This bar is a gem hidden away just down a small passage in the most touristy part of Brussels, just next to Grande Place, with hundreds of thousands of people passing every year totally unnoticed. It’s simply amazing.
The ‘Royal Puppet Theater Toone’ is located behind a small, almost ‘hidden’ alley, or let’s rather call it “side entrance” just in the centre. In reality its not a bar, but a real puppet theatre that, when there are no live performances for kids, sells selected beers and other refreshments.
You are welcomed into a series of cosy, warm rooms, with dark wooden elements. The interior is welcoming – made for kids (perhaps though from another era) – and the puppet shows, with the puppets visibly on display, cute and nice. It’s an escape from the busy centre, taking a time machine 20 years back, landing in a better, cosy time – just with puppets and alcoholic drinks. Sometimes there are even some strolling cats. It’s just lovely.
Guests can come to play games, or simply read their newspaper while drinking a glass of French red wine. Is this the Belgian way of living, poets would always talk and write about. It certainly must be.
We had a mix of traditional pils beers, together with some more exotic local, Belgian beers – for example a ‘Quack IPA’ that comes in a traditional wooden glass frame. We also ordered some sausage, a kind of local, Salami that was soft and had a nice nutty taste. With fast, very friendly and welcoming service, accompanied by reasonable, appropriate pricing this place is a gem.
A real must go, both with kids to enjoy a show, and also with friends (and family after the show?) to escape the bustle of the centre.
Royal Puppet Theater Toone – Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 66, 1000 Bruxelles
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