We begin at Scotts Bar, a place that opened in 2012 with a clear ambition: to bring traditional Belgian beer culture together with a thoroughly modern outlook. The result is one of the most exciting beer lists in the city, running all the way from the most authentic abbey styles to groundbreaking craft brews from local makers. If you'd like something to line the stomach, they serve food too — the pizzas are not to be missed. Here your guide introduces you to a world-famous Trappist ale, and tells the story behind it — one of war, charity, service and, of course, of brewing some of the finest beers on earth. You'll learn how the monks came to brew, why their beers are held in such high regard, and what still sets a true Trappist apart today. It's the perfect first stop: a glass in hand, a great story to go with it, and a taste of just how deep Belgium's brewing traditions run.

A short walk brings us to the Toone Theatre, tucked away down one of the old city's narrow lanes. This UNESCO-protected building is treasured for its cultural importance — it keeps alive the Brussels folklore tradition of marionette theatre — and its bar is among the oldest and most characterful in the entire city. Settling in here, you'll enjoy a sample selection of three beers, chosen expertly by your guide to show the range and depth of Belgian brewing. Between tastings, your guide shares more of the stories behind the glass: how these beers are made, what makes Belgian beer so distinctive, and the question every visitor asks sooner or later — why is it all so strong? Atmospheric, historic and steeped in local character, Toone is exactly the kind of place you'd never find on your own — and the ideal setting to deepen your appreciation of the craft.

We finish at the legendary Delirium Café — holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest selection of beers on the planet. This is the moment to put everything you've learned to use: having discovered what you enjoy over the course of the tour, you're set loose on the widest choice of beers anywhere in the world. The Delirium village is a warren of seven bars, each with its own drinks theme, so there's something to suit every taste — and it stays open into the early hours. Your guide can point you toward styles you might love before saying their goodbyes. This final stop is an optional end to the night, there to enjoy at your own pace should you wish to keep exploring.