Colonie 7 Merksplas

Colonie 7 is a brasserie-restaurant on the remarkable estate of the Colonies of Benevolence in Merksplas — a 19th-century penal colony that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2021. The restaurant is housed in a restored former colony building, a setting that is unique in Flanders: historic architecture, sweeping open spaces and a sense of calm that runs through the entire visit. The kitchen is Flemish-oriented with seasonal dishes and local produce.

Accessibility has been thoughtfully considered: a step-free entrance brings you straight into the dining room, and outdoor ramps connect the different sections of the spacious terrace. A large car park with plenty of reserved spaces sits right next to the gravel path leading to the venue — do bear in mind that you cross this short stretch of gravel, which is no problem for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but if in doubt the staff can offer extra assistance. The accessible toilet is easy to reach and the dining-room layout offers ample room between the tables to manoeuvre comfortably.

Thanks to the combination of UNESCO heritage (Colonies of Benevolence) and good accessibility, Colonie 7 is an ideal lunch or evening stop on a day out around Merksplas or Hoogstraten. Combine your visit with a walk on the colony estate itself — the main paths are paved and provide an atmospheric historic backdrop.