Brussels music cafe Bonnefooi closes down

Brussels is losing an iconic spot in its music scene as Bonnefooi’s owner officially calls it quits after six years of carrying on a legacy.

The music cafe has been closed since 10 July, with owner Christian Ducy telling Bruzz that the venture had ceased to be viable.

“It was no longer profitable,” he said.

“The costs and rent are too high, and on top of that, people are staying away from the city centre more and more. There is also a safety issue: young people are dealing drugs and stealing on the corner of Boulevard Anspach and Rue des Pierres.”

Bonnefooi was a meeting place for musicians, DJs and members of the Brussels night scene for years, first under owner Maria Coenen and then Ducy.

A dozen people worked there, and countless DJs and musicians played its stage.

The owner of the property, brewery Alken Maes, is now looking for new operators.

The café is for rent for €7,000 per month, plus €410 in additional monthly costs.

Bonnefooi’s closure is not an isolated incident. A number of other nightlife venues in Brussels have shut down and changed hands recently, including Au Daringman and Monk following difficult negotiations with the owner-brewers.