It's bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s sadly often overlooked by the non-theatre-going crowd (shame on you). De Foyer is situated on the first floor of the Bourla theatre in the heart of Antwerp and is a majestic café that still exudes all the style and elegance of the theatre’s heyday.
The Bourla itself was built in 1827 by Belgian architect Pierre Bruno Bourla and houses the renowned theatre company Het Toneelhuis. De Foyer was added in 1989 under the gorgeous dome, topped with stained glass and intricately decorated with angels, flowers and fruit. The high ceiling, tall and graceful windows with classic red velvet drapes and predominant gold touches add a very decadent and nostalgic neoclassicist atmosphere.
Due to its authentic elements and overall grandeur, emphasized by the stunning Phantom of the Opera-like crystal chandelier, it is the perfect location for a good old-fashioned afternoon tea or a delectable brunch. Feast your eyes on the glorious dessert trays. (For those of us up to the challenge, there is a highly recommended all-you-can-eat formula.)
Finally, before and after productions, De Foyer turns into a swanky hot spot where you can enjoy the culturally enhanced happy hour or even a highly intoxicating late-night cocktail while revelling in the timeless splendour of theatre now and gone by.
Flanders Today May 27 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment