The Rich Beer History of Mechelen

Beer History of Mechelen: Mechelen has a long and rich history as a city of beer. Beginning in the 14th century, beer production flourished, with about 30 breweries along the Dijle River and the city’s canals. Although almost all of these breweries have disappeared, one historic brewery remains: Brewery Het Anker.

Disappearing Breweries in Mechelen

Over the centuries, many iconic breweries have disappeared from Mechelen. Names like Brewery De Plein, De Posthoorn, Brewery La Dyle, and Brewery and Maltings Versailles from 1894 evoke nostalgia, as do Brewery Den Roozenhoed, Den Leeuw, St. Joris and De Karpel. These breweries are now historical gems, but their traces can still be found in the streets of Mechelen.

Jacobs Brewery: from Hombeek to Mechelen

Jacobs Brewery, founded in 1900 by César Jacobs, started small, but quickly grew into a household name in Mechelen. The Jacobs family loved art deco, which was reflected in their pubs and inns. Some stained glass windows with art-deco elements can still be seen in Mechelen, although in dilapidated condition. In 1955, the brewery was taken over by Lamot Brewery. Jacobs Brewery produced Jacobs Pils, Spalterbrau, Jacobs Bock Special and Marvel, among others.

Lamot Brewery: From Craft to Heritage

In 1855, brothers Charles and Richard Lamot took over Brewery De Croon and renamed it Brewery Lamot. Thanks to their vision, the brewery grew to great success in the 1920s. In 1981 the brewery became part of Piedboeuf, later InBev, and in 1994 the brewery closed its doors. Today, the Lamot site is a bustling heritage and conference center, with the Grand Café Lamot the perfect place to enjoy a drink overlooking the Dijle and the Fish Market. Continue reading below the photos

From Brewery to Modern City Site

Today, the Lamot site is a hub of culture and gastronomy. Via the pedestrian bridge you can reach the trendy Vismarkt, and along the Dijlepad you can walk on the water past the former Lamot brewery. The memory of Mechelen’s rich beer history lives on in places like Puro, where you can still discover elements of the former brewery.

Chevalier Marin Brewery: A Brewery with Heritage Value

Founded in 1629 and later known as Brouwerij Chevalier Marin, this brewery was the only one in Mechelen allowed to brew beer during World War I. After being taken over by Brouwerij Artois in 1954, production was moved to Aalst in 1986. Fortunately, the building in Befferstraat remains protected heritage, thus preserving the history of Chevalier Marin.

Brewery Het Anker: The Only Survivor

Brewery Het Anker is today the only remaining city brewery in Mechelen. The world-famous beer Gouden Carolus has been brewed here since 1369. With three copper boilers installed after World War II, Het Anker remains one of Belgium’s oldest and most iconic breweries. City Brewery Het Anker also owns Batteliek, a microbrewery and lemonade-making facility in the deconsecrated church in the hamlet of Battel.

Every year in October, beer lovers can enjoy more than 150 beers during the Mechelen Beer Festival, organized by Quali Drinks.