Longitude 4° 22”

The Longitude Bar is the revamped bar of star hotel Le Méridien, near the Central Station. With its cozy design and eye for detail, it’s an interesting spot for a good coffee, a tasty glass of wine or a cocktail.

Hotel bars may not be the first place you think of when going out for a drink. But read on, and you might change your mind. Just like I did.

Once inside the hotel, you’ll notice the massive entrance hall with an enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling. There are lots of cozy seats and sofas too. Walk to the left, where you’ll find the Longitude bar with its brown and orange seats. You can go for a separate table or join other people at the long communal one. There are books to read (from art books to the Steve Jobs biography), light music in the background and .. free wifi!

We chose a table with a sofa near the big window looking out on the Europa Crossroads in front of the Central Station. Luckily that zone was made car-free a while ago, so all you’ll see are tourists rushing in and out of the station, and lots of people walking past. You can see them, but not hear them. (important difference).

On to the menu then. The bar comes with perfectly trained baristas and a delicious range of coffee options, with or without cake. A coffee costs around 4 euro. Once the evening falls, the cakes go away and tapas come out. Perfect to go with some wine or a cold beer, or even a cocktail. All drinks come with a generous serving of peanuts. (all around 8 euro)

The bar serves food as well. Tasty burgers (I really enjoyed mine, topped with bacon and fries on the side), steak, salads, pasta dishes, .. simple but good food (served until 22.30)

Longitude bar is not cheap. But it’s not overly expensive either. The inspiring decor, peace and quite, helpful staff, good coffee and wine make all the difference.

Note: I was a guest at Le Meridien Hotel, invited after a press meeting. As I enjoyed the bar so much, I decided to dedicated a post to it. Nobody asked me to do this.

3 Carrefour de l’Europe, open every day