After some emails back and forth, we came to the conclusion this site misses a 'beer shops' section. People drinking beer, mostly like buying beer as well. And with specialized beer shops all over Belgium, why not share your (and my) finds?
Again, a section open to anyone who would like to contribute. First one to start it off and the originator of the beer shops idea, Michael.
Text and photo: Michael
Website/ blog:
I would expect that most people from the UK who visit Belgium in their own cars like to stock up on their favourite Belgian Beers. I would also guess that the majority returning to the UK would do so via either Calais or Dunkirk, and would probably tend to go to one of the many beer warehouses in and around Calais.
The problems I have found with these warehouses are that they can be a bit pricey, are often full of tourist coaches, but moreover, they tend to concentrate on the mainstream Belgian Beers and therefore lack choice.
The only half decent warehouse I have come across so far, is right on the French side of the border, at a place that I think is called Callicannes – situated behind a petrol station yards from the old Border control.
About a mile or so on the Belgian side though is Noel Cuvelier’s Beer Shop.
Heading out of Poperinge, into the beautiful Flanders countryside, and towards the French Border, set about 200 yards from the main road , is what looks like a farm on the right hand side. (Left hand side if you’re travelling towards Poperinge!).
A small sign at the side of the road, suggests Beer is for sale. Driving up towards the buildings, one would be forgiven for thinking that that this small place in the middle of nowhere was going to be anything special, particularly when you are told that the building you are heading for (with all the crates outside) is for wholesale only, and you are redirected to what, one assumes to be the farmhouse.
Step inside, and you ‘re in a grocers shop – look to the right, and you see your first hint that perhaps this place does sell beer – walk a few yards down the aisle and you will think you are in Beer Heaven. It is an Aladdin’s cave of Belgian Beer. Way to many for me to write down, but the card suggests in excess of 300 different types of beer for sale.
Grab a trolley and raid the shelves – you will very quickly realise that the only problem with visiting this shop is that you don’t have enough room in your car to get everything you want.
Once you’ve filled your trolley, take it to the cash desk, but don’t start putting the bottles on the counter. They don’t scan each bottle in, they simply tell you to get an empty trolley and decant from one trolley to the other, and count the bottles as you decant.
Puzzled? I was too, though when I looked at the till receipt at the end, I could see why – almost all bottles were €1.00 regardless of brand, with only the odd one at either €1.10 or €1.20. (Note though, as with all bottled beer in Belgium, there is a €0.10 refundable bottle charge to add on at the end).
Noel Cuvalier’s Beer shop is certainly on my hit list for my next trip – if you’re passing Dunkirk on the way back, it is well worth the small detour. I don’t remember his exact opening times, but it’s something like 8.30 till 12, and 14.00 till 19.30 every day, except Monday when it is closed.
Andreea (again): do you have a favorite beer shop in Belgium? Any tips / write ups on it you could share with us?
I thought this might be a good 'session' to introduce the official 2007 Christmas Market beer. And to celebrate almost 200 Belgian Beers. 
