The days were spent viewing the city by foot, canal-boat and horse-drawn carriage whilst the evenings were occupied with trying to down as many Belgian beers as common sense and coinage would allow. As part of the package we had a tour of the Straffe Hendrik Brewery, one of the two Bruges breweries - the other being De Gouden Boom, that contribute to the 400 or so beers brewed in Belgium.

Originally known as the Halve Maan, the brewery is hidden in a cobbled yard next to the beguinage (begging-house), alongside a canal that marks the inner limit of the old harbour, long before silting left the city miles from the sea. It was founded in 1856 and has been connected with the Maes family (not the Pils brewing people), the male line all being called Hendrik or Henri. In 1989 the De Splenter family, owners of the rival Riva brewery in Dentergem, acquired the brewery and it now has its own bar and beer-garden on the premises.

Straffe Hendrik Blonde (6.0%) has an earthy-fruity hop aroma, a creamy start and dry finish; Straffe Hendrik Bruin (8.5%) is richer, more complex, malt character with hints of pears and rum - oh yes indeed.

Visitors can see the 1968 brewhouse along with much of the original equipment, phone 050-33 26 97 for info.

Bars that are well worth the effort of finding include De Garre, hidden down a tiny little alley off Breidelstraat (I think) - if it isn't you need to find the street connecting Markt and Burg. In addition to the expansive beer menu, De Gaare also does its own Tripel which is delicious.

Another must is 't Brugs Beertje in Kemelstraat, a popular traditionalist cafe with 300 beers on its breath-taking menu: be advised though...it does get busy.

The Flemish Pub tucked behind Burg is also popular and, although we didn't get in there, we heard good noises about it.

And for bringing beers back home...there are several really decent beershops, the Woolstreet Company on Wollestraat being one, and a couple on Katelijnestraat. Oh, and the chocolate...