Berchem's neighbourhood bubble stems from its glorious stack of addresses. One of which is Daan Guelinckx and Laurens Jasperse's polished Neo-bistro, which champions a modern, creative take on seasonal classics. The produce is consciously sourced, and the harvest is completely seasonal. A no-nonsense tasting menu serves a 5-course plating of BBQ'd langoustine, entrecôte with a healthy portion of triple-cooked fries, and a buttermilk potato mousseline topped with a hint of caviar. It's an intricate menu, toned down by the casual atmosphere of the trendy locals it attracts. 

The specialist, Antwerp-based coffee roaster Andy Roasters, emerges within Cafe Betty, a corner-hugging, neighbourhood bar that attracts a huddle of Berchem's hip from dark to dusk. Every morning, a wagon of Keith Bakery sourdough loaves, miso sesame buns, and "krentebol" (a slightly sweet, raisin-stuffed dough) with cheese are loaded onto the red-painted shelves, as a gaggle of laptop-clad creatives, young families, and friends sip on oat cortados. Soak up the sunshine on the outside terrace, and stay for the evening pour of local brew and natural wine. 

There's speciality coffee and then there's Caffènation where the blend of brew is given to the exact percentage, and where each of the beans have a backstory. From coffee capsules, filter on tap, to the deliciously creamy cortados and chocolate-topped cappuccino's, this is an addictively-good caffeine fix. Though there's multiple outposts within the city, our favourite is within the green oasis of PAKT. Perch on one of the numerous tree-hugged benches surrounding a child-friendly, or dog-welcoming park during the weekend buzz.