Hotsy Totsy

Hotsy Totsy is a bar with a long literary past on the Hoogstraat, founded by the Claus brothers. In 1984 it was the backdrop for the presentation of Het verdriet van België (The Sorrow of Belgium), Hugo Claus's best-known novel. The decor is the draw, along with a pool table and a programme of poetry readings, stand-up, cabaret, chanson and jazz.

It is a bar for conversation rather than dancing, and a good place to start or end a night in the centre away from the busiest squares. We could not verify current opening hours, so check its Facebook page before you go. Not for you if you want a dance floor or a big crowd.