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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.