Some of the best collaborations in life are unexpected – sure look at Dietmar Hamann and Richie Sadlier.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with our pals in LovinDublin to bring you a selection of unmissable content ahead of the Euros.
The last big town before hitting the bright lights of Belgium, Lille is a bustling metropolis of locals, students, tourists, adventurous gourmands – and the Green Army, of course.
The city of Lille is built around a vibrant café lifestyle, and Northern French influences in their food – so if you’re one of the lucky sods heading here for the crucial Italian match, here are the places you need to check out.
If the nerves don’t get the better of your appetite, that is…
1. La Chicorée
The blush-coloured Chicorée is a well known haunt for night owls, with food served until dawn in true French style – but don’t let that deter you, it’s so much more than you might think.
The huge, heated pavement terrace fills up fast as soon as the sun is out, while their customer favourites include oysters, mussels, steaks and carbonnade.
When á France…
And where is it?
Vieux Lille, 15 Place Rihour, just under ten minutes from Lille-Centre. Find it on Google Maps here.
2. L’Assiette du Marché
Located at the rear of an old, cobbled courtyard, this historic former city mint provides an elegant setting for an evening out, with high ceilings, fireplaces and incredible service.
L’Assiette du Marché boasts a modern spin on classic French dishes and, as the name suggests, their menus are market-inspired and change weekly – meaning good news for hungry consumers, as the value for money is second to none.
And where is it?
61 Rue de la Monnaie, just a fifteen minute taxi from Stade Pierre Mauroy. Find it on Google Maps here.
3. Coffee Makers
This small, trendy and seemingly quaint set-up houses the best coffee in the whole of Lille – and it’s the locals’ best kept secret. Aficionados will especially love Coffee Makers‘ espresso, prepared to perfection – while the sweet teeth among you will find it hard to leave with just one decadent bite.
And where is it?
151 Rue de Paris, smack bang in the city centre. Find it on Google Maps here.
4. Le Compestelle
A former coaching inn that once catered for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela,Le Compestelle boasts history in droves, as well as elegance – and the menu isn’t too shabby either.
Favourites with locals include the duck magret and medallions of monkfish with seaweed, but with two courses going for €29, you can’t really go wrong with trying a bit of everything.
And where is it?
Just outside the city centre, on 4 Rue Saint-Etienne. Find it on Google Maps here.
5. Meert
No visit to Lille would be complete with a trip to Meert. A tearoom, restaurant and a shop all in one, this place is a goldmine for foodies of every kind. It’s well-known because of its wafers filled with sugar, butter and vanilla from Madagascar called Gaufres. Hook yourself up with one, you’ll never look back.
Their Sunday brunches are the stuff of legend, the atmosphere is lively and service is quick – meaning this place is a must-see before a game to keep spirits high and energy levels higher.
And where is it?
27 Rue Esquermoise; just a short hop in a taxi to the stadium. Find it on Google Maps here.
6. Le Dandy
Party like it’s 1929 in the trendy, old-school, cocktail bar that is Le Dandy. Heavily influenced by the speakeasy ways of that time, this Manhattan style bar has a drinks menu that will leave you majorly impressed.
The comfy leather couches add to the atmosphere of the whole thing, giving you the option to celebrate our inevitable win in style – or curl up like a cat amidst the madness.
And where is it?
67 Rue Basse, just north of the city centre. Find it on Google Maps here.
7. Le Barbier Qui Fume
We’ve saved the best until last.
Originally known as Le Barbier Lillois, Le Barbier Qui Fume is a world famous foodie experience that will change the way you look at grub. This restaurant and deli specialises in smoking its own meats and they do smoke everything.
Their speciality smoked beef is heavenly, and the wine list is as decadent as it is dreamy. The atmosphere is electric, staff are knowledgeable and meat is sensational – so book this place immediately, and win, lose or draw, you won’t regret it.
And where is it?
69 Rue de la Monnaie, near the cathedral and just to the east of the famous citadel. Find it on Google Maps here.
They say two heads are better than one…
That’s why we’ve teamed up with our pals at culture website LovinDublin to create LovinThe42 – a place where football and culture meet, and a your go-to guide to eating, sleeping and breathing all this summer’s football action.
It’s also why the head distiller of Jameson and the head brewer of Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewery came together to create Jameson Caskmates: a whiskey that’s been finished in stout-seasoned casks. With a triple-distilled smoothness that’s very much intact, notes of cocoa, coffee and butterscotch confirm the stout influence.
