I first came here alone. I was staying at a nearby hotel. It was 1997 and was my first trip to Brussels from London. I did not know then that this was a haunt for trade union people like me. The head office of an international trade unions confederation was just around the corner in those days.

It is an oblong place and you may not see who is sitting at the end of the bar when you enter. Perhaps that is why A la Morte Surbite is popular and convenient for those who wants to scheme? If some history was made at night, surely this bar had its contributions.

The origin of A la Morte Surbite goes back to the early 20th Century and like Le Cirio its interior design is impressively classic. They have good selections of Abbey and Tappist beers, too. And just like Le Cirio, it attracts both the local regulars and visitors from many walks of lives. What is common in both places is the professionalism of the staff, perhaps. They treat you the same irrespective of who you are. It is a simple principle but can be hard to keep, especially when you are very popular and stand in the centre of a touristic location.

As you can see from the picture (top photo), I tend to come here to finish off my evening and often alone. No loud music in the background and your mobile phone is quiet by the time I reach here. And one pure Beligan beer for the road won’t add-up to your hang-over! By the way, “morte surbite” means “sudden death” but it comes from the name of a game that the frequenters used to play in 1900′s.

A La Mort Subite Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7, B-1000 Brussels

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