The Barman

Place du Jeu de Balles in the Marolles area of Brussels is one of the city’s most authentic areas. But did you know the square is also home to a very authentic French bar? Visit Le Marseillais du Jeu de Balle for pastis, strong coffee and its Marseillan owner Cédric Uttwiller.

How did you end up in Brussels?

After years of working at Au Bar du Marché, a famous bar in Marseille, I decided it was time for something else. In 2005, I followed a friend to Brussels and fell instantly in love with the city. Brussels has a very multicultural side, similar to Marseille. Being a foreigner at first, I also felt very welcome and at home. Brussels has its own busy rhythm, but unlike in other big cities, it doesn’t blow you away. There’s room for your own identity. I really love that. 

You run your own bar. How did this adventure begin?

The first Belgian I met when I arrived seven years ago is now my associate, quite a coincidence. He used to work at the Irish bar La Porte Noire, and his connections landed me my first job at a hotel in the European district. Years later, we decided to open our own bar and were lucky enough to find a spot on Place du Jeu de Balle. Even though most French expats live in Ixelles, we’re happy to be in the city centre. Le Marseillais wants to be a bar for everyone, not just for expats.

How would you describe your bar?

I wanted to start a sports bar, similar to the average English pub, but with a French regional twist. People love the south of France, as it reminds them of their sunny holidays. That’s why we decided to focus on Marseille’s most famous drink: pastis. We’ve got more than 40 kinds! The bar is also home to a loyal fan club of football club Olympic de Marseille. We show the match every week, as well as any other big sports event. Our terrace looks out over the square and from the room upstairs, you’ve got a nice view of the flea market. 

Really? Over 40 kinds of pastis? 

Most people only know this drink from brands such as Ricard or 51, and therefore link pastis to a very aniseed-y taste. Some of the bottles we stock taste completely different, depending on the region they’re from and the herbs that were used to flavour them. We have blue pastis, for instance, and bottles flavoured with nuts, thyme or cardamom. They taste great, and are the perfect warm-up for our karaoke nights organised every first and third Friday of the month.

Le Marseillais du Jeu de Balle, 163 Rue Blaes, 1000 Brussels