A full-on Irish pub in Brussels' European Quarter, the Old Oak is awash with old-worlde paraphernalia, Celtic charm and television screens showing whatever football game is on in Europe. It draws in lively young Eurocrats and has a bit of atmosphere. The pub is housed in a deep, slim nineteenth century building, but a massive stain glass roof in the back room prevents the place getting too dingy. The beers are bog-standard, but there is an impressive array of spirits on the shelves behind the bar. The run-of-the-mill menu is all about refuelling. You can get a cheese and bacon burger with chips for 11 euros. Although the meat is pretty low quality, the cheese and bacon help. And you get some half-decent chunky, but salty, fries. Better still, the Old Oak's staff are very welcoming.
7/10
