Turnhout, located in the Flemish province of Antwerp, serves as the cultural and economic heart of the Campine region. Renowned globally for its playing card industry, particularly as the headquarters of Cartamundi, the city offers a blend of industrial heritage and modern amenities. With over 40 schools, two hospitals, a two-stage theatre, and an eight-screen cinema, it provides robust infrastructure for both business and leisure travelers. The city is compact and walkable, making it an efficient base for exploring the region. Situated just 42 km from Antwerp and close to Dutch cities like Breda and Eindhoven, Turnhout is strategically positioned for frequent flyers seeking convenience and local charm without the congestion of major metropolitan hubs.
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As the capital of the Campine administrative district, the city center hosts the majority of hotels, the two-stage theatre, and the eight-screen cinema. Staying in the central district allows guests to walk to key cultural venues and business hubs easily. The area is well-serviced with restaurants and shops, providing a convenient base for exploring the municipality.
Turnhout is strategically located 42 km from Antwerp city center and approximately 30 km from Dutch cities like Breda and Tilburg. While it does not have a major international airport, it is well-connected via road networks to nearby transport hubs. This makes it accessible for travelers driving from Antwerp or crossing into the Netherlands, offering easy access for regional business trips.
The city is home to Cartamundi, the world's largest playing card manufacturer, creating a strong business environment. With a significant services sector, including two hospitals and a dense network of educational institutions, Turnhout caters well to business travelers. The presence of corporate headquarters and professional services makes it an ideal location for meetings and extended stays focused on industry connections.
Alex Verhoeven has established his HQ on the top floor of the Turnova tower. The hip industrial-cum-Scandinavian interior and open-plan kitchen are fashionably uncluttered, with the bonus of a knockout view over the Campine. Ideal for an alfresco drink and lunch, it is just the ticket to sample the exuberant score of the chef and his team. Exceptional produce, respect for tradition and a scattering of unexpected touches depict the savvily devised, subtle menus. An example: gently sautéed sole fillets, encircled by a frothy bisque sauce and a classic beurre blanc, are flanked by pieces of smoke
WebsiteA stone’s throw from the main square, the Amu Food and Wine Bar sports a marriage of elegant and intimate that is both romantic and sexy. In this intriguing setting, chef Marjanne Moonen rustles up genuine delicacies. Her surprise menu, composed of fascinating dishes based on just a few ingredients, is both free of fancy frills and always spot on. Her distinctive culinary signature is a patchwork of Mediterranean influences, spices and fermentation techniques from the Middle East. Examples include her yoghurt and tahini sauce that adds a kick to a dish of sweet potatoes and carrots, suavely bl
WebsiteThe romantic Venetian vibe and tables laid in the garden of Liana and Fabio’s characterful cucina never fail to hit the spot. The bread, pasta and desserts are all made from scratch by your cheerful hostess, who fusses over diners like a real Italian mamma! The chef’s northern Italian delicacies sign a heartfelt Mediterranean declaration of love to all foodies! You may be tempted by his personal spin on vitello tonnato, jazzed up with fermented garlic, or a velvety risotto with tomatoes, chorizo and grilled langoustines. We recommend the house signature Tasting menu. On your way out, don’t for
WebsiteIf you’re looking for good food in a warm romantic-cum-characterful bistro vibe, head towards the former Brepols printing works, where an open kitchen sets the tone in this feel-good establishment. You can choose between a primarily classical lineup or a more modern repertory, strewn with Asian influences. Top-drawer, consummately crafted ingredients, like lobster and black truffles on a bed of duxelles cèpe mushrooms and crunchy brioche bread, flanked by a mushroom garum and a subtle choron sauce. Classy minimalism, fresh ingredients cooked from scratch and authentic hospitality.
WebsiteA good meal is just what the doctor ordered! So, book a table in this establishment, whose black and white colour scheme is quirkily adorned with a 17C pharmacy cabinet and wainscoting in tribute to its former vocation. Chef Verheyen, a keen “farm to table” adept and a past master of subtle flavours, is capable of jazzing up salty mackerel with ponzu, underscoring juicy local poultry with a veal gravy or turning out an immaculately cooked rib steak from his wood-burning oven. Generosity is the keyword of this restaurant as the extensive menu demonstrates.
WebsiteThis spruce detached house does sport a faintly English hallmark, the menu, however, unveils a patriotic line-up of classical French cuisine. Kick off your meal with an aperitif in the wine cellar before taking a seat in the modern dining room or on the leafy patio. Subtle classicism depicts the textbook precision cooking, albeit with an occasional Mediterranean twang and a refreshing sprinkling of modernity. Pop into the delicatessen before you leave and take a few delicacies home.
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