Belgium played host to Hyphen’s latest co-working retreat, as our A-team joined forces in Antwerp. 

A busy week of strategising, workshops and team building dovetailed with some top-class food, culture and company as we explored the country’s largest city. 

Our final in-person gathering of 2022 – following on from Vienna, Budapest and Finland – was one to savour as we both reflected on what has been our most successful year so far and plotted how to surpass it in 2023. 

Our recent recruitment drive, technology upgrades and client partnership discussions all featured prominently – but we set aside plenty of time for other less business-focused activities. 

A series of diverse dining options kept the team well-fed, while we also took in some of the sights on a guided tour of the harbour, which is Europe’s second biggest port, and went go-karting to get our competitive juices flowing. 

Hyphen’s work in Belgium will stand us in good stead for the coming year but spending time with our colleagues in person made it a week to remember. We will look to build on what was discussed in the wonderful city of Antwerp when we reunite – and meet some new faces in person for the first time – for another European adventure in February/March.

If you have ever been tempted to visit this fantastic Flemish city, we would strongly recommend it – and would like to share some recommendations.

Food and drink

• Fiera offers diners the chance to enjoy a range of internationally inspired flavours in a stunning venue with a cosmopolitan decor. 
• The London is a stylish restaurant that seems to relish taking visitors on a gastronomic journey. 
• Middle Eats is vibrant and colourful in more ways than one, with superb food suitable for sharing and in a unique ‘disco dining’ environment. 
• The tastes of Western Europe are meshed with those of Latin America at A’Sur, for a stunning culinary experience.
  
• Everyone likes fries but at Frites Atelier, they take things to another level with high-quality ingredients and artisanal toppings. 
  
• Milad produces incredible ice cream using the flavours of the Middle East to create something you will not find elsewhere.  
• With its stripped-back aesthetic, award-winning bartender and innovative menu, Dogma has earned a reputation as one of the places to go for a cocktail. 
• Barok is another top option for a drink as it combines divine cocktails with a cool, cosy décor while DJs play on certain nights. 

Sightseeing

• Belgium is arguably best known for its chocolate and specialist museum Chocolate Nation reveals some of the secrets of how it is made – plus you can also taste some! 
• MAS – Museum aan de Stroom – is Antwerp’s largest museum and full of interactive and interesting exhibits that can captivate people of all ages. 
• Antwerp is the home of Europe’s second largest port, keeping the world moving. A harbour tour is an ideal way to learn more about this fascinating area. 
• Fancy taking things a bit easier? Buchbar could be the place for you, with this curated bookshop possessing a delightful café in which to relax. 
• The Rubenshuis is the former home of – and now a living memorial to – the iconic Belgian artist Peter Paul Rubens. It is a must-see but hurry as it will close in early January 2023 for a major renovation!