This is a softly-lit, fancy bar with good service and attention to detail. My photos do not do it justice.

It’s located on Coudenberg, close to the Magritte Museum and surrounded by nice buildings.

Coudenberg, in the Royal Quarter of the city, translates as “cold hill”, but it’s very warm and cosy inside the bar.

I stepped inside and was welcomed then ushered to a seat very quickly. When it comes to martini bars the service is a huge part of the value, so Les Pharmaciens were off to a good start.

I was given a bottle of water shortly after sitting. It was a re-purposed Hendricks gin bottle, and the water had been flavoured with cucumber. It’s the little things that really make a difference. Otherwise it’s not common to be served water gratis in Brussels.

I was sat on the gallery overlooking the bar. It’s a great viewing point although seating around the bar is also available and that is always preferable to me because you get to watch and interact with the professionals.

Otherwise the gallery is pleasant enough, with whimsical wooden fixtures, books and taxidermy. The dried plants evoked some of the botanicals in the cocktails but also gave the venue a sentimental, Proust-esque Autumnal ambience. Every now and then the low lights pulsed like I was in a dream.

The menu is delightful for cocktail lovers, as well as fans of a Hendricks gin and tonic (there’s a whole page on their menu dedicated to the tipple). There’s even a 300 Euro cocktail available, containing Louis XIII Cognac and “surprise”, which perhaps isn’t the most suitable choice for a Martini Socialist but intriguing nonetheless.

Of course, it has to be said that the menu and bourgeois steampunk interior of this bar are red flags for pretentiousness but the proof is in the delivery of a classic martini.

And deliver they do.

I only want one thing.

An actual martini is off the books but when I asked if I could have one I was presented with a number of the reassuring questions: how dry, olive or lemon etc?

They couldn’t recommend a gin, which surprised me given the obvious leanings towards Hendricks in the venue. We possibly had a lost in translation moment because the server recommended that I tried a vodka variation. How could I refuse? Je ne connais pas le mot en Francais pour ‘omakase‘. The drink was quickly made and brought up the precarious stairway on a silver tray.

The vermouth was Noilly Prat and the vodka was 42 Below from New Zealand – one for further investigation. The lemon peel had been carefully squeezed into the glass so it had a beautiful, light citrus aroma.

It was served in a beautiful, belle epoque cut glass, which is very emblematic of Brussels. The garnish was artfully trimmed and shaped. They are not shy in their portions either, which is possibly the least ‘anglais’ aspect of the venue. Honestly London needs to sort out its martini glassware and martini portion-size because it’s internationally embarrassing.

Speaking of embarrassing, Brussels is such an international city that language really isn’t a barrier. I spoke terrible French with the bar staff and managed absolutely fine. You will probably fare better than I did.

As I drank, a platoon of beautiful Russian ladies were sat sipping mojitos to my left, while people to my right were speaking in loud but accented English about Iranian military intelligence (le charme indiscret de la Jumhuri). An international crowd – but I tuned it all out. I’m just here to enjoy myself.

Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. The martini was 16 Euros, which is actually cheaper than several of their standard cocktails.

I would recommend reserving a place in advance at the weekend, especially if you want to sit at the bar. The staff tend to prefer seating regulars, friends and trusted customers in this part of the venue rather than strangers so you might need to specifically request it or at least get to know the bartenders over time to get this privileged slot.

Otherwise, it’s definitely worth an appointment at La Pharmacie Anglaise. You can visit the bar’s website here.