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This June, the city of Antwerp becomes the stage for one of the most exclusive culinary events of the year: the inaugural edition of the Botanic Gourmet Festival. From 16 to 22 June 2025, the prestigious Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp – a five-star superior hotel set within a former 15ᵗʰ-century monastery and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World – will host a week-long celebration of gastronomy, craftsmanship, and refined indulgence.

For seven days, the monumental estate opens its doors to an exceptional line-up of resident chefs and international culinary luminaries. For this special occasion, all restaurants and chefs at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp join forces in a unique symphony of talent, vision, and hospitality to shape this first edition together.

A week of culinary elegance amidst botanical beauty and historical charm

Nestled beside Antwerp’s botanical garden, in a setting where historical grandeur and urban refinement meet in perfect harmony, a festival unfolds in which every location on the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp estate becomes a stage for gastronomic experience. From the majestic chapel and the Garden Room to the historic monastery kitchens and the thoughtfully designed restaurants: each lunch, dinner, and tasting takes place in a unique setting, each with its own atmosphere and story – always offering the same promise of refinement, creativity, and sensory richness.

The program – exclusive moments in extraordinary settings. Highlights include:

• Kick-Off Event (Monday 16 June – 6pm to 10pm)
  The festive launch of the festival takes the form of a refined culinary walk across the entire Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp estate. Guests are invited to literally taste their way through the entire gastronomic offering: each of the five restaurants serves a signature dish that can be enjoyed on-site. From the cloister garden to the chapel, from Henry’s Bistro to Bar Bulot and Fine Fleur: every space becomes a stop in an elegant open-air experience filled with flavour, discovery and conviviality.
• Four- and six-hands lunches and dinners
  Throughout the week, national and international top chefs team up with Botanic’s resident chefs for a series of exclusive four- and six-hands menus. These unique collaborations take place in different settings on the estate – from fine dining in the chapel to intimate tables in the monastery kitchens. This year’s distinguished guests include: Viki Geunes (Zilte), Christian Kuchler (Taverne zum Schäfli), Hans Neuer (Ocean Restaurant), Sidney Schutte (Spectrum), Dieter Koschina (Villa Joya), Alexandre Gauthier (Le Grenouillère), and Alberto Landgraf (Oteque).
• High Tea Takeover
  In the historic monastery kitchens, pastry virtuoso Roger van Damme presents a daily reimagining of the classic afternoon tea – in collaboration with a guest chef. This sensorial pause between heritage and creativity offers a delicate interplay of taste, elegance, and craftsmanship, served in one of the estate’s most atmospheric spaces.
• Exclusive tastings & masterclasses
  In the Vinarium, Botanic’s exclusive wine cellar, houses such as Dom Pérignon, Krug, Château d’Esclans, and Telmont host refined tastings and enlightening sessions on terroir, tradition, and excellence.
• Characterful gastronomic experiences
  From a Whisky Dinner in the Marie-Rose room to Caviar Lunches, live jazz at Bar Bulot, and tasting flights at Henry’s Bar – the festival effortlessly shifts between understated sophistication and lively indulgence.

A collective celebration of taste

What sets this first edition apart is the complete collaboration between all culinary entities within Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. Each restaurant and team contributes to creating a unified experience that reflects both craft and character.

Resident chefs:

• Gert De Mangeleer & Joachim Boudens – Hertog Jan**
  Minimalist purity, inspired by Japanese elegance and architectural precision.
• Jacob Jan Boerma & Thomas Diepersloot – Fine Fleur*
  Contemporary haute cuisine with finesse and balance.
• Roger van Damme – Het Gebaar*
  Artistic patisserie and layered creations by the World’s Best Pastry Chef 2017.
• Ruben Christiaens – Henry’s Bar & Bistro
  A vibrant cosmopolitan vibe with refined dishes that showcase honest ingredients and spontaneous creativity.
• Koen Gussenhoven – Bar Bulot
  Belgian classics reinvented with finesse. Timeless dishes served in a warm and stylish brasserie setting.

Antwerp as a world-class culinary destination

With the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Belgium and an impressive fourth place globally per capita, Antwerp confirms its status as a gastronomic capital. The Botanic Gourmet Festival highlights and enhances that position, placing the city firmly on the international map as a must-visit destination for sophisticated food lovers.

The week culminates on Sunday 22 June with the Grand Gourmet Gala Diner– an evening of grandeur, gastronomy, and purpose. The gala features an exclusive auction and a refined charity raffle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Villa Max, a Belgian organisation that supports families with seriously ill or care-intensive children.

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About Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Located within a historic monastery in the heart of Antwerp, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a luxurious destination where centuries-old heritage and contemporary elegance converge. As a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this refined sanctuary offers a harmonious blend of architectural splendour, heartfelt hospitality, holistic wellness and cultural depth. With the ambition to be a true Destination of Remarkable Experiences, Botanic welcomes every guest with warmth and attention. Each stay is shaped by carefully curated moments in which outstanding gastronomy, personalised service and serene wellness come together. With five Michelin-starred restaurants, an internationally acclaimed spa, and versatile event spaces, Botanic is a refined haven for both discerning travellers and local bon vivants – and a gateway to Antwerp’s rich cultural landscape. www.botanicantwerp.com