Christmas is just around the corner and that, of course, means stocking fillers, mulled wine and lots of bonhomie
It also means, for many, that good old favourite at this time of year: raclette.
To those unfamiliar with it, this is a dish of Swiss origin, also popular in the other Alpine countries (France, Italy, Germany, Austria), based on heating cheese and scraping off the melted part, then typically served with boiled potatoes.
It will be available at lots of places in the coming weeks but one establishment well worth discovering, and which is making a real effort in this regards is at Namur Aerodrome Brasserie, an unusual resto as it directly overlooks the airfield runways.
It has reintroduced “The Pilot’s Refuge” which means its veranda is once again transformed into a “mountain chalet” just to add that touch of authenticity to a raclette meal.
This is available every Saturday until early 2026, overlooking the airfield runways.
In a very cosy, chalet-style setting, diners will find the essentials for a lovely raclette. It comes in two forms, Savoyard and Belgian (by La Cabanière in Sombreffe) and is accompanied by artisanal cured meats from Boucherie de l’Artisan, potatoes from Ferme du Coqueron, along with salad, and condiments. A “Special Refuge” menu, consisting of an appetizer and wine suggestions, is also available as well as the basic raclette.
The “menu refuge” comes with a choice of three starters, the raclette and a selection from 3 desserts.
It is worth the visit just to see the (under-rated) skill which is deployed to scrape the cheese onto the plate. It affords the chance to enjoy some Alpine-type dining … without leaving Belgium.
The menu refuge costs €65 for 3 courses, €54 for a starter and main and €42 for a main and dessert. The a la carte option (that is, the raclette) is €32 per adult and €22 for kids aged 12 and under). As places get booked up early reservation is strongly advised.
The cheeses are local, coming from Dinant, Bovesse, Spy, and Gembloux. You can enjoy several helpings which is another plus as you really can taste the quality of the cheese in every bite. The same goes for the carefully selected Belgian charcuterie.
As well as some lovely food, there are lots of nice, festive, alpine touches to add to the experience, including real sky cabin.
This place is already popular in normal times for its unique decor and runway views but the brasserie is currently offering a superb winter experience, with its chalet, and cheese lovers are in for a treat.
Nestled in the heart of Namur, in a green setting, the Brasserie de l’Aérodrome de Namur is a must-visit for lovers of good food… and aviation. Located on a former airfield dating from the Second World War, it offers a spectacular view of the runways where planes, gliders, and helicopters take off and land.
The air field is a local landmark but the brasserie itself has also become a must visit not least because it charms regulars and the curious alike with friendly cuisine and an atypical decor.
There is a very well stocked bar with some great Belgian beers, all at reasonable prices, the restaurant area,a beautiful veranda and a huge terrace. There is a bit of everything to amuse young and old alike including a playground, bouncy castle (weather permitting) and pétanque courts.All add to a pleasant experience, be it just a drink or sampling the lovely raclette.
If you are looking for something a bit different on the eating out front over the festive period this place would make for a very good experience.
further info:
Brasserie de l’Aérodrome de Namur
Rue Capitaine Aviateur Jacquet 44, Suarlee
081 55 9353
