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!