Ganshoren to get alternative bookstore this autumn

Once housing gastronomic restaurant ‘Bruneau’, the grand early Art Deco edifice on Avenue Broustin in Ganshoren is now set to welcome ‘Aux Iris’.

This bookstore will focus on Chinese medicine, but also sell crime literature and other genres, said joint owner Jean-Pierre Verna, the head of alternative medicine publishing house Satas, until recently located on Chaussée de Ninove in Molenbeek.

The new shop, near the Basilica of Koekelberg, will also offer Chinese therapies and include a space for events and refreshments, he added.

“It is a large space where, in addition to our publishers’ books, there will be room for other genres,” he told Bruzz. “We are moving towards a general bookstore, but the emphasis remains on well-being, especially Chinese medicine, astrology and alternative therapies.“

Verna is leading the new project with Marc-Olivier Rinchart, whose own publishing house Editions IFS focuses on Chinese philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism and also thrillers and crime novels.

With the opening planned for November, renovation has started on the building that dates back to 1910. The book shop will be set up in two former dining rooms and the kitchen: “We are also creating two practice rooms for acupuncturists and other therapists. In this way, we are making a link between the books and the therapies in practice,” Verna continued.

“There will also be a room for training and author readings. In addition, we are setting up a space where people can get coffee and tea and possibly something to eat.”

The aim is to make ‘Aux Iris’ accessible to everyone. “Hopefully it will bring some life to the neighbourhood,” added Verna. “There is no other bookstore in Ganshoren.”

The characteristic wrought iron fencing at the entrance of the building will be adapted while the striking spirals on the door have been removed. This may not please everyone, but, Verna argues, “We really didn’t think it suited the façade.”

In any event, it is a big transformation for this imposing home that once dispensed gourmet meals and now offers expertise on alternative medicine.

Aux Iris’ gastronomic past

Chef and founder Jean-Pierre Bruneau ran Aux Iris’ predecessor Bruneau for 42 years. The culinary institution that opened in March 1975 gained its first Michelin star two years later and finally shut its doors in spring 2023. Taken over by former sous-chez Maxime Maziers in 2018 and renamed ‘Bruneau by Maxime Maziers’, the restaurant held three Michelin stars for 15 years.