This farm has lost none of its 17C character following a top-to-toe refurbishment with a focus on naturality. Julie Van Gool and Anthony Stoop have masterminded an exquisite venue, courtesy of materials such as wood and marble, curtains that offer cosy intimacy and the Antwerp countryside that sprawls as far as the eye can see. Chef Stoop acquired a love of last-minute recipes and raunchy sauces; he also has a knack for exotic aromas and flavours. For example, he sources his pork neck from a local butcher, which he then enhances with spicy peanut flavours. The chef sprinkles his recipes in carefully judged spices like vadouvan and sweet pumpkin and works with vibrant ingredients, thus adding a fresh kick to familiar flavours. His cooking is crisp, legible and surprising thanks to unexpected combinations of ingredients.