Sept. 5, 2019
It was with some excitement that I recently returned to Antwerp to further develop our event product there. Belgian fries just don’t have the guilt baggage of the Anglo-Saxon world. In Belgium, they are a work of art, to accompany gorgeous mussels or drown in mayonnaise. As for beer, few locations can match the quality and variety of Belgium. What else could any event attendee wish for?
I was drawn away from the chips and beer and spent a good deal of time exploring the port area on bike. Antwerp is an incredible city for cyclists. It is not quite ‘king of the road’ but certainly privileged compared to many other European locations. One of the highlights was taking the sub-terranean / sub-aquatic pedestrian tunnel which runs beneath the port of Antwerp. Accessed by historic wooden escalators, dismounted cyclists share the journey with foot passengers to reach the depths of Antwerp. St Anna’s tunnel connects the city and the northwest sides of the port.
Architecture is something that you can't miss in Antwerp, and its contemporary architecture is a vivid expression of Antwerp’s confidence and vision. There is no better reflection of Antwerp’s daring than the Port Authority building, which was commissioned to extend an existing, protected, historic fire station. The solution was as bizarre as it is magical – build an elevated, diamond-inspired extension to hover over the historic fire station. I walked the perimeter to marvel at the structure from all angles. Spellbinding. There was no sign of HRH Prince of Wales sharing my appreciation circuit, though!
To finish the day, it was fries, mussels, and a small glass of Belgian beer. Antwerp is a doddle to get to from London. Corporate events can experience a truly European city in its pomp, with alfresco dining, remarkably contrasting architecture, and a quirky range of venues and attractions. More boxes ticked.