Standing outside wondering what to make of it all, shall we go in or shall we find a 'proper' pub... read more
Standing outside wondering what to make of it all, shall we go in or shall we find a 'proper' pub... read more
Quite possibly the most fantastic, bizarre place I’ve ever been. Not what I expected, but so much... read more
This place is a real one-off, combining a Vampire, Edgar Allan Poe and the Masons.
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As others have described, M.Retsin's house is a bar, a curio-collector's paradise, an art gallery and a Goth's retreat...and brilliant from whatever angle!
The entrance reminded us of Edinburgh Fringe venues thirty years back (before it went mainstream), with scaffolding (itself an artwork apparently) replete with crude flyers. After summoning the 'butler'and handing over 10 Euros (which covers entry and your first drink), we were invited to explore the house and its myriad of oddities and art-works. This is a self-guided exploration and gives little clue as to what you are to make of things, other than that it's weird, fascinating and must be a great party venue!
The 'tour' ends in the bar, which is entirely 'in-theme', with challenging decor and exhibits and an illicit drinking-place vibe, stimulated by an excellent piano and violin combo.
The Lucifernum may be Belgium's version of Brexit...where political correctness, health and safety rules and nanny-state interference have been shelved...at least for one or two nights a week...This is a unique place and should not be missed.




This artist residence and bar is open for a couple of hours from 8pm on a Sunday. If you can, you have to visit. Retain himself answers the door, on our visit in a spectacular silk housecoat - though I suspect that’s how he dresses every day. The inside of this house is amazing, jam packed full of thought provoking art and artefacts. There are surprises in every book and cranny. We had a wonderful drink in the bar which is included in the €10 entry fee. Best place we have visited in Bruges





I had never heard of this place I just happened to walk past it. The oddest, most fascinating, eerie place to visit! So great just to look at the really creepy paintings wish I'd had chance to go for an evening but sadly didn't have time.

After reading the mixed reviews for this venue, my partner was very hesitant as we're not into "weird stuff" lol.
We went with the attitide that it was only €20 and if it was rubbish we'd leave. But wow were we impressed. It's like nothing you'll ever see! The owner is definitely eccentric, answering the door in a robe and carafe and looking very Hugh Hefner like! Or Gary Oldman if tales are to be believed!
The experience was amazing, weird, surreal, exciting and definitely worth seeing.
The photo's just do no do this venue justice. The atmosphere throughout the house was again a mix of supernatural for some and beauty for others. The paintings are amazing.
After wandering around the house (once the door is open, you're allowed in), we went downstairs to a full bar where we got one free drink. The place was packed!
Go with an open mind and don't stand too near the coffin ladies....





The less you know the better! A very bizarre and unique bar. There is a 10 euro price that gets you a drink in the bar area.





It’s hard to know how to classify this one as its one of the stranger places to spend time in Bruges. First you need to find it on Sunday night 8-11 as its rarely open at other times, needing to knock on the door and have the vampire owner’s butler let you in. Yes that is right my friend, apparently the house is owned by a vampire, so that should set your expectations for what is to follow. The butler lets you in and you pay 10 euros for free run of the house to take all the pictures you want followed by a drink in the bar while the band plays. The house is all very strange, kept very cold, with lots of the owner’s artwork, pianos, coffins, old carnival posters and references to Edgar Allan Poe scattered around. I love this kind of stuff but you need to accept how absurd it all is, as people going in with a serious face will struggle to get into the spirit of the experience. You then make your way to the bar where the butler will bring your drinks (nothing special here, but a perfectly fine Leffe or wine) while you get to enjoy a band. On our visit there was a talented trio playing cello, violin and a guitar while people enjoyed their drinks and the ambience of being in a prohibition style undeground bar. If you are a smoker you can light up here, although that means everyone has the smell in their clothes by the end of the night. Overall its a fun experience and very different to anything else you can do.
