Outdoor cafés to return to Brussels parks by end of April

Outdoor cafés will return to parks in Brussels by the end of April for the summer season, the Brussels secretary of state for the environment Ans Persoons announced on Thursday.

The Brussels government has approved the continuation of the outdoor café season in 2026, citing its positive social impact on residents. According to Persoons, the cafés contribute to the recreational function of the parks managed by Brussels Environment.

“These venues fully contribute to the recreational function of the parks managed by Brussels Environment and complement the existing range of relaxation areas. The summer cafés further enhance the attractiveness of Brussels parks as places to live and relax, and contribute to the overall feeling of security,” Persoons said in a press release.

Cafés linked to the parks they serve

The renovated outdoor cafés in Brussels parks have names connected to the locations where they are situated. For example, Fabiola in King Baudouin Park refers to Queen Fabiola of Belgium, while André in Laeken Park honours the two Andrés behind the Atomium: engineer André Waterkeyn and architect André Polak.

Other cafés include Henri in Georges Henri Park, Maurice in Cinquantenaire Park, Emile in Duden Park and Vincent in Bon Pasteur Park.

Importance of green spaces

Persoons said the importance of these open-air cafés for residents is reflected in the 2022 Nature Barometer by Brussels Environment. More than nine out of ten respondents said green spaces are essential for Brussels residents who do not have access to a private garden.

The survey also found that 95 per cent believe nature improves the city and allows people to relax and recharge, while more than 90 per cent highlighted the social role of green spaces as places to meet and socialise.

Operator confirmed after tender uncertainty

There had been uncertainty last week about whether the public tender process would ensure the return of the terraces this year. Last year, the opening was already slightly delayed because the regional government was operating in a caretaker capacity.

Brussels Environment, responsible for selecting the operator, has now confirmed it will again work with Barc, the company that has managed the open-air cafés since they were first introduced.

^{​© PHOTO BELGIAN FREELANCE}