A campaign in Brussels (“J’aime mon Horeca”) has urged residents to support the restaurant sector.
It comes as data shows attendance in restaurants is down over 10 per cent (compared to 2019).
For a select few the opposite trend is noted and that includes Poule & Poulette, a “chain” of chicken restos here which have increased business.
It already has several restos in Brussels and Flanders and a sign of its ongoing popularity is that, despite the gloom surrounding the horeca sector, it has actually manged to open a brand new, at Saint Catherine in Brussels.
The wraps came off it just before Christmas and, in a very short space of time, it has already proved a big success.
Located on one of the nicest public squares in the city and right next to the imposing St Catherine church, the concept at the new place is the same as at the others: customer satisfaction and great chicken (its speciality).
Chicken in Flemish translates as “kip” and you will see lots of reminders of this at Poule & Poulette.
The real difference is seen when you enter and discover its innovative interior.
This consists, partly, of “chicken cages” (in fact, cosy cabins) which are stacked on top of each other, seating up to four guests per table. The new place has just one of these, currently, but it is well worth trying, if only for the novelty of it.
Continuing the same poultry theme, there is even an “egg-shaped” table for larger groups.
The concept extends with some clever/witty messages doted around the walls, including “kip smiling” and even a “kip it clean” one in the loos.
This new “kip” on the city’s eating out scene is very conveniently located right by the a Metro station.
The resto “chain” is itself not so new, with the first one opening in Antwerp way back in 2014.
Considering how tasty the food is the prices are very reasonable with some of the mains starting from a mere €13.80.
It is about chicken here, with a great choice of very tasty and very nourishing dishes, including butterfly chicken, half a chicken, vol-au-vent, fried chicken, tikka masala and Peking chicken (both new to the menu).
Starters include nuggets, nachos and croquettes while desserts feature tiramisu, dame blanche and ice cream.
Each dish is prepared with halal-certified Belgian chicken, seeking to guarantee quality and traceability.
Products are prepared in a central workshop before being distributed to its various restaurants which, as well as Brussels and Antwerp, also include Gent, Leuven, Mechelen and Ostend.
There’s also some great Belgian beers and also cocktails and mocktails, all homemade.
Looking to the future, the owners are planning to open yet another one, at Bruges.
The services matches the quality of the chicken. In other words, it is spot on.
Lars, who has worked with the company for a few years,is a good example of the cheerfulness you will find at any of the Poule & Poulettes.
The idea is that diners really to “kip on smiling” and that’s what you are likely to do if you eat here.
Poule & Poulette
Place Saint Catherine, Brussels.
02 895 5707
https://poulepoulette.com/
