Chez Marcel
Educate yourself in the glorious art of beer making
If you think that France is all about wine – think again. Chez Marcel is a celebration of the art of craft beer brewing.
You’ll receive an education like no other as you sit back and savour a multitude of delicious flavours.
Chez Marcel is tucked away in the heart of Arras next to Place des Héros. Under the guidance of ‘beerologist’ Luka Antonic, you can sample the very best in local craft beers paired with locally sourced charcuterie platters, cheeses and desserts.
Beer connoisseurs and those who are simply curious can come and discover a new favourite. No one stops here for a ‘quick pint’ – this is a place to take time and relax and savour the flavours.
Explore the extensive beer list
Chez Marcel serves craft beers that you won’t find anywhere else – they’re truly unique.
From the quirky to those that reflect the culture of the area, all are lovingly created by artisans. Choose from fruity and thirst-quenching IPAs, bitters and malty stouts to tangy Berliner Weisse-type beers.
You’ll also come across several non-alcoholic options that you’ll find almost impossible to differentiate from the real thing.
Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend
Within a few minutes of arriving, you’ll find yourself chatting with the bar team, chewing over life as if you were long-lost friends.
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry – the experienced and friendly Chez Marcel team will be on hand to help.
You may want to begin with a taste you’re familiar with, but after chatting with the team, you’ll soon be sampling new flavours and craft options.
Whatever your choice, you’ll go away with a broader understanding of beer, a greater appreciation of the craft of beer making, a wider palate and plenty of new favourites.
Pour over the many intriguing names and flavours
There’s no such thing as an ordinary beer here.
So why not take the plunge and try intriguing flavours, including dark cherry and pistachio, sour framboise, expresso bean and chocolate peanut butter?
Even the names will pique your curiosity. Who couldn’t be tempted by titles such as Blanche Gingembre, Bonette de Printemps and Péché Mortel?
Craft beer brewing is a serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too. So, join the party and order a glass of Sublime Chaos, Goat Me a Stout or Disco Soleil – or any other name that takes your fancy!
Join a tasting session with local experts
You’re welcome to just come and enjoy a drink, but you can also come to learn. Take part in a tasting session and broaden your knowledge around malt, hops, yeast and brewing.
Discover new flavours and enrich your vocabulary with a few technical terms to impress your friends. Everyone is welcome – from the curious and amateur to the connoisseur.
Share your passion for beer with locals
You won’t fail to be captivated by your convivial host Luka Antonic. A proud son of Pas-de-Calais, Luka left his successful law career for beer. He trained for 18 months before graduating as a beerologist in 2017.
The beerologist is to beer what the oenologist is to wine. It’s more than just knowing what a good beer tastes like – it’s understanding the science and study of beer and beer making.
Keen to share his passion, Luka has created a unique booklet that you can mull over during your visit. In it, each beer on tap is meticulously described – along with a helpful photo.
As well as whetting your appetite, the booklet will bring you closer to Luka’s craft and help you discover what you value in a beer.
Enjoy locally sourced delicacies
You’ll soon discover that everything about Chez Marcel is a labour of love. Just as much thought and care go into the food that accompanies the beer.
Tuck into sumptuous charcuterie boards groaning with cheese, local meats and seasonal delights. You can also try local dishes and stews served in little glass pots. Look out for speciality nights offering regional delicacies such as andouillette sausage.
All the dishes are made in an artisanal way in Thennes in the Somme. Free from dyes and preservatives, these delicious creations are the result of a collaboration with Chef Michel Grobon, a former Chef at the White House!
Chez Marcel also offers delicious French wines and regional ciders and a quirky range of lemonades and syrups from La Gosse – founded in Calais in 1930.
A visit worth savouring
Chez Marcel is a place where you won’t want to be rushed. You’ll want to savour every moment. Take a table in the large inviting square and watch the world go by. Or sink into one of the leather chairs inside and feel yourself unwind.
Housed in a former soap factory, the bar is immaculately clean, effortlessly elegant and accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Polished wood floors and sheepskin throws all enhance the artisanal feel of the place. You’ll soon feel at home in the warm, friendly atmosphere. Pets are welcome too!
Places to visit…
The town of Arras is well worth a visit, with its impressive Place des Héros, the cobbled square with stunning Dutch architecture and the imposing gothic clock tower at Beffroi d’Arras. The square is particularly impressive when lit up at night. The Wellington Tunnels, 20km of subterranean passages that were key to the Allies’ victory in the Battle of Arras, also provide a fascinating family day out.
Plan your visit Chez Marcel
Chez Marcel is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm and on Sunday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. The prices of craft beers range from €2 to €12. Savoury tasting boards cost from €5.90 to €16.90. Sweet platters start at €4.90.
Find out more about the region and book your stay.
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