Happy spring, Brussels!

OK, I know that technically spring only officially starts on 21 March, but if the weather of the past few days is not spring, I don’t know what is. I only hope that temperatures close to zero won’t return again until Christmas. I could really do with the sun.

I’m excited to bring two new elements to today’s issue! First, I’m asking you for your recommendations for places in Brussels. See below what I want you to help me with for the next issue. Second, this issue has been co-created with the very first local partner - The Nine.

Why The Nine? Because International Women’s Day is coming. So don’t forget to let the women in your life know that you care for them.

In this issue:

ANOTHER STRIKE IS UPON US: A new train strike is planned for 9-11 March. A general strike, which will, once again, also impact flights from and to the Brussels Airport, will take place on 12 March.

CHANGES TO THE BUS NETWORK: From 2 March, buses 27 and 33 are discontinued. Bus 61 is extended to Pléiades/Plejaden. Buses 56 and 79 now officially terminate at Maelbeek/Maalbek. More information here.

GREEN BAGS OUT ONLY EVERY TWO WEEKS: Are you happy that you’ve finally remembered when to put your trash outside? Well, I have bad news for you. From 23 March, garden waste, aka green bags, will only be collected every two weeks.

BRUSSELS WANTS YOU TO FEEL SAFER: Amid rising security concerns in this city, researchers at VUB have created an app called Moment, where Brussels residents and visitors can record in real time when and where they feel safe or unsafe. Data collection runs until summer 2026.

NEW OPENING: Yoga Room, a favourite studio of mine, has opened a new reformer pilates location just a throw away from its Plasky branch. The studio is still in its soft opening phase and offers very advantageous passes for this location only.

I want to hear from you, my dear subscriber community!

What are your favourite bakeries in Brussels and why?

Reply to this email with your suggestions, and I will feature them in the next issue!

This section of the newsletter is brought to you by The Nine (barter collaboration).

Opened in September 2021, The Nine is Belgium’s first female-focused members’ club. Named for the nine muses of the ancient world, we are a community that believes in being our own muse and a source of change and inspiration.

When I met with Georgia Mourad Brooks, the founder of The Nine, a few months ago, I knew that I wanted her help for an issue that relates to International Women’s Day. She immediately suggested her internal roster of female-owned businesses in Brussels. And as promised, she and her team at The Nine delivered. Enjoy their recommendations.

🥐 Goods Bakery by Alice Jaroszuk (Matonge)

A creative bakery and artisanal grocer in Ixelles offering house-made bread, pastries, and inventive savoury bakes using organic local ingredients.

🥐 Brood Boulangerie by Stéphanie Browaeys (Darwin)

A highly-regarded artisanal bakery in Ixelles known for its naturally leavened breads, croissants, and inventive viennoiseries.

☕ Crème by Chloé Sengier (Sablon)

One word: brunch. But really, it’s all about the all-day pancakes. Because all day, every day, is the perfect moment for pancakes. Chloé also founded Bisou in Châtelain for all your coffee and gelato dreams.

☕ Cháshi by Eva (Flagey)

Delicious teahouse and pastry café celebrating global tea culture with six types of premium teas, creative pairings, and immersive workshops in a community-focused space.

☕ Darjeeling Garden - The Chai Bar by Lhama Svaluto/Mo Mo (Bailli)

The best chai in town, with cosy vibes and authentic decoration. Fun fact - one of the main paintings on display was first exhibited at The Nine back in 2023 by Veronika Fekete, where Lhama saw it and fell in love at first sight!

🍪 Swookies by Margaux Kim (Louise)

Chewy, gooey, chunky and crispy, these cookies are dangerously delicious. Plus! They also organise workshops - perfect for friends and teambuildings. Second location.

🍰 esmero alfajores by Florencia Ahumada Segura (Georges Henri)

Handcrafted Argentinian alfajores in the heart of Brussels with such buttery dulce de leche and joie de vivre, you’ll think you’ve left Brussels for Buenos Aires.

🛒 Orta by Marion Schoutteten (Louise)

“Cool clothes but make it sustainable", plus 100% ‘Made in Europe’ before this slogan was a thing.

🛒 The Indikon Shop by Radhika Singh (Châtelain)

From supporting artisans and protecting heritage techniques to spotlighting makers and inclusive brands (including Afghan craft pop-ups and collaborations with women-led labels), Indikon doesn’t just sell textiles and homeware, it creates stories and impact.

🛒 KINAMANIA by Kristina Zouien (Place Jourdan)

Discover your perfect pair of shoes, which are MADE TO MEASURE, totally designed by you, and pack a punch when it comes to fashion, sustainability, and feminism.

🛒 KAAI by Ine Verhaert and Helga Meersmans (Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert)

Have you noticed the elegant yet practical shoulder bags that fit your laptop, life, and everything in between? Yep, it’s probably KAAI. Now with mini versions of their classic Pyramid bag, plus wallets and accessories.

🛒 Vidya. by Fatima Ftaich (Sainctelette)

Opened in 2025, Vidya is an ethical, sustainable cave of wonders offering carefully curated organic, health-friendly groceries, wellness and lifestyle products.

🛒 Yuman by Christel Droogmans (Faider)

A large circular-economy concept shop dedicated to sustainable, recycled, upcycled and ethically produced goods - from fashion and accessories to decor and stationery, all under one roof.

💆‍♀️ Alchimie Spa - Urban Spa by Anda Burcea (Blyckaerts)

Boutique urban spa that blends relaxation rituals with science-based skincare. Offers customised facials, body treatments, and signature rituals, plus their own home-designed natural products.

💆‍♀️ Serenity Studio, The House of Beauty by Oxana (Châtelain)

Two steps from Rue du Bailli, this highly-rated Châtelain studio offers tailored skincare, facial spa services, mani-pedis, massages, and more.

💆‍♀️ The Halo Temple by Anamaria El Hendi (Place Stéphanie)

A female-only sanctuary specialising in a broad range of massage therapies. Anamaria named it Halo Temple because she is literally an angel.

This week, I only have three recommendations, but rest assured that I’m always, ALWAYS, on the hunt for new places.

Annelies Coessens, or to some, only known as HerVoiceEU, is a Belgian content creator whose specialisation is gender equality, and who teamed up with the likes of My Voice, My Choice and Brussels Binder. Her carousels are full of interesting insights and knowledge, and are easily distinguishable among other posts of this format. Annelies was #3 on the #EUinfluencer 2025 Top 10 influencers on Instagram list, and when she is not posting on Instagram, she works as a Policy and Advocacy Officer at DSW.