It is described as a “Belgian gem” and was once given European City of Culture status.
But, in reality, how many people from, say Brussels, actually visit the city of Mons?
If you haven’t yet been there you should know that it is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Belgium.
From intriguing museums to poignant war memorials Mons, the capital of Hainaut province in Belgium’s Walloon Region, is well worth seeing.
At its centre is the Grand Place, a large cobblestone square. Close by are lots of the city’s undoubted charms and these, in fact, also include a great local spot for a drink or bit to eat.
After traipsing around the city looking at places of interest you may well have built up a real appetite and “Citizen Fox” is a great spot to sate any hunger.
First, the name. Citizen Fox was, before it became the popular bar/resto it is today, was a restaurant called Devos.. As this, in Flemish, means “fox” that was added to the title of its replacement (where “citizen” came from remains a bit of a mystery).
A major revamp was necessary back in 2013 when Citizen Fox first opened, down a quiet passageway just off the city’s bustling Grand Place.
The result is what you see today: an impressive place to eat and drink, with a large interior (with about 30 tables) which also includes a sizeable upstairs room (due to open for the season next month) and also a delightful outdoor terrace where, even if the heavens open, is fully protected.
This is where many of this city’s young come to chat and socialise over one of the many fab mocktails available here. In fact, a special “summer menu” of them is currently available featuring wonderfully-named ones like “Virgin Basil Smash”, “Dancing Tiger” and “Kiwi Kiss.” Aside from such delights there is a pretty vast choice of other drinks too, including some terrific Belgian beers, both bottled and on draught. These include the “house IPA” which, as with several others, is available on top and in different quanties (25cl,33cl and 50cl). Some well known Belgian beers like Chouffe, Chimay, Rochefort and Liefmans are also on what is a very,very impressive drinks card that features also some “local” brews such one, curiously called “L’Urine.”
There are also gin and tonics, international beers, signature cocktails, rums, shots, liqueurs, wines, whiskies and soft drinks. You could spend hours just admiring the list but ensure you at least try one or two from the aforementioned list. You are unlikely to be disappointed.
A “fixture” since the day it opened has been Diane, the very pleasant, Belgian-born manageress who actually also worked for Liam, the owner when he also had another bar (now closed) elsewhere in Mons.
In a sector known for its high turnover of staff to be still working at the same venue all these years later is some achievement and reflects her dedication and loyalty.
Diane, or any of the other hard working staff, will happily guide you through both the drinks menu and also the food card which consists of a great choice of burgers and also salads (particularly welcome in the recent hot spell).
She explains that customer favourites include (from the snacks selection) nachos and the sharing platter (for four or eight people to share) and, from the mains, the cajajun chicken burger and smoke stack burger. There are, in fact, 11 burgers to choose from (with some cracking names too), four salads, plus fish and chips and tenders, several snacks (and a small kids selection).
Considering the good quality the prices, starting from just €13.50 for the chicken tenders, are very reasonable. The menu remains pretty much unchanged though a new addition is adding now and then.
This place was relatively modest back in 2013, serving just drinks, but has gradually evolved over the intervening years to become a “must visit” place locally if you want a nice drink (and meal) in a convivial atmosphere.
Aside from the lovely drinks and food this is the place to head for if you happen to be in Mons on a Friday or Saturday night and want to enjoy some great music.
When the food stops being served at 10pm on these two nights is when the resident disc jockey takes over and entertains folk to some terrific tunes until the early hours.
It all makes for a smashing ambience in addition to this being a super spot to enjoy any one of those delightful drinks or try a tasty burger.
So, if you fancy a trip out of Brussels consider this lovely city in the east of the country… You won’t be disappointed and that also goes for Citizen Fox.
Citizen Fox
Rue de la Coupe, Mons
https://www.citizenfoxmons.com/
0471 061088
