Au Petit Vieux

A few tables, no more, and an interior that takes a moment to take in: frames up to the ceiling, earthenware plates, a carved oak dresser, dried hops on the beams. Au Petit Vieux is a pocket-sized estaminet, warm and relaxed, on one of the prettiest squares in Vieux-Lille.

People come for a sharing board, a dish from the North or an afternoon treat, as a couple or in a small group. The atmosphere is Flemish and simple: you sit down, you choose a regional beer, and the board arrives.

At the first ray of sunshine, the terrace sets up on the cobbles of place aux Oignons.

The boards first, to share: smout (pork dripping), gingerbread and beer pâté, cheeses and dry sausage, as a small board for two or a large one for four.

As for the dishes, the menu is short and sticks to the essentials: carbonade flamande, welsh with cheddar or Maroilles, potjevleesch, fricadelle, chicken with Maroilles, and two salads, all served with fresh fries from the region. To try a bit of everything, the regional board brings the specialities together in small portions.

For an afternoon treat, crêpes with vergeoise brown sugar, chicory crème brûlée, speculoos merveille or a café gourmand. And to finish on a local note, the ch'irish coffee, made with Wambrechies whisky.

The house does not take bookings. It is small: you come, and you sit down as soon as a table is free.

Opening hours are not the same every day. They are set out a little further down.

The house does not take groups: people come as a couple, as a four, as a family.

Old wooden games are available on the tables.

The house accepts bank cards, cash and meal vouchers.