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La Pharmacie Anglaise
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
moodytheatricalsteampunk
About the Vibe
La Pharmacie Anglaise is a theatrical cocktail bar in Brussels' Royal Quarter that leans hard into its apothecary-meets-curiosity-cabinet concept — think taxidermy, dried plants, dim lighting, and wooden fixtures that make you feel like you've stumbled into a Victorian pharmacist's private salon. The cocktails are serious business, with a dedicated Hendrick's section and even a €300 Louis XIII option for the truly reckless. It's not a quick-pint kind of place; it's where you go to linger over expertly crafted drinks and soak up the "bourgeois steampunk" atmosphere.
Why it's worth it
A Victorian-apothecary cocktail salon in Brussels' Royal Quarter where taxidermy, Hendrick's gin, and serious mixology meet over dim, moody lighting.
Highlights
Hendrick's ginapothecary decorgenerous cocktailsdim lighting
Before you go
Reserve a table ahead — it fills up on weekends, and the experience is best when you can settle in rather than stand at the bar.
Known For
- •Hendrick's gin cocktail variations
- •apothecary-curiosity cabinet decor
- •expertly crafted cocktails with generous portions
- •complimentary cucumber-infused water
Best For
date nightafterwork cocktailsslow sipping evenings
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 31, 2026
A Theatrical Cocktail Bar That Commits to the Bit
La Pharmacie Anglaise is one of those Brussels bars that commits fully to a concept, and it works. The moment you walk in, you're hit with the atmosphere — dim lighting, wooden fixtures, taxidermy, dried plants, and a general "bourgeois steampunk" vibe that feels more like a private salon than a bar. It's the kind of place where you settle in for the evening, not where you grab a quick drink. The complimentary cucumber-infused water served in a repurposed Hendrick's bottle is a nice touch that sets the tone: these people care about details.
The cocktail menu is a treat for gin lovers, with a whole section dedicated to Hendrick's variations. The drinks are generous in portion and expertly crafted — from the squeezed lemon peel to the artfully trimmed garnish, the attention to detail is real. There's even a €300 Louis XIII cocktail for anyone feeling particularly flush. At around €18 per cocktail, it's not cheap, but the quality justifies the price tag. The staff clearly know their craft and are attentive without being overbearing.
Is it pretentious? Maybe a little. The whole aesthetic could feel over-the-top to some, and if you're after a casual pint, this isn't your spot. But if you want a leisurely evening where every sip is worth savoring, La Pharmacie Anglaise delivers. It's a standout in Brussels' cocktail scene and well worth the visit — just don't expect to be in and out in thirty minutes.
Lire en français
La Pharmacie Anglaise est un de ces bars bruxellois qui assume pleinement son concept, et ça marche. Dès l'entrée, l'ambiance vous prend — éclairage tamisé, boiseries, taxidermie, plantes séchées, une vraie ambiance « steampunk bourgeois » qui tient plus du salon privé que du bar classique. C'est l'endroit où l'on s'installe pour la soirée, pas où l'on boit un verre en vitesse. L'eau infusée au concombre offerte dans une bouteille Hendrick's recyclée pose le ton : ici, on soigne les détails.
La carte des cocktails est un délice pour les amateurs de gin, avec une section entière dédiée aux variations de Hendrick's. Les boissons sont généreuses et expertement préparées — du citron pressé dans le verre à la garniture finement découpée, l'attention au détail est réelle. Il y a même un cocktail à 300 € au Louis XIII pour les plus audacieux. À environ 18 € le cocktail, ce n'est pas donné, mais la qualité justifie le prix. Le personnel connaît parfaitement son métier et est attentif sans être envahissant.
Est-ce prétentieux ? Un peu, peut-être. L'esthétique peut sembler excessive pour certains, et si vous cherchez une pinte tranquille, ce n'est pas l'endroit. Mais pour une soirée où l'on veut savourer chaque gorgée, La Pharmacie Anglaise tient ses promesses. C'est une pépite de la scène cocktail bruxelloise qui mérite le détour — ne comptez pas en ressortir en trente minutes.