
Jef Janssens
Brewer, Hof Ten Doormaal (1990)
Can you describe what you do?
I work in a small family-run brewery in Tildonk, a couple of miles outside of Leuven. The business is based in a farmhouse, and we work as much as we can on growing our own crops and hops. There’s no real daily routine since every day brings along something different; whether it be brewing, bottling, packaging – you name it.
How do you perceive Leuven?
Being from a small town, Leuven to me is considerably a “big city”, despite its fairly small scale. Due to it being a student town, there’s always a certain multicultural aspect to it, while still remaining very laidback and low-key. As a fan of general history, the architecture is a definite plus too.
What would you say is Leuven’s main appeal as a city? What gives it its edge?
The University, without a doubt: it’s an overriding powerhouse of knowledge.
I always take people to the Fiere Margriet installation – it’s a gem in Belgian beer culture!
On a personal level, what would you like to see more of in the city? What could it do better?
More beers, more specialist bars – just more things centred around quality beer, really!
If you had to take out-of-towners to one place that truly symbolises the city, what would it be?
I always take people to the Fiere Margriet installation – it’s a gem in Belgian beer culture!
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