‘t Dreupelkot

't Dreupelkot is a small jenever bar at Groentenmarkt 12 in Ghent's historic centre, opposite the former fish market, known locally by the name of its long-standing proprietor, Pol. It specialises in Dutch and Belgian jenever, the juniper-flavoured spirit that predates modern gin. The stock runs to around 215 varieties, roughly 50 of them made in-house, with flavours ranging from vanilla, chocolate and coconut to cactus and banana. The interior is compact, with wood panelling, close-set tables and shelves of stoneware bottles, closer to a traditional Flemish brown cafe than a cocktail bar. Drinks are served in small glasses, in keeping with the strength of the spirit and the tradition of sipping it rather than mixing it. It sits in the pedestrianised centre near Sint-Michielsbrug and the Graslei, reachable on foot from Gent-Sint-Pieters station or by tram to Korenmarkt. Hours vary through the week and are worth checking ahead.