels': "A lot of chains have arrived here in recent years," she sighs.
The third manager is Steven De Visscher. He served as manager at the Monk under the previous management and has a lot of experience. "As a son from a real catering family, I’m returning to my roots. As a long-time manager of the Monk under the previous management, I also know where we can improve, behind the scenes and at the bar," he says.