ökēn reinvents the art of the cocktail at the heart of TheMerode

Tucked away in the heart of TheMerode mansion on the prestigious Place Poelaert, a new insider’s spot opened its door. Unsurprisingly, Ökēn has already sparked the imagination of Brusseleirs as one of the most avant-garde cocktail bar in town. Halfway between mixology laboratory and immersive showcase, ökēn reinvents the art of the cocktail as a true experience for the senses – refined, demanding, resolutely contemporary.

Hidden under the Italian restaurant Ciao, inside the private club TheMerode, this new signature cocktail bar aims to revolutionize the Brussels nightlife. Its name, which evokes textures and raw materials in their purest state, already announces the experience to come: an authentic sensory journey between creative cocktails, avant-garde design and a captivating atmosphere that evolves to the rhythm of the night. The à la carte menu features daring signature cocktails, crafted with the seasons in mind and served in a setting designed to stimulate all five senses. The set design, by studio ERASED, blends raw materials and sophisticated details in a harmony of volume and light.

“At ökēn, you don’t come for a drink. You come to live a story”, Alexis Mosselmans, co-founder.

Each ökēn evening unfolds in two paced movements:

Tasting Experience (7-10.30pm)
A moment of calm and discovery. A jazzy, soulful & funky atmosphere. Time for tastings, demonstrations and the exchange of know-how.

Music Experience (10.30pm-1am /3am)
Entry without a reservation, the space is transformed into an intimate club with DJ, dim lights and an warm atmosphere that evolves as the night progresses.

A collaboration between three enthusiasts

Founded by Elio Pani and Alexis Mosselmans, ökēn is more than just a bar: It’s a sensorial journey where architecture, flavours, and music blend. Designed by Erased studio, the space is crafted to engage the senses – subtle lighting, changing scents, rich textures and seasonal cocktails create a unique, intimate atmosphere.

The founding trio is completed by Mathieu Fonsny, Fifty Lab Festival founder and Dour music programmer, who curates the evolving musical selection from jazzy melodies to groovy beats.

Practical information:
TheMerode, 6, place Poelaert, 1000 Brussels.
Open Thursday to Saturday, 7pm to 1am, and Friday 7pm to 3am
Free admission for TheMerode members (up to 2 guests included)

For non-members:
– Free until 10pm (reservations recommended)
– 15€ after 10pm for access to the Music Experience

More info on the Ökēn website.