Den Stillen has a huge selection of beer at very reasonable prices, perhaps it’s the child labour – we were served by a nine year old who was still working when we left at midnight!

Visited October 2009. I went here twice during my stay in Mechelen. Lots of young people on my first visit, including the fellow who served me who looked all of 16. Went with a friend on the second visit, and we shared four 750ml bottles of some very nice dark beer. Lots of character to the place and the landlord. Selection is very good. Situated across the canal from the old Lamot brewery and very near the Vismarkt, where you can try the Fanterlok Restaurant for excellent all-you-care-to-eat ribs and the Ankertje cafe for the full line-up of Anker beers.

Cosy little place. The owner wasn’t there when we arrived and the place seemed to be entirely staffed by one young guy who seemed a bit flustered and bewildered when we took a while to go through the 300+ beer list. It was worth it though as we found a couple of rare krieks on the list - De Neve and Vanderlinden Vieux Foudre - at knock down prices. Then he disappeared to find them for what seemed like an age and I was entirely prepared for him to return without them. However, show up they did. Obviously pretty aged but both labels were in such an advanced state of decay that they were entirely iilegible, so I guess it could have been anything that he gave me. Later the chap who I took to be the owner did turn up and he didn’t seem nearly as grumpy as I had been led to believe. No substantial food as far as I could determine. Definitely worth a visit.

A pub specialized in large bottles. Still has some beers you never heard of it. Very small pub, the only problem is the opening hours. Not always sure if it is open or not

An absolute GEM. A hidden treasure in a small city that is already worth visiting, not only for beerpurposes. Hard to find, the hours vary alot because the owner opens his bar when you ring the bell (after dinnertime). Funny interior with cafetarialike tables and chairs, but with a natural cosiness. Great beerlist, many surprises and incredibly low prices. As soon as the evening continued, the place was packed with lots of youngsters. A mustvisit when in Belgium, don’t miss it.

An incredible bar. Don’t miss this place if you are in Mechelen.