THE HOT TIP FOR NIGHTLIFE IN BELGIUM

As hotel bars go, Henry’s Bar at the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has felt special ever since its opening. Its superior status has now been amply confirmed: on 27 March, the New Hotel Awards were presented at La Gare 27 in Antwerp. During a scintillating evening, the spotlight shone on Belgium’s best hotel openings of 2022, which included the Botanic – and the award for Best New Hotel Bar went to Henry’s Bar at the Botanic! This recognition of the magnificent mix of experiences to be savoured at Henry’s Bar is a triumph for Antwerp’s first 5-star superior Leading Hotel of the World! Setting the standard for sophistication, Henry’s Bar offers a glamorous prospect of wood-panelled walls, timber floors, the finest marble accents, and a sublimely designed interior to instantly transport you to the Botanic’s world of wonder.

Designed to Delight
In Antwerp’s buzzling city centre, Henry’s Bar is the very height of style, with a convivial atmosphere and a gloriously good drinks menu. Excellently located within the walls of the 13^th century monastery, Henry’s takes its name from Henri-Ferdinand van Heurck, the 19^th century botanist and director of Antwerp’s Botanical Garden. The bar mirrors his delight in the plant world, and pays homage to the cultural heritage, life and joy of the Botanical Garden.

Henry’s Bar combines a series of eclectic rooms with richly textured seating. The salon, a high-ceilinged room, features a huge fireplace, low tables and inviting decor. This leads into the cosmopolitan buzz of the main bar – a firm favourite with Antwerp’s glitterati. The next room offers a relaxing wine and dine area, while the final space, the Burgundy Room, is a dream of velvet and plush, perfect for small gatherings in luxury and privacy.

Photo credits: Hugo Thomassen, Jurgen Lijcops, Rafael Balrak

Passion and personality describe the tempting bar food. Offering an eclectic selection of bites presented in lacquer boxes as well as classic bar favourites, all are made using market-fresh ingredients of the highest and purest quality, complemented by an exceptional selection of local and world wines. In addition to superb wines, Henry’s offers a comprehensive selection of spirits and liqueurs, and a menu of classic cocktails and signature drinks that changes every month.

The newly opened Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, the city’s first 5-star superior Leading Hotel of the World, is located in a revitalised 15^th-century monastery complex and offers its guests 20,000sqm of incomparable experiences: for gourmets, spa aficionados, art and culture devotees, business travellers and shopaholics. These include the Botanic Health Spa, which breathes new life into the knowledge of the healing powers of nature. Five fine dining restaurants pay tribute to culinary excellence. A large number of impressive event locations, the 15^th century monastery chapel and the Botanic Congress Centre are further highlights that have just been awarded the ‘Best New Hotel Meetings & Events Award 2023’.