Au Bassin — Restaurant in Brussels

Generally, I've had good experiences here even going back to when they were just around the corner. I've been to a few beer launches here and brought a lot of friends out to events here too. The new bar is a great space with loads more room, a demure, industrial aesthetic and the ability to host events and groups. Nevertheless, it was kind of disappointing to take a group of friends there on a Tuesday night, only to be frustrated at every turn.

We ordered food, only to find out that out of the three things they had, croque monsieur, soup and quiche, they only had quiche. I know the menu is limited to just a few things - that's OK - but it's worrying when 2/3 aren't available. Oh yeah, and the quiche ran out after about 8. So, no dinner for me that night except olives.

I wanted to order a Cantillon from the menu, only to be dismissed by the bar staff that they haven't had it for months. Fair enough, it is Cantillon, but why have it on the menu if it's in so infrequently anyway.

My friend wanted a whisky sour, which was hastily put together in a blender. All the more frustrating when they made my wife a white russian which was executed quite well. Just luck of the draw, I guess? Well, there goes 9€ for the trouble.

All of that, and I mean, all of that, I would forgive if it weren't for the complete disregard for customer service. Bar staff were slow, rude, dismissive, and condescending. There was absolutely no remorse for the lack of almost anything at the bar. I just don't get it. I've been there a few times and while service is never a standout, I just don't think these guys could have cared any less.

I want to go back, and would usually come here as a hangout with friends, but I think I'll just take my custom elsewhere to be honest.

Oh well, at least this photo of the oude geuze from oude beersel is something positive...

My experience at this brewery was absolutely unacceptable. I went with a friend, and we both faced blatant racism from one of the employees (a blonde woman). When I asked for a beer in a jug, she refused and insisted on serving it in a glass, even though other customers were getting jugs without any issue. When I questioned this unfair treatment, she escalated the situation, caused chaos, falsely claimed that no jugs were available, and ultimately banned all other staff members from serving us. We were completely ignored and treated as if we were invisible.

It is outrageous that in Brussels, the capital of the European Union, such structural and everyday racism continues to persist. No one should have to experience this kind of discrimination based on their skin color or background.

If you are a racialized person, be aware that you might face discrimination in this place. I am sharing this experience to raise awareness and prevent others from going through the same humiliation.

I do not recommend this...

If you scroll the list of 1 star reviews and check the amount of times the staff are being complained about. There are a LOT of reviews reporting the same thing, why? Because it’s run by thugs..

I can put my hand on my heart and say the waiter actually physically grabbed my arm and pushed me for bringing a bottle of juice in from outside. I’m diabetic by the way.. 😢

Is this bar so close to liquidation that it can’t afford to have punters indoors drinking half a bottle of orange juice whilst ordering a round for their friends?

You will probably have an okay experience if you’re buying their drinks… but any deviation from the “rules” and it’s physical abuse and appropriation of property belonging to another with a dishonest intention to permanently deprive.. in other words ..theft of your property and aggression. There’s no room for bars like...