Architect Dieter Vander Velpen has transformed a former carriage house on Antwerp’s outskirts into a rugged, moody new eatery dubbed Stable.
Restaurateurs Goran Stamenkovic and Aleksandar Davidovic are behind the sophisticated dining spot, which is helmed by Chef Njegos Kalicanin. The former carriage house is part of the 18th-century neoclassical Hof Ter Linden estate, built by the de Neuf family and surrounded by 55 acres of forest in Edegem.
Vander Velpen celebrates the carriage house’s historic character, leaving its patinated brickwork and worn timber beams exposed across the restaurant interiors. Handcrafted plasterwork, sandy concrete floors, and wood, bronze and stone accents nod to the building’s former life, while etched marble benches topped by suede cushions add a contemporary edge.
Belgian designer Arno De Clercq was commissioned to design the Antwerp restaurant’s sculptural bar counter and fireplace, as well as candle holders and a large feature mirror. Carefully placed spotlights heighten their dramatic impact inside the dining room and bar.
Chef Njegos Kalicanin has created a five-course menu that explores intense, rich flavours such as barbary duck breast served with tamarind crème and Jerusalem artichoke, butternut squash with goat’s cheese, dates and vanilla beurre noisette.