Lille in Northern France has a thriving craft brewing scene, evidenced by several craft beer bars dotted across the city.
With the nation’s famous wine scene still a dominant global force, beer isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of French beverages. But Lille is doing as much as anyone to change that, with an impressive number of craft breweries popping up in recent years, each offering their own distinctive twist on traditional brewing techniques. If you’re visiting Lille and would like to sample some craft beer, we’ve picked out 5 of the best craft beer bars that the city has to offer.
La Capsule
Situated in the very centre of Vieux-Lille, La Capsule is considered to be one of the most well-known craft breweries anywhere in the city. The brewery became a “dénicheur de bières artisanales,” which means “a finder of craft beers,” in 2008. There are 28 taps at the brewery, and more than 300 types of beers available throughout the year. The assortment changes constantly, and all kinds of craft beers, including both local and imported, are offered. The interior consists of a brick-red vaulted cellar that creates a tucked-away feel.
25 Rue des trois Mollettes
Le Carré Des Halles
Le Carré des Halles is a rock and metal pub near the city centre. Founded in 1981, it’s still going strong, offering 20 beers on tap and more than 10 bottled beers, with a craft beer selection that includes Belgian and local beers such as Filou and Hommel. Every Thursday is metal night, while every second Sunday of the month features a jazz jam session. On other days, the soundtrack shifts between blues rock, rock, punk and metal. The food menu includes cheese, olives, dried sausages in various flavours and its famous homemade terrine with special Picon.
3 Rue des Primeurs
Hoppiness Craft Beer
Just north of the city centre in La Madeleine, Hoppiness Craft Beer combines a craft beer bar with a well-stocked bottle shop. It has 10 rotating draught beers and more than 300 bottled and canned beers to drink in or take away. The selection changes regularly, with beers from different breweries alongside wine, soft drinks and local food. Inside, the atmosphere is cosy and laid-back, and there’s board games, darts and regular events such as blind tastings, karaoke, tap takeovers and DJ sets that draw the punters.
4 Av. Pierre Mauroy
La Mousse Touch
La Mousse Touch’ is a microbrewery and craft beer bar just south of the city centre. Its beers are brewed on-site, with homemade recipes that change with the seasons and include its signature beer, La Daron. The bar also has a wide “bièrothèque” — a beer library-style selection of bottles and cans for anyone keen to explore beyond the taps. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with staff known for helping visitors choose from the beers on offer. If you’re hungry, you can pair your drink with simple food such as hummus and bread, or a charcuterie and cheese board.
19 Bd Jean-Baptiste Lebas
Bierbuik
On Rue Royale, a short stroll north of the city centre, you can find Bierbuik, where a Flemish “estaminet” style restaurant and a brewpub meet. Designed by the chef Florent Ladeyn, the restaurant offers 100% local cuisine inspired by the terroir of Flanders, prepared using a woodfire. As for the beer offerings, the original creations of the brewer are served in combination with other local beers and a selection from brewer friends The mood is fun and informal, with a bright, contemporary look rather than a traditional pub feel.
19 Rue Royale