Tourist Trappist: Try monks’ beer on a Belgian brewery tour

ORDERING a triple at the bar would often spark concern for your wellbeing.

Mechelen lies between Antwerp and Brussels. (Image | Chris King)

In a Belgian monastery, it is perfectly normal — they might be hurt if you didn’t.

Westmalle Abbey brews two of Flanders’ most heavenly ales, the blonde Tripel and dark brown Dubbel. Home to 36 monks and their forefathers since 1794, it is an hour’s pilgrimage (by car) from Brussels, starting a trip that will lead me to five breweries, two pubs and a beer festival.

Czech please: Drink in the history in Prague and Pilsen

WHEN you go on holiday the first things you want to do are dump your bags in the hotel, explore and go for a drink.

Magical | Vltava River in Prague. (Image | The Sun)

Luckily, in a city where a pint still costs £2, this is no problem — but there’s a chance you could be interrupted by a couple of film stars, depending on where you stay.