Future of Au Daringman cafe in the balance

The future of one of the capital’s iconic cafés, Au Daringman on Rue de Flandre, is uncertain after the building was put up for sale and the cafe's lease expires at the end of this year.

Its manager, Martine Peeters, has been paying rent to private owners who put the property on sale several months ago. An offer was reportedly signed in May 2024, but Peeters does not know what will happen.

“AB Inbev wanted to buy the building, on condition that I stayed,” she said. “This is what I wanted. But the owners finally signed an offer with someone else. I hope I will still be able to stay.”

In the meantime, the beautiful Art Deco café is set to be classified, a process started in late February. This is in recognition of its classic tavern style, typical in Brussels during and after the second world war.

If protected, Au Daringman, which dates from 1942, will join the likes of Taverne Esperance near Place de la Monnaie, built in 1930 and Brasserie Verschueren in Saint-Gilles, a popular drinking hole since it opened in 1880.

In addition, the likely successful classification of this cafe will mean that the new owner will not be able to change anything inside.

The cafe was given geometric patterns to give it a modern look. This style is continued in the woodwork and at the bar, so everything suits the simple furniture.

As wood and leather were rare to find in the 1940s given war shortages, Au Daringman’s furnishings feature plywood and artificial leather.

Brussels state secretary for heritage and urbanism Ans Persoons said the cafe not only has heritage value but also social and aesthetic significance, and so it should be preserved as a typical example of Brussels’ café culture for future generations to enjoy.