Ghent Entertainment

't Velootje

#1 of 82 things to do in Ghent

#8 of 8951 entertainment in Europe

2 reviews | Write a review

Good for: head injuries, Ambience

Not good for: cheating with prices, Cheap beer

  • Address
    • Kalversteeg 2 City Centre
  • Website
    • tvelootje.mine.nu
  • Email
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 09 486 838 648
  • Hours
    • from 21:00 but variable

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Lonely Planet review for 't Velootje

Push through the heavy, unmarked door and take care not to trip over old bikes, or whack your head on the kero lamps cluttering this tiny, darkened garage as you take a seat at a low wooden picnic table. Lieven De Vos has turned his bicycle workshop into an informal bar, of sorts - ask for a beer and Lieven will bring out whatever he selects; his opening hours are 'whenever I feel like opening until it closes down' (try after 21:00).

There are plans to expand the pub to accommodate Lieven's collection of antique bikes; the expansion is scheduled to be complete in 2010, Het Velootje's 25-year anniversary.

To find the pub, walk north along Oudburg until you see a pile of junk leaning against the wall in one of the pedestrianised lanes on your left. There's no sign out the front, just a Westmalle hoarding attached to the wall.

 

Traveller reviews for 't Velootje (2)

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    exciting, but costly

    funkyjman recommends this,

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    It was lucky there were only 4 of us as we took up all the space available. We sat at a bench surrounded by bric-a-brac and lit by candles and were brought our beers, served in a plastic glass. I have no idea what was selected but it was nice. The place smelt of dog, though I did not see one, of course there could have been one there. We drank and then were ushered to the back of the bar (one at a time due to space issues), to enter comments in the guest book. The owner spoke good English and there were no communication issues.

    The only thing that reduced my enjoyment was when the time came to pay. We were charged 4 euro for a small glass. There was no price list and we felt that we were being taken advantage of.
    Fortunately our Belgian friend was on hand to take over negotiations and we settled on a more palatable price.

    If you didn't take out travel insurance, perhaps it's best to avoid this one.

    Overall it was an exciting experience, but I would say that it is not worthy of its very high ranking position in the Lonely Planet guide.

    Good for: head injuries

    Not good for: cheating with prices

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    This place does need to be seen to be believed...

    hungoverdrawn recommends this,

    ...but "#1 of 25 entertainment in Ghent", I'm not sure. If there was an expansion in 2010 there's no sign of it, four of us visited and the place was full. It's definitely an unforgettable experience and a unique ambience, but while the Delirium Tremens was excellent, but €4 for a small plastic cup is a bit steep. Go four one round of drinks only.

    Good for: Ambience

    Not good for: Cheap beer

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