Iconic Brussels café Goupil Le Fol open for takeover

After nearly half a century of business, the famous Brussels café Goupil Le Fol near the Grand Place is accepting takeover offers. Owner Abel hopes to find a new operator who will preserve the character of his quirky pub. "I'm almost ready to retire,” Abel told RTBF. “It has nothing to do with the pedestrian zone.”

Goupil Le Fol opened in Rue de la Violette in Brussels city centre in 1969. The café interior has changed little since then, crammed with old sofas, bad paintings, flags and references to the monarchy, and the sound of classic French chansons wafting from the speakers, writes Bruzz.

Goupil Le Fol is a place for night owls, not opening until 18.00 most evenings, and only closing again in the early morning hours.

Owner Abel, a Tunisian from Brussels, is hoping for a takeover bid from someone who wants to maintain the original nostalgic spirit of the Brussels institution. "I'm looking for someone who wants to continue the concept and preserve the name and history," he says.