Cool Mechelen

In the last five years or so, Mechelen's Vismarkt has gone from being a backwater to being the city's chic waterside, a destination for business and pleasure alike.

The transformation of the former Lamot brewery into a heritage centre, conference centre and restaurant combined has been at the forefront of this change. From the time it opened in the 19th century till its closure in 1994, the Lamot brewery was one of the largest in the region. Now, while certain aspects have been retained in order to provide an element of historic charm, new meeting rooms, exhibition spaces and an excellent restaurant with great views over the canal have been created.

Opposite the Lamot Brewery stands the new Hotel Ve, which is housed in what was once a fish smokehouse and has contemporary, comfortable interiors. These two new enterprises have really changed the atmosphere of the area, which is particularly fun in the summer when customers sit out on the pavements idly watching the tourist boats on the canal come and go.