Trays of desserts at Aux Merveilleux de FredI'll admit, when it comes to cafés in the UK I have a tendency to return to old familiars again and again.  Thankfully, that's not the case when travelling; where hopping overseas usually results in the want to try everything, anything and anywhere!  While exploring Bruges last month, on my way back to the Hotel Dukes' Palace (post coming soon!), I was distracted by an overwhelmingly large chandelier filling an artisan patisserie on the corner of the street.  This, accompanied by rows upon rows of chocolate-filled brioches and colourful meringues meant that I, of course, headed inside to explore...
Italic font writing on cafe restaurant wall
Aux Merveilleux de Fred Bruges desserts
Giant Chandelier hanging over cafe kitchen
I can't even begin to explain how much I loved the atmosphere at Aux Merveilleux de Fred; it's both calm and elegant in a way that perfectly reflects the city's ambience.  Sitting downstairs provides a wonderful opportunity to gaze out of the windows at passers-by, and taking a seat upstairs enables you to look down at the food being prepared underneath the chandelier.  It's all very... perfect!
Donna Ida Jaeger Denim Dungarees
Upstairs Seating at Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Aux Merveilleux Bruges Cramiques
A huge draw of the artisan patisserie, is how it specialises in a select few desserts - each of which are done very, very well.  The speciality?  Merveilleux; a small cake that originated in Belgium and consists of two light meringues welded with whipped cream, covered with more whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings.  So good.  As much as I love chocolate, if you fancy sampling one anytime soon, I'd recommend the caramel version - it's beyond delicious!
Elegant Cafe with Chandelier in Bruges Belgium
Aux Merveilleux de Fred Travel Food Blog Review
Upstairs Seating Area at Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Okay, so I know I said I only return to places again and again on home turf, but the habit did extend to Belgium.  I returned to the popular spot (opened by Frédéric Vaucamps) another two times before heading home; again for Merveilleux and a final time to pick up an enormous chocolate brioche for the journey back home!  Seriously though, how fabulous is the interior design of this place?!  

 Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Eiermarkt 3A
8000 Brugge
Belgium

With love,

Gabrielle x