The history of this Belgian cafe/micro-brewery, in which brewery is in France, whilst the bar is Belgium, situated on the Franco-Belgian border between Mons and Valenciennes, began in 1973, when the Bailleux family moved from Belgium and saved the small Au Baron bar from closure. It is situated in an idyllic spot, on the banks of the Grande Honnelle river.

After having started to serve meals, followed by a full restaurant service, the family fell victim to the 'fermentation virus', and in 1989 they set up a brewery in a room adjoining the restaurant.

Today Alain Bailleux produces three top fermented, bottle-conditioned beers, following his father Roger, who worked for many years in the Belgian brewing industry, before retiring as a brewer in his own right. The beers are Saison Saint Medard (6.5% abv), a slightly fragrant amber brew. Cuvee Des Jonquilles (7%), a blonde, lightly hopped beer - however, there are no daffodils used in the brew! Cuvee de Noel (7%), a dark Christmas beer, complements the range.

This area of France can truly boast that beer has replaced wine on the dining table. On a recent visit I found all three beers to be excellent, but I preferred the Jonquilles. The beers are slowly starting to appear in Belgium and genuinely deserve a wider patronage.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Front Page Pub of the Month Pints of View Potteries Pub Preservation Group Good Beer Guide 2000

'BEER' Titanic News Pub News Other Items

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