5 favorite coffee spots in Ghent
21 March 2017
One thing I love about living in Ghent? Cute coffee bars everywhere!
Since I wrote about the Belgian barista culture for my thesis, I've come
to really appreciate a well-made cup of coffee and the story that
surrounds it. Ghent has a lot to offer when it comes to specialty coffee
and each shop is unique. Some focusing purely on coffee, others
combining the product with a different concept such as a bookstore, a
grocery store or even a hair salon.
Though I enjoy discovering new concepts, I do appreciate the more traditional approach where coffee is the centerpiece. Besides a great cuppa what I look for when entering a coffee bar is a warm and homey feeling. Of course whether a setting speaks to you or not is completely up to personal preferences, but in any case your coffee needs will surely be met at these 5 spots...
Take Five
A recent addition to Ghent's coffee scene is Take Five. The bar opened its doors to the coffee loving public in October and has since become my go-to place to grab breakfast before going to work. The upstairs sitting area is wonderfully cozy with low tables, colorful sofas and large windows ideal for some people watching. The jazzy music adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
In the shadows of the Sint-Baafs Cathedral you'll find the cutest little coffee shop named Peaberry. Barista Laurence serves the best cappuccinos and matcha lattes in town and is pretty much my role model when it comes to following your dreams. Last summer she told her job in marketing goodbye to pursue her passion for coffee. On occasion she hosts Special Sundays featuring the work of local artists such as painters or musicians in her shop.
Café Labath is a well established coffee house nearby the Korenlei. Beautifully decorated with red accents and large hanging plants, it's the perfect stop for a lazy Sunday breakfast accompanied by an expertly brewed espresso drink. Nothing beats their iced soy latte on a warm summer day!
Fleur de Lee is all about pampering. The project of sisters-in-law Jamie-Lee and Anne-Fleur, it's a coffee bar and hair salon all in one. On the first floor of a charming 17th century building Anne-Fleur gives people a new 'do, while downstairs barista Jamie-Lee makes some delicious coffee. Her creations always come beautifully served on a tree trunk plate accompanied by some treats. Nice to know: the pumpkin spice latte has permanently been added to the menu which as a true autumn soul I can't applaud enough.
Specialty coffee pioneers in Belgium, Or's Katrien & Tom started their own roastery in 2001. Seven years later they opened their first espresso bar in Ghent and since then added three other locations - one more in Ghent and two in Brussels - to their name. Or's relaxed interior with warm wooden tones and window seating makes it a great working spot as well as a place to catch up with friends over coffee and cake. Also yes, the latte frappé is as good as it looks!
Though I enjoy discovering new concepts, I do appreciate the more traditional approach where coffee is the centerpiece. Besides a great cuppa what I look for when entering a coffee bar is a warm and homey feeling. Of course whether a setting speaks to you or not is completely up to personal preferences, but in any case your coffee needs will surely be met at these 5 spots...
Take Five
A recent addition to Ghent's coffee scene is Take Five. The bar opened its doors to the coffee loving public in October and has since become my go-to place to grab breakfast before going to work. The upstairs sitting area is wonderfully cozy with low tables, colorful sofas and large windows ideal for some people watching. The jazzy music adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
Peaberry
In the shadows of the Sint-Baafs Cathedral you'll find the cutest little coffee shop named Peaberry. Barista Laurence serves the best cappuccinos and matcha lattes in town and is pretty much my role model when it comes to following your dreams. Last summer she told her job in marketing goodbye to pursue her passion for coffee. On occasion she hosts Special Sundays featuring the work of local artists such as painters or musicians in her shop.
Café Labath is a well established coffee house nearby the Korenlei. Beautifully decorated with red accents and large hanging plants, it's the perfect stop for a lazy Sunday breakfast accompanied by an expertly brewed espresso drink. Nothing beats their iced soy latte on a warm summer day!
Fleur de Lee is all about pampering. The project of sisters-in-law Jamie-Lee and Anne-Fleur, it's a coffee bar and hair salon all in one. On the first floor of a charming 17th century building Anne-Fleur gives people a new 'do, while downstairs barista Jamie-Lee makes some delicious coffee. Her creations always come beautifully served on a tree trunk plate accompanied by some treats. Nice to know: the pumpkin spice latte has permanently been added to the menu which as a true autumn soul I can't applaud enough.
Specialty coffee pioneers in Belgium, Or's Katrien & Tom started their own roastery in 2001. Seven years later they opened their first espresso bar in Ghent and since then added three other locations - one more in Ghent and two in Brussels - to their name. Or's relaxed interior with warm wooden tones and window seating makes it a great working spot as well as a place to catch up with friends over coffee and cake. Also yes, the latte frappé is as good as it looks!