Volume 1 of Pintjes, by renowned Brussels-based illustrator Selkies and award-winning writer Eoghan Walsh, is to launch on Wednesday (11th December).
The ‘zine celebrates what makes Brussels’ best cafés and bars both iconic and beloved of the city’s residents. It’s going to have a very limited print run available, though, with just 50 copies available.
It’s a collaboration between renowned Brussels-based illustrator Selkies, who has worked with Irish musicians Kneecap, and writer Eoghan Walsh, author of the award-winning book A History of Brussels Beer in 50 Objects.
Each issue will focus on a neighbourhood or district in Brussels with a high concentration of iconic, interesting, or just downright eccentric cafés. It will celebate what makes them such a unique and essential part of Brussels’ fabric in word and image.
For volume one, Eoghan and Selkies have zoomed in on the very epicentre of Brussels, the place where the city began and where the two most often gravitate towards — the streets around the Bourse. There, they have chosen their five favourite bars — Le Coq, À La Bécasse, Estaminet Toone, Booze ‘n Blues, and Lord Byron — to talk about what makes them so special.
The launch will take place at the Lord Byron, alongside the sale of a very limited number of exclusive prints based on the illustrations from the first edition.
“Louise and I share a love of two things — print, and good, characterful Brussels cafés,” said Eoghan. “Both of which always seem to be on the verge of disappearing.
“With daily headlines about some of the city’s most atmospheric and enjoyable bars under pressure or disappearing, we thought, what better way to celebrate some of our favourites than with a dedicated ‘zine? We love the DIY aesthetic of ‘zines, and thought it was a great match for the rough and readiness of Brussels’ best cafés.”
